What Does Eco-Friendly Really Mean for Candles?
"Eco-friendly", "natural", "clean" — these words are everywhere in the candle industry. But what do they actually mean? The truth is, without clear regulation, these terms can be used loosely, and many candles marketed as eco-friendly fall short on closer inspection. Here's your guide to cutting through the greenwashing and knowing exactly what to look for.
Start With the Wax
The wax is the foundation of any candle, and it's the most important factor in how clean and eco-friendly it burns.
Paraffin wax is the most common candle wax and is derived from petroleum. It releases harmful chemicals when burned and is not biodegradable. A candle made from paraffin wax is not eco-friendly, regardless of what else is on the label.
Soy wax is plant-based, renewable, biodegradable, and burns cleanly without releasing toxic chemicals. It's our wax of choice at Kimliboo — and we source ours sustainably in the UK for full traceability.
Beeswax is natural and burns cleanly, but it's not vegan and can be more expensive and harder to source sustainably.
Coconut wax is another clean-burning option, though supply chains can be longer and less transparent.
Check the Fragrance
Fragrance is where many "natural" candles fall down. Synthetic fragrances can contain hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including phthalates — hormone-disrupting compounds linked to a range of health concerns — and parabens, which are preservatives with similar concerns.
Look for candles that are explicitly phthalate-free and paraben-free. At Kimliboo, all of our fragrances are free from both, as well as being vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. We never use fragrances that haven't been thoroughly vetted for safety.
Look at the Wick
Some candle wicks contain metal cores (often zinc or lead) that can release harmful particles when burned. Always choose candles with cotton or wooden wicks — both are natural, clean-burning options. Our wooden wicks also create that beautiful soft crackling sound that makes lighting a candle feel like a proper ritual.
Consider the Packaging
An eco-friendly candle shouldn't come wrapped in layers of single-use plastic. Look for plastic-free, recyclable, or compostable packaging. At Kimliboo, we use sustainable packaging throughout — from the boxes we ship in to the tissue paper inside. Our candle tins are designed to be reused long after the wax has gone.
Think About the Brand
Sustainability isn't just about ingredients — it's about values. Small-batch, independent makers like Kimliboo are often more transparent about their sourcing and production than large commercial brands. When you buy from a small business, you can usually find out exactly where ingredients come from and how products are made.
The Kimliboo Standard
We hold ourselves to a high standard across every element of our candles:
- ✅ 100% soy wax, sustainably sourced in the UK
- ✅ Vegan and cruelty-free fragrances
- ✅ Phthalate-free and paraben-free
- ✅ Cotton or wooden wicks
- ✅ Plastic-free, recyclable or compostable packaging
- ✅ Hand-poured in small batches
We believe that luxury and sustainability aren't in conflict — they go hand in hand. And we think you deserve to know exactly what you're burning in your home.
Shop our full range of eco-friendly candles at Kimliboo Candles, or learn more about Our Commitment to sustainability.