A Guide to Vegan Candles and Conscious Fragrance
Travis LeSaffreCandles do more than light a room—they set a mood, offer ritual, and invite stillness. But not all candles align with a mindful, cruelty-free lifestyle. At In Mourning, every flame is part of a deeper intention: to honor beauty, mourning, and ethics alike. This guide explores the world of vegan candles and why they matter.
Not All Wax Is Created Equal: The Vegan Wax Revolution
Many mainstream candles are made with paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum. Though inexpensive, paraffin releases toxins when burned and is neither sustainable nor vegan. Some candles also use beeswax, which involves animal exploitation. At In Mourning, our candles use 100% soy wax—a clean-burning, plant-based alternative grown with care.
Defining Vegan Candles: More Than Just Wax
So, what kind of candles are vegan? A truly vegan candle is free of animal byproducts and not tested on animals. That means:
- No beeswax or tallow
- No dyes made with insects or animal fat
- No fragrance oils derived from animals
- A cruelty-free manufacturing process
Every Mourning Light candle is both vegan and cruelty-free, from wick to wax.
Fragrance with Intention: From Sandalwood to Vanilla Tobacco
Scent carries memory, emotion, and power. Our vegan candles use phthalate-free fragrance blends, capturing mood without harmful additives. Our most beloved include:
- Sandalwood: Earthy and grounding, with whispers of sacred ritual
- Lavender: Calming, floral, ideal for winding down
- Vanilla Tobacco: Sweet warmth with a touch of brooding smoke
We blend these for optimal throw and longevity, always free of animal testing.
Wicks Matter Too: Hidden Cruelty in Conventional Candles
Many don’t realize that wicks can contain metal cores or adhesives with animal derivatives. In Mourning uses wooden wicks for a clean, safe burn that aligns with our ethics.
Say No to Paraffin: Why It Doesn't Belong in a Vegan Candle
Paraffin is not just non-vegan—it's toxic. When burned, it can release toluene and benzene, both linked to asthma and carcinogenic effects. Soy wax is biodegradable, renewable, and supports cleaner indoor air.
Creating a Relaxing Ritual with Vegan Candles
A candle becomes a relaxing ritual when its presence brings intention. Whether in meditation, a bath, or a quiet evening, light becomes sacred when it is cruelty-free. Pair our candles with herbal tea, soft music, or a shadowed reading corner.
What Are the Best Non-Toxic Candles?
Look for candles that are:
- Made with soy, coconut, or rapeseed wax
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Scented with phthalate-free oils
- Housed in reusable or recyclable containers
Mourning Light candles check all the boxes, with haunting scents and gothic allure.
Spa-Ready Scents: Transporting You with Every Flame
Dreaming of a spa day? Our lavender and sandalwood blends transform any space into a gothic sanctuary. These fragrances offer emotional ease while adding beauty to your rituals.
Why Choose In Mourning?
Beyond ethics, we value aesthetics. Each candle is hand-poured in Waltham, Massachusetts, in small batches. Inspired by sorrow, beauty, and the Victorian macabre, our candles speak to those who find comfort in shadow. Our Vanilla Tobacco candle, topped with black tourmaline, remains a customer favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of candles are vegan? Vegan candles contain no animal byproducts (like beeswax or tallow) and are not tested on animals. They use plant-based waxes and cruelty-free fragrance blends.
What are the best non-toxic candles? The best non-toxic candles are made with soy, coconut, or rapeseed wax, contain no phthalates or paraffin, and use lead-free wicks. Look for vegan, small-batch options like those from In Mourning.
Light the Way: Consciously
At In Mourning, every flame honors the unseen and the unloved. Vegan candles offer a path to beauty that doesn’t compromise compassion. Illuminate your rituals with shadowed grace and let the scent linger like memory.