FAQs

About our candles

What are your candles made from?

Every candle is made with my own sustainable plant wax blend of soy, sunflower and olive nut oil waxes, and scented only with pure essential oils that I blend myself.

Are plant wax candles better than paraffin candles?

Paraffin is a by-product of the petroleum industry. Plant waxes are renewable, and I find they give a cleaner, gentler burn with less soot. That's why I've never used paraffin.

Are your candles vegan?

Yes. They contain no beeswax or other animal products, and are never tested on animals.

Do your candles contain palm oil or artificial colouring?

No. They're free from palm oil, paraffin, synthetic fragrance and artificial colouring.

Why do you use tins rather than glass jars?

Tinplate can be recycled forever, whereas many glass candle jars can't. Once your candle has finished, clean out the tin and recycle it, or reuse it for something small.

Why the new name?

Caer Candles is now The Ethical Candle Company. "The ethical candle company" has been my strapline for years, and the new name simply says out loud what has always been at the heart of what I do. The candles, the scents and the stories haven't changed.

Scents and essential oils

Do you use essential oils or fragrance oils?

Only pure essential oils, never synthetic fragrance oils. Each blend is my own, and every product page lists the oils in that candle.

Where do the scent names come from?

Every scent begins with a place or a story from north Pembrokeshire, and many carry Welsh names: Ar Lan y Môr (Beside the Sea), Hydref (Autumn), Cwtch. Each product page tells its story.

Do your candles contain allergens?

Some essential oils contain naturally occurring allergens, such as limonene and linalool. They're listed on each candle's label and in the safety information on each product page.

Are essential oil candles safe around pets?

Some essential oils can affect pets, especially cats and birds. Burn candles in a well-ventilated room, make sure animals can leave the room, and never leave a candle burning unattended. If your pet has health concerns, check with your vet first.

Burning and candle care

How do I get the best from my candle?

On the first burn, let the wax melt right to the edges of the tin. This stops it tunnelling and helps the scent fill the room. After that, burn for two to four hours at a time.

Do I need to trim the wick?

Yes. Trim it to about 5mm before each lighting for a clean, steady flame with less soot.

How do I burn my candle safely?

Always burn on a heat-resistant, level surface, away from draughts, children, pets and anything that could catch fire. Never leave a burning candle unattended, and remember the tin gets hot while the candle is lit.

What's the best way to put a candle out?

Use a candle snuffer, or pop the lid back on once the tin has cooled slightly. Blowing it out can scatter wax and leave a smoky wick.

Ordering, delivery and returns

How much is delivery?

I deliver across the UK. Standard delivery is from £4.75 (2–4 working days) and Express is from £5.95 (1–3 working days). Postage is shown at checkout.

When will my order be sent?

Every order is packed by hand in Pembrokeshire and is usually dispatched within a few working days.

Do you deliver outside the UK?

Not at the moment. I currently deliver to UK addresses only.

Can I return a candle?

Yes. Unused candles can be returned within 14 days of delivery. See the Refund policy for full details.

What if my order arrives damaged?

Please email sales@theethicalcandlecompany.com with your order number and a photo, and I'll replace it or refund you.

Gifts, markets and getting in touch

Do your candles make good gifts?

They do. Each one comes with its own Pembrokeshire story.

Where can I buy your candles in person?

You'll often find me at craft fairs and local markets across north Pembrokeshire, including Newport, St Davids and Fishguard.

How can I get in touch?

Email sales@theethicalcandlecompany.com and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.