Vegan Doesn’t Always Mean Safe: The Truth About Fragrance Oils in Candles.

As autumn arrives and our windows close, the air in our homes becomes more precious. It’s the season of cosy nights, glowing candles, and comforting scents — but it’s also the time to ask a very important question:

What exactly are you breathing in when you light a candle?

The Rise of “Vegan” and “Clean” Candles

Many candle brands today proudly market their products as:

Vegan

Cruelty-free

Phthalate-free

Paraben-free

Made with soy wax

On the surface, these labels sound safe, ethical, and eco-friendly. But here’s the truth: these claims often don’t tell the full story.

 Vegan Doesn’t Equal Natural or Non-Toxic

“Vegan” simply means that no animal products or animal testing were used. While that’s important ethically, it says nothing about the safety of the ingredients being burned in your home.

Most candles labelled as vegan still contain fragrance oils — and here’s the problem:

Fragrance oils are synthetic, petrochemical-derived compounds designed to mimic natural scents.

Even when they’re labelled phthalate-free or paraben-free, they are still artificial chemicals.

When burned, fragrance oils release compounds into the air that can cause headaches, migraines, respiratory irritation, and sensitivities.

So while a candle may tick the “vegan” or “soy wax” box, that doesn’t automatically make it safe for your home, your family, or your wellbeing.

 Why Transparency Matters

Many brands focus their marketing on the wax they use — highlighting soy, coconut, or blends — because it sounds natural and healthy. But wax is only half the story.

The fragrance is what you breathe in, and if that fragrance comes from synthetic oils, then no amount of natural wax can make the candle truly safe.

If a candle company isn’t transparent about their fragrance ingredients, ask yourself: why not?

 What Makes Bryluen Botanicals Different

At Bryluen Botanicals, we believe trust starts with honesty.

We use 100% pure essential oils only

Blended carefully at the correct dilutions for wellbeing

Gentle enough to be safe for pets, babies, and pregnancy

We practise full ingredient transparency — so you always know what you’re bringing into your home

Because when the air in your home is precious, so is the light you burn.

Final Thought

Vegan, paraben-free, or soy wax labels don’t guarantee safety. True safety comes from knowing exactly what’s inside your candle.

At Bryluen Botanicals:
When we say natural, we mean it.