Stearic Acid: The Regulator

We are dedicated to radical sustainability—going above and beyond industry standards and consumer expectations. When most candle brands move right, we hope to be the ones to pave a new path to the left, even if we have to break new ground in the process. We believe in transformative revolution by way of permaculture, sustainability, and transparency.

In our efforts to create the perfect, mindful candle experience for our consumers, we strove to cut out any unnecessary materials, an unprecedented move in an industry awash in soy, petroleum, and countless unpronounceable synthetic additives.

With this series we hope to shed light on what exactly goes on behind the scenes at our Stouffville, Ontario warehouse, deep in the lush green farmland north of Toronto. Last month we discussed the majority host, which provided insight into the wonders of coconut oil. This time around we’ll be exploring the crucial second ingredient used in our proprietary wax: stearic acid.

Practicality, Longevity, and Sustainability

The most practical use for this widely used chemical compound is for its rigidity and longevity—and in fact it is the reason for our impressive extended burn time. Vegetable stearic is a long chain saturated fatty acid which behaves as a supportive, regulating structure. It works alongside the other select raw materials that make up our distinctive candle wax.

That is not to say that all stearic is created equal. Stearic acid can be, and often is, derived from numerous unethical sources. Companies that do not disclose their sources are likely not conscientious about the environmental impacts of their products.

We are big fans of our particular stearic mainly because it allows us to create durable candles that did not originate from a petroleum byproduct, require mass animal renderings, or support harmful deforestation practices. We strictly source our stearic acid from RSPO palm fruit oil. Our suppliers allow us to comfortably, responsibly, and confidently implement this timeless resource.

Combatting the Palm Fruit Controversy

The palm tree, or Elaeis (from the Greek “oil”), is a cousin to the coconut, and both boast flowers that perennially bear fruit. These plants have been used as a resource for human products for millennia, but it has only been in the last two decades that conscientious environmental activists have begun to hold exploitative clear-cutters accountable through the implementation of stricter regulations.

It is due to this long, bloody history that palm has a negative reputation. There is good reason for concern, considering the industry’s history of abusive consumption. However, we don’t believe that all palm oil production is necessarily harmful to the environment.

On the contrary, palm is an incredible renewable resource. When harvested ethically, it not only offers an abundance of applications as a raw material, but also enables its soil of origin to regenerate—giving back to the very forests from which it came.

Our palm fruit oil is produced by Musim Mas. This organization’s mission is to support and empower small growers through the intentional practice of permaculture and maintain the integrity of this beautiful resource. They are dedicated, RSPO-certified game changers in the industry, whose NDPE policy makes their beliefs and values highly transparent to the curious consumer.

In harmony with Mother Nature and reputable growers like Musim Mas, FC provides high-quality candles with a small footprint—crafted with intention, love, and light. We take pride in offering guilt-free aromatherapy to truly eco-conscious consumers across Canada and internationally.