At Harris of London, every decision we make is guided by a commitment to sustainability, quality, and ethical production. When it came to selecting the best base for our candles, we knew we needed something that not only delivered exceptional performance but also aligned with our values. After extensive research and consideration, we chose a blend of rapeseed and coconut oil—a choice that embodies our dedication to creating vegan, clean-burning, and environmentally responsible products.
The Benefits of Rapeseed and Coconut Oil
1. A Sustainable and Renewable Resource:
Rapeseed and coconut oil are relatively infinite resources, making them an ideal choice for a sustainable candle base. Unlike paraffin and mineral waxes, which are derived from petroleum and other non-renewable sources, rapeseed and coconut oil are plant-based and renewable. This not only ensures a cleaner burn but also minimises our environmental impact.
2. Vegan and Clean-Burning:
Our commitment to veganism extends beyond our choice of wax. We carefully selected rapeseed and coconut oil because they burn cleanly, without releasing harmful toxins or pollutants into the air. This makes our candles safer for you and your loved ones, allowing you to enjoy the ambiance they create with peace of mind.
Why We Avoid Other Waxes
1. Paraffin and Mineral Waxes:
Paraffin and mineral waxes were never an option for us. As petroleum byproducts, they carry significant environmental and health risks. These waxes release harmful chemicals when burned, posing potential respiratory hazards. We wanted to offer a product that not only smells wonderful but is also safe to inhale.
2. Soy Wax:
While soy wax is a popular alternative in the candle industry, it comes with its own set of challenges. The environmental implications of soy production, including deforestation and heavy pesticide use, raise concerns about its sustainability. Additionally, the ethical issues surrounding soy farming, such as land use and exploitation, made it a less desirable option for us. We also wanted to ensure that our candles were 100% vegan, so we avoided beeswax as well.
3. No Palm Oil, GMO-Free, Halal, and Kosher:
We are committed to ensuring that our products are as ethical and inclusive as possible. That’s why we also steer clear of palm oil, which is associated with deforestation and habitat destruction. Additionally, our products are GMO-free, and we proudly offer candles that meet Halal and Kosher standards, making them accessible to a wider audience.
Our Approach to Fragrance: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, and Responsible
When it comes to the scents that fill your home, we take the same careful approach. Our fragrances are vegan, cruelty-free, and meticulously tested in UK labs to ensure they meet our high standards. They are free from parabens and phthalates, two common chemicals that are often found in personal care products and can be harmful to your health.
We also made a conscious decision to avoid using large quantities of essential oils in our candles. While essential oils are natural, their production can be resource-intensive, leading to environmental strain. By opting for responsibly sourced fragrance oils, we ensure that our products are both luxurious and environmentally responsible.
Demystifying Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils
There’s a common misconception that essential oils are inherently better than fragrance oils. While essential oils are indeed natural, they aren’t always the most sustainable choice. The production of essential oils requires vast amounts of plant material, which can lead to over-harvesting and habitat loss. On the other hand, high-quality fragrance oils can be created without depleting natural resources, and they offer greater consistency and variety in scent.
At Harris of London, we believe in choosing ingredients that offer the best of both worlds: luxurious fragrances that are kind to the environment and safe for you to enjoy. Our carefully selected fragrance oils allow us to create complex, captivating scents while maintaining our commitment to sustainability.
Conclusion
At Harris of London, our choice to use rapeseed and coconut oil in our candles reflects our dedication to sustainability, quality, and ethical practices. By carefully selecting our ingredients and avoiding harmful alternatives, we offer products that are not only luxurious but also environmentally responsible. Our commitment to vegan, cruelty-free, and clean-burning candles ensures that you can enjoy the warmth and beauty of our products with complete peace of mind.
We invite you to experience the difference that thoughtful, conscious choices can make. Light a Harris of London candle and indulge in the refined, responsible luxury that sets us apart.
