Eco-Friendly Candles Perfect for Summer.
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If you’re still burning paraffin candles at home, it’s worth knowing what you’re actually filling your room with.
Here’s why vegan soy candles are a better option year-round and which Eden Perfumes scents work extremely well in summer.
Where Can I Buy the Best Soy Wax Candles?
There are plenty of soy candle brands out there, but if you want something that’s genuinely vegan, made in the UK and comes in luxury-inspired scents without the luxury price tag, Eden Perfumes is one of the best options going.
Based in Brighton, Eden is a family-run business that’s been making vegan fragrances since 2014. Their candle range is hand-poured with 100% soy wax, free of beeswax, paraffin and synthetic additives, and each candle burns for up to 45 hours.
The scents are inspired by well-known designer fragrances, so instead of paying £60+ for a candle, you’re getting a comparable scent experience at a fraction of the cost.
Why Paraffin Candles Are Worth Swapping Out
Most standard candles are made from paraffin wax, which is a petroleum by-product.
When burned, paraffin releases soot and a small amount of toxic compounds into the air. It’s not something most people think about, but in summer, when you’re more likely to have windows open and candles going in the evenings, it’s actually something you need to consider.
Soy wax is the most common eco-friendly alternative.
It’s plant-based, biodegradable, and burns significantly cleaner than paraffin, which means less soot, no carcinogens and better indoor air quality. It also holds fragrance well and burns more slowly, so your candle lasts longer too!
What Makes a Candle Truly Vegan?
A lot of people don’t realise that traditional candles can contain animal-derived ingredients.
Beeswax is the obvious one, as it requires large-scale honey farming and is considered non-vegan by most standards. Another is stearic acid, which is sometimes used to harden wax and is often derived from animal fat.
A genuinely vegan candle uses plant-based wax (usually soy), natural fragrance from essential oils and plant extracts, as well as cotton wicks in place of anything synthetic or animal-derived.
Thankfully, all of Eden Perfumes’ soy candles meet these criteria – 100% vegan, paraffin-free, beeswax-free and made in the UK.
Eden Perfumes Soy Candles for Summer
Eden’s candle range is inspired by well-known luxury scents, so if you already have a favourite fragrance, you’re likely to find something familiar. Each candle has a 45-hour burn time and is hand-poured using premium soy wax.
Here are the standout options for summer:
Lime Basil & Mandarin
Notes: Lime · Basil · Mandarin
The most obviously summery candle in the range. Fresh, zesty and sharp without being overpowering. Good for kitchens, living rooms or anywhere you want to lift the atmosphere on a warm evening. Inspired by the J Malone classic.
Santal
Notes: Sandalwood · Cedarwood · Cardamom · Amber
Inspired by Santal 26. Woody, warm and slightly smoky but with an airiness that works all year-round. It’s a good choice if you prefer unisex scents or something a bit more understated. Burns well in bedrooms and shared spaces.
Rose & Oud
Notes: Rose · Oud · Vanilla
A bold, oriental scent best lit in the evenings. The rose is rich rather than fresh, while the oud anchors it into something deeper. A great candle for summer dinner parties or occasions where you want the room to feel intimate and romantic.
Portobello Road
Notes: Vanilla · Rose · Maple Syrup
Sweet and warm, with a slightly unusual maple syrup note that makes it stand out. Works well as a living room or bedroom scent and is a good option if you want something that smells distinctly different to typical candle ranges.
Things to Look for in an Eco-Friendly Candle
Not everything labelled natural or eco actually is. When shopping for sustainable candles, check for:
✓ Soy or coconut wax not paraffin or undisclosed blends
✓ Cotton or wooden wicks because some wicks contain metal cores
✓ Natural fragrance, like essential oils rather than synthetic fragrance oils, where possible
✓ Vegan certification that confirms no beeswax or animal-derived ingredients
✓ UK or local production as this reduces the carbon footprint of shipping
Eden Perfumes’ candles tick all of these. They’re also made in the UK, which is worth noting if supply chain transparency matters to you.
Better for Your Home, Better for the Planet
Switching to soy candles is a small change but a straightforward one. Investing in plant-friendly candles means cleaner air, no animal by-products, better-smelling candles and a longer burn time, making them better value too.
Eden Perfumes’ range covers everything from fresh citrus to deep woody scents, all at a price point that doesn’t require a second thought.