Inara Candle

rating tier conscious

Inara Candle

brand rating & evaluation
overall rating: Conscious
rating tier conscious

Our ratings are based on a scale from 1 (Avoid) to 5 (Top Choice).

See how we rate.


The Shifting Gaia rating evaluates brands based on sustainable practices, ingredients and materials, and social responsibility, among others. Below are a few factors influencing this brand's score:

overview

sustainability
6.7 out of 10
non-toxic
10.0 out of 10
social responsibility

about

Inara Candle is a Lebanese based candle business, providing loose wax “pearls” and wicks that let customers create candles in any container, promoting reuse and reducing single-use waste. 

Highlights:

  • Refillable System
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Women-Led

sustainability

Rotating arrow
Sustainability
score:
6.7 out of 10

details:

Packaging

Inara Pearled Candles are sold as loose wax “pearls” that you could pour into any fireproof container of your choice, encouraging reuse of existing vessels instead of single-use candle jars. The product’s packaging consists of a compact cardboard carton containing the wax pearls and cotton wicks, which minimizes excess material and allows easy refills.

Inara does include some plastic packaging and accessories, particularly for their candle sand options.

Material Sustainability

Inara demonstrates strong material sustainability by using renewable, plant-derived ingredients and being transparent about product composition. The wax pearls are made from 100% coconut wax. Coconut wax comes from coconut oil, a renewable agricultural resource, and is biodegradable and clean-burning. Inara explicitly states their candles contain no paraffins ( petroleum-based waxes) and no soy. 

In terms of fragrances, Inara strikes a balance between plant-based and safe synthetic ingredients. The scented candle kits include a 10ml bottle of fragrance oil crafted with phthalate-free and paraben-free fragrance blends. These fragrances are a mix of essential oils and nature-identical aroma compounds. 

Energy Use & Carbon Footprint

As a relatively small-scale, artisanal brand, Inara likely has a lighter manufacturing footprint compared to mass-produced candle companies. Their candles are handcrafted in Beirut which suggests production is done in-house or locally, possibly in small batches. Inara’s focus on local artisanship also means shorter supply chains for labor and potentially sourcing some components (like packaging or decorative holders) from nearby suppliers, which can cut transportation emissions.

One notable carbon-saving aspect is the reduced shipping weight/volume of Inara’s products. Traditional candles are heavy (glass jars) and bulkier to ship; Inara instead ships just the wax pearls in a compact box, which is lighter and more space-efficient. This means transporting Inara kits likely generates less CO₂ per unit sold, as more units can fit in a shipment and there’s less weight from containers. 

In terms of energy sourcing, Inara has not publicly disclosed details about renewable energy use in production.

Waste Management

Waste reduction is where Inara truly excels. The pearled candle concept virtually eliminates waste candle jars and leftover wax. With traditional candles, consumers often throw away used jars.

From a manufacturing waste perspective, Inara’s artisanal production likely generates minimal waste as well. Wax spills or excess from one batch of pearls can be remelted and used again. Because products are made to be sold (no single-use container included), there isn’t waste from misprinted glass or unsold seasonal vessels.

Business Model

Inara Candle’s business model is built on quality and mindful consumption rather than rapid turnover. The company produces a limited line of evergreen products primarily the pearled candle kits and a handful of scent options) instead of constantly rolling out new seasonal collections. This restrained, timeless approach means less waste from unsold inventory and encourages customers to use what they have fully. Inara Candle’s business model reinforces sustainability by selling refills and experiences, not disposable products.

non-toxic

Rotating arrow
Non-toxic
score:
10.0 out of 10

details:

Inara Candle’s entire line is formulated for exceptionally clean, non-toxic burning. 

The candles use 100% coconut wax; a biodegradable, plant-based alternative free from paraffin or soy, that produces no petrochemical soot or toxic fumes. All fragrances are phthalate and paraben-free, blended to IFRA-level safety standards for a gentle aroma without endocrine disruptors or irritants.

Each candle features cotton, metal-free wicks that self-extinguish safely, and the burn is virtually smokeless and pet-friendly, maintaining excellent indoor air quality. The white wax pearls are dye-free, while colored versions use only candle-safe, heavy metal–free dyes, and are unscented to limit additives. Scents are deliberately soft and balanced to prevent headaches or allergic reactions, and the brand uses no alcohol sprays or volatile solvents.

Overall, Inara’s vegan, plant-based ingredients deliver a clean, allergen-conscious, and non-toxic home fragrance experience that prioritizes health.

social responsibility

Rotating arrow
Social responsibility
score:

details:

Fair Labor

The company doesn’t explicitly detail labor policies or wages, however, the candles are handcrafted “by skilled artisans” locally, which implies that Inara employs local craftsmen/craftswomen under fair working conditions as opposed to outsourcing to low-wage factories.

Animal Welfare

Animal welfare is well-addressed by Inara’s choice of ingredients and testing policies. First and foremost, all Inara Candle products are vegan ( the wax is plant-based (coconut), and they explicitly do not use beeswax, stearic acid, or any other animal-derived additives).

It’s also worth noting that Inara’s products are pet-friendly in use, which indirectly relates to animal welfare.

Community Engagement

On community and social impact beyond their business operations, Inara Candle’s public information is somewhat limited. The brand does not list any specific philanthropic initiatives or community projects on its site. There is no mention of donating a portion of profits to charity, planting trees, or supporting a particular social cause.