When We Say Natural, We Mean It

Why ‘Natural’ Doesn’t Always Mean What You Think It Means
By Bryluen Botanicals

“Natural.”
It’s one of the most overused — and most misused — words in the wellness industry.

Candle companies love to throw it around. You’ll see “natural candles” in elegant packaging, often described as “eco-friendly” or “green.” You might even see the word “clean” or “vegan.” But when you look closer — really look — the truth tells a very different story.

At Bryluen Botanicals, we don’t use the word “natural” lightly. We use it with intention. Because when we say natural — we mean it.

 What Does “Natural” Actually Mean?

In an ideal world, “natural” would mean made entirely from substances found in nature — no synthetics, no petrochemicals, no lab-derived compounds. But the truth is, in most countries, including the UK, the word “natural” is not legally defined or regulated when it comes to candles or cosmetics.

That means companies can slap the word “natural” on their products even if they’re filled with synthetic fragrance oils, petroleum-based wax, or chemical dyes — and it’s perfectly legal.

They know it sells.
But it’s not the truth.

 The Problem with "Natural Soy Candles"

Let’s break this down. Many brands — even “luxury” ones — proudly advertise their candles as:

Natural soy wax candles

Vegan soy candles

Plant-based and eco-friendly

Sounds great, right? But then you check the label — and there it is:
Fragrance oils.

Here’s the issue:

Fragrance oils are synthetic.

They’re made in labs from undisclosed chemicals — many of which are derived from petroleum or even animal by-products.

Fragrance oils are not natural.

No matter how pretty the scent or how convincing the name ("Wild Fig", "Coastal Breeze", "Lavender Meadow" — all made up), these are not plant-extracted scents. They’re imitations, not the real thing.

Fragrance oils are often not vegan.

Many contain animal-derived ingredients, like musks or fixatives made from animal fats or secretions. So if you’re using vegan soy wax but mixing it with non-vegan fragrance oils? It’s no longer a vegan product.

 Think About It Like This...

Let’s say you’re on holiday, somewhere hot. You’ve bought yourself a lovely bottle of clean, filtered, bottled water. It’s pure. You’re feeling good about it.

Now imagine pouring tap water ice into that bottle.

It’s no longer just bottled water, is it?

Even if the bottle is still there, even if most of the contents are clean — you’ve contaminated it.

That’s exactly what happens when companies use fragrance oils in soy candles and still call them “natural.”
You can’t just add synthetic ingredients to natural wax and still call it a natural candle. It doesn’t work like that.

 “Natural” Doesn’t Mean Safe — Unless It’s Truly Natural

Here’s what many brands won’t tell you:

You can’t be “natural” and still use synthetic fragrance oils.

You can’t be “vegan” if your fragrance contains animal derivatives.

You can’t be “clean-burning” if your candle contains petrochemicals.

And yet, the industry is full of companies doing exactly that. They hide behind the words “soy wax” and “natural fragrance” to greenwash their products and mislead their customers — often unintentionally, sometimes deliberately.

What Makes Bryluen Botanicals Different?

At Bryluen, we don’t believe in half-truths or pretty packaging hiding dirty ingredients.

We use:

100% soy wax — no blends, no paraffin, no hidden additives

100% pure essential oils — never synthetic fragrance oils

Ingredients that are always plant-based, cruelty-free, and vegan

No phthalates, no parabens, no petrochemicals, no compromises

Everything we do is grounded in integrity, transparency, and real aromatherapy.

We don’t just want to make a candle that smells good — we want to make a candle that feels good to use, supports your health, and respects the planet.

 What You Can Do As a Consumer

If you care about what you’re breathing in , and what you’re supporting with your money here’s what to look out for:

Read the ingredients — and don’t be afraid to dig.

If a candle says “fragrance” or “parfum,” it’s not natural. If it says “natural soy candle” but lists fragrance oils, it’s misleading.

Ask questions.

A transparent brand will always tell you what’s inside — and why.

Be skeptical of greenwashing.

Words like “natural,” “eco,” and “clean” are meaningless without full disclosure.

 In Summary

When we say natural, we mean:

100% plant-based

100% synthetic-free

Safe for your home, your health, and your loved ones

Genuinely kind to the planet

We’re not here to follow trends. We’re here to raise the standard.

So next time you pick up a candle labeled “natural,” ask yourself:
Is this truly natural? Or is it just ice in a bottle of water?

 Want to know what’s really in your candle?

Follow us on Instagram @bryluenbotanicals for behind-the-scenes honesty, tips on clean living, and educational deep dives — because we believe you deserve to know.