Vellabox

Vellabox delivers curated artisan candles made with 100% natural wax, phthalate-free fragrance, and cotton wicks. Choose from three box sizes (4oz, 8oz, or 16oz candles) and receive a new seasonal scent plus a bonus gift each month. Every candle is non-toxic, cruelty-free, and vegan.

Vellabox holds the distinction of being the first monthly artisan candle subscription service in the United States, launching in 2015 and pioneering a category that has since expanded significantly. What sets Vellabox apart from competitors is its unwavering commitment to clean-burning candles - every candle is made with 100% natural wax, phthalate-free fragrance, cotton wicks, and is guaranteed non-toxic, cruelty-free, and vegan.

The company has shipped over 800,000 candles since its founding, building relationships with artisan candle makers across the country. Each month features a different small-batch creator, giving subscribers the opportunity to discover new brands they might never encounter at local retailers while supporting independent makers.

Trust Note: Vellabox has a C- BBB rating due to failure to respond to 1 of 2 complaints filed. They also lack Trustpilot presence, making independent trust verification difficult. However, 11 years in business and generally positive Reddit sentiment in r/SubscriptionBoxes suggest the product quality is solid despite customer service concerns.

Pricing Plans

Vellabox offers three box sizes, each available with flexible billing options:

Lucerna Box (4oz candle, 25+ hour burn)

Plan	Per Box	Savings
Monthly	$18/month	-
3-Month	$14/month	Save 22%
6-Month	$13/month	Save 28%
12-Month	$12/month	Save 33%

Ignis Box (8oz candle, 50+ hour burn)

Plan	Per Box	Savings
Monthly	$28/month	-
3-Month	$24/month	Save 14%
6-Month	$23/month	Save 18%
12-Month	$22/month	Save 21%

Vivere Box (16oz candle, 80+ hour burn)

Plan	Per Box	Savings
Monthly	$38/month	-
3-Month	$31/month	Save 18%
6-Month	$30/month	Save 21%
12-Month	$29/month	Save 24%

All plans include free US shipping.

What’s Included

Each Vellabox delivery contains:

• One Artisan Candle: Size depends on your box tier (4oz, 8oz, or 16oz)
• Bonus Gift: A surprise item valued at $10+ (lifestyle goods, home accessories, etc.)
• Candle Information Card: Details about the featured maker and fragrance notes

Candle Quality Standards:

• 100% natural wax (typically soy or coconut blends)
• Phthalate-free fragrance oils
• Cotton-braided wicks (no lead)
• Dye-free, paraben-free, vegan
• Hand-poured by artisan makers

How It Works

1. Choose Your Box: Select Lucerna (4oz), Ignis (8oz), or Vivere (16oz)
2. Select Your Plan: Monthly, 3-month, 6-month, or 12-month prepaid
3. Set Preferences: Indicate general scent preferences during checkout
4. Receive Your First Box: Ships immediately after subscribing
5. Enjoy Monthly Deliveries: Boxes ship the second week of each month
6. Manage Easily: Upgrade, downgrade, or cancel anytime (monthly plans)

Featured Makers

Vellabox partners with artisan candle makers across the USA, including:

• Keystone Inspired Co. (Pennsylvania)
• Borough Home (various locations)
• Small-batch soy candle artisans from coast to coast

Each month features a different maker, introducing subscribers to new brands and styles while supporting small businesses in the candle industry.

Who It’s For

Best For:

• Clean Candle Seekers: Those who want natural, non-toxic home fragrance
• Discovery Lovers: Enjoy trying new scents and discovering artisan brands
• Budget-Conscious Candle Fans: Lucerna box offers excellent entry point at $12/month
• Gift Givers: Easy, reliable gift that arrives monthly with beautiful presentation
• Eco-Conscious Consumers: Natural ingredients and small-batch production align with sustainability values

Not Ideal For:

• Specific Scent Preferences: You can’t choose exact fragrances
• International Subscribers: US shipping only
• Luxury Brand Seekers: Focus is artisan, not high-end designer brands
• Wax Melt Fans: Box is candle-focused (though makers may offer melts separately)

Comparison with Alternatives

Feature	Vellabox	Wickbox	Frostbeard Studio
Price	$12-29/mo	$27-33/mo + $5 ship	$12+/mo
Candle Style	Artisan/small-batch	Luxury brands	Book-themed
Sizes Available	3 options	2 options	1 size
Shipping	Free	$5	Free
Focus	Natural/clean	Luxury/premium	Literary/niche
Personalization	Seasonal/general	Scent profile	None

Vellabox offers the best combination of value, variety, and clean-burning guarantees in the candle subscription space. For those prioritizing natural ingredients and supporting small makers, it’s a strong choice.

Why Clean-Burning Matters

The clean candle movement isn’t just marketing, there are genuine differences between natural and conventional candles that affect your home environment:

Paraffin vs. Natural Wax: Paraffin (petroleum-derived) candles release trace amounts of chemicals when burned, including toluene and benzene. While amounts are minimal, long-term exposure in enclosed spaces raises questions. Soy, coconut, and beeswax alternatives burn cleaner with less particulate matter.

Fragrance Quality: Phthalates are common in synthetic fragrances and have been linked to health concerns. Phthalate-free fragrance oils, like those required by Vellabox, avoid this potential issue while still delivering appealing scents.

Wick Materials: Lead-core wicks were banned in the US in 2003, but cheaper imported candles may still use zinc or other metals. Cotton wicks produce cleaner flames without metal emissions.

Why It Matters: If you burn candles frequently, especially in bedrooms or small spaces, the cumulative effect of cleaner burning adds up. Vellabox’s guarantee of natural wax, phthalate-free fragrance, and cotton wicks provides peace of mind for candle lovers who light up daily.

Supporting Small Makers: Beyond ingredients, Vellabox’s model supports artisan candle makers across the country. Each month features a different small-batch creator, directing subscriber dollars to independent craftspeople rather than corporate fragrance conglomerates. For those who value both product quality and ethical consumption, this alignment matters.