Ikigai describes having a sense of purpose in life, as well as a feeling of motivation and balance, where one's needs, desires, satisfactions and ambitions meet. According to a study by Japanese scholar Michiko Kumano, feeling ikigai as described in Japanese usually means the feeling of accomplishment and fulfilment that follows when people pursue their passions. Activities that generate the feeling of ikigai are not forced on an individual; they are perceived as being spontaneous and undertaken willingly, and are therefore personal, depending on a person's inner self.
The word 'ikigai' is made up of two Japanese words: 'iki' meaning to live, and 'kai' meaning worth, effect, or result, and is generally composed of four rules; that is to do things that you love, that you're good at, that the world needs and that you can be paid for.
The 220g Babel candle and its 220g refills are designed to provide approximately 45–50 hours of burn time. To achieve optimal performance, ensure the wax melts evenly to the container's edge during the first use. Proper candle care is essential, including trimming the wick before each burn and placing the candle on a flat, heat-resistant, non-flammable surface.
Babel candles are both 100% natural, and certified organic. Organic candles are made entirely, or almost entirely (95% +), from natural ingredients that adhere to strict organic standards. Not all natural candles can be classified as organic; natural candles may use ingredients grown with chemical fertilisers, pesticides, or through genetic modification, which are all strictly prohibited under organic certification. To achieve organic certification, raw materials must be free from genetic modification and cultivated without synthetic chemicals.
Because of the use of beeswax, Babel candles are not considered to be 100% vegan. However, all other ingredients used are 100% vegan.
Compared to most candles on the market, a Babel candle stands out for its superior quality. While this may sound subjective, it is backed by the fact that organic certification requires the use of some of the finest and most premium natural ingredients globally. As one of only two companies in the UK offering certified organic candles, we are deeply committed to the principles and benefits of organic certification.
We believe in the unmatched quality of essential oils, absolutes, and extracts derived from organic agriculture, which is why we exclusively use them in our candles. Whilst we strive to keep our products as accessible as possible, our pricing fairly reflects the exceptional quality, cost and craftsmanship behind every candle.
We do not use paraffin wax in our candles. Derived from fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal, or oil shale, paraffin wax is a non-renewable resource and does not align with our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
While paraffin wax is generally considered non-toxic, burning it can release trace amounts of substances like alkanes, alkenes, and toluene. These compounds are known to contribute to indoor air pollution and have been associated with potential health risks. Although the quantities emitted are typically minimal and unlikely to impact human health significantly, we prioritise using renewable, cleaner alternatives that better reflect our values and dedication to creating a candle that smells and looks beautiful without compromising the indoor air quality of your home environment.
We carefully select organic beeswax blended with organic coconut oil to craft our candles, prioritising quality, sustainability, and performance. This combination offers several advantages:
Sustainability and Renewability: Both organic beeswax and organic coconut oil are renewable resources. When responsibly sourced and organically certified, they serve as sustainable alternatives to paraffin and other plant-based waxes, such as soy wax (notably, over 80% of global soybean crops are genetically modified).
Air-Purifying Properties: Beeswax is unique among waxes in its ability to purify indoor air. When burned, it releases negative ions that bind to positively charged airborne particles, such as dust and allergens, helping to neutralise them.
Support for Ecosystem Health: Bees are essential to maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Sustainable apiculture (beekeeping) plays a vital role in protecting bee populations. By using Soil Association-certified organic beeswax, we help promote the economic viability of ethical beekeeping practices.
Natural Aroma: Beeswax has a subtle, honeyed fragrance that complements the carefully selected scents in our candles, enhancing their warmth and character.
Organic certification ensures that products meet the highest sustainability standards, verified through rigorous testing to confirm environmental and social responsibility, full traceability, and uncompromising integrity in production.
We choose to certify our candles with the Soil Association, the UK's leading organic certifier. Renowned for exceeding UK organic standards, the Soil Association logo is widely recognised as a hallmark of excellence, synonymous with the best in organic standards and trustworthiness. You can learn more about Soil Association organic certification on their website or by visiting our Sustainability page.
For beeswax and other bee-derived products (such as honey) to achieve Soil Association organic certification, beekeeping practices must adhere to the following standards:
Our candles contain essential oils, which naturally include potential allergens such as linalool and limonene. Additionally, they are crafted in a facility that processes both beeswax and coconut oil, which may trigger allergies in some individuals.
Where any allergens are present, they are clearly listed on the label found on the base of the candle.
At Babel, we prioritise safety, ensuring that our candles are safe to burn for everyone, including those who are pregnant. Our candles are made with only the finest organic and natural ingredients, which are free from phthalates and carefully selected before being included in our formulations.
However, due to the presence of highly concentrated essential oils, absolutes, and extracts, we advise all customers—pregnant or otherwise—not to ingest or apply the scented wax directly to the skin, as this may cause potential adverse reactions. To ensure transparency, any potential allergens are clearly labelled on the sticker on the base of each candle.
At Babel, we operate a 14-day return window. To be eligible for a candle return, the candle box must not be opened and you should request a returns label within 14 days of receiving the candle (this can be done via our Contact form). Once you have requested the returns label, you will have a further 14 days to return your Babel candle. View our full Returns Policy for more information.
