Did you know that most candles are not vegan and contain animal-derived ingredients? But it doesn't mean that you can no longer enjoy the smell of a burning candle, you just need to look for vegan-friendly ones.

Here’s what to look for when buying candles and my favourite cruelty-free, vegan candles.

Why are most candles not vegan?

More often than not, candles contain animal-derived ingredients such as tallow, which is rendered sheep or cow fat. A lot of them contain beeswax and pose the same issue to vegans as honey: because both substances are obtained by exploiting bees, the vast majority of the vegan community stays away from these.

Other elements can be added to increase their burning time or add scent, such as stearic acid which is often made from animal fat unless stated otherwise on the packaging.

How are vegan candles made?

On the other hand, vegan candles are usually made from soy wax (or sometimes paraffin wax) and vegan alternatives to stearic acid. Once you start looking, you will come across a lot of vegan-friendly candles!

Are Yankee candles vegan?

Yes, most of them are! Which is great news are Yankee candles are amongst the market leaders. The only non-vegan candles are those with beeswax taper, which are easy to identify. Plus, they come in glass jars which can be repurposed afterwards.

My favourite Yankee candle vegan scents are definitely Raspberry in Summer, Lavender in Spring, Jasmine when I want to relax and a Christmas-themed candle to get in the festive spirit in December.

PS: You can now find a lot of Yankee candles on Sephora UK!

More vegan candles for every budget

I burn candles when I work, when I read, when I relax… It just makes my home feel even more warm and cosy. Candles are also a great gift idea for a birthday or Christmas.

If you’re looking for something a little different to the iconic Yankee candle, Here’s some inspiration to gift a loved one.

La jolie muse

A range of soy-wax, eco-friendly candles housed in beautiful jars that you’ll want to keek and repurpose. The Cinnamon Pumpkin scent (with notes of Vanilla and Bergamot) is divine, especially during Fall and Winter.

RRP: £11.99 - Find it here

ecoKiwi

ecoKiwi is a sustainable company using only 100% natural essential oils from trusted artisans. The rustic amber jars the candles come potted in can be up-cycled into mini plant pots.

If you can’t choose one scent, why not go for 3 and get this gift set for yourself or a loved one? This set features 3 incredible scents: Vanilla & Sea Salt, Pomegranate & Grapefruit, and Lime & Basil.

RRP: £14.99 - Find it here

UpCircle

UpCircle is a skincare company that repurposes leftovers from other industries (such as coffee grounds and apricot stones).

They also created an Espresso Martini soy wax candle, which is scented with repurposed Arabica coffee grounds, from artisan cafes.

RRP: £19.99 - Find it here

Holistic London

Holistic London is a home fragrance and lifestyle brand creating products with a positive impact on the environment and your well-being.

Their candles are made with plant-based wax, mineral salts and essential oils. Not only do they smell amazing, but they are designed using insights on links between the cognitive functions and the sense of smell to address your wellbeing needs.

For instance, the Moroccan Orange & Mimosa candle is made to fill your home with a comforting and soothing atmosphere, so that you can relax.

RRP: £26 - Find it here

MOR

The Australia-based brand has developed a wide range of bath, body, and lifestyle products including vegan candles.

If you’re looking for a luxurious candle that doesn’t cost the Earth, I would recommend the MOR Emporium Classics Snow Gardenia Fragrant Candle, which is made with black soy wax and hand-poured into an opulent glass vessel.

As for the smell, imagine a rich bouquet of Gardenia, Juniper Berry & Angelica with subtle notes of Vanilla Musk, Ylang Ylang & Sandalwood. A divine scent for all seasons and a perfect gift for a candle connoisseur.

RRP: £28 - Find it here

Floral Street

Floral Street is a cruelty-free and vegan brand mainly known for their vegan fragrance, but they also create home fragrance and vegan candles that are simply divine.

If you like a luxurious scent with exotic notes, the Santal Candle combining Guaiac wood, Vanilla beans and Texas Cedarwood is the one for you.

Love a vibrant scent that lifts your mood? Go for the Vanilla Bloom Candle, diffusing a rich Vanilla scent enhanced with juicy Plum and warm Amber.

RRP: £34 - Discover the range here

Urban Apothecary London

The brand is certified cruelty-free and their soy wax candles are hand poured in their Leicestershire factory by skilled artisans.

I personally love the Velvet Peony candle, with its blooming floral scent and a hint of spicy amber wood.

RRP: £35 - Find it here

More gift guides:

This post contains some affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through this blog, however it doesn’t change the price of the item for you. Thank you for your support :)