Which Candle Wax is the Best?
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When beginning your candle making journey, the most important ingredient is the candle wax. Sure, you can have a great-smelling scent and beautiful-looking containers, but if you are using poor or the wrong kind of candle wax, it can directly affect the candle’s performance and quality.
Introduction
When considering the type of wax you should use, you should also take into account the way it is formulated and the way it is poured. All three affect a candle’s burn time, fragrance throw, and overall appearance. Different waxes have different properties, such as the ability to hold scent, the ability to hold color, and melting points.
At Realism Kandles we see the best results with soy candle wax. Soy wax has a lower melting point than other waxes. This allows candles made from soy to have a slower and cooler burn. We noticed that the wax is easier to melt and the flame is not as hot. This can be beneficial for those who are sensitive to strong scents or hot flames and it’s also less likely to produce soot, which can be harmful to your health and the environment.
Pros and Cons of Soy Candle Wax
Soy wax is a non-artificial, recyclable, renewable, vegetable wax made from soybeans. It is a popular choice in candle making because it has a clean and long-lasting burn. You can distinguish the wax from others with its creamy white color and butter-like texture. It’s also easy to pour and has a better fragrance throw. This wax is used by beginners and professionals alike, and soy candles are perfect for meditation, aromatherapy, and intention candles.
Pros of using Soy Wax in Candles:
- Clean-burning: Soy wax candles burn much cleaner than others. This means minimal soot and pollution in the air.
- Long-lasting: Soy wax candles burn slowly, making them more cost-effective.
- Easy to clean: Soy wax dissolves in water, allowing for an easy clean-up for any spills or left-over wax.
Cons of using soy wax in candles:
- Lower melting point: Due to its low melting point, soy wax is softer and may require a sturdier container and a wooden wick.
- Prone to frosting: Soy wax may develop a “frosted” look on the top of candles. This is natural and does not affect the performance but is not aesthetically pleasing.
Environmental benefits of using Soy Wax:
- Renewable: Soybeans are a renewable resource, unlike paraffin wax derived from petroleum and known to have cancer-causing agents.
- Biodegradable: Soy wax is biodegradable and won’t add to pollution or endanger the environment when disposed of properly.
- Support of local farmers: Using soy wax helps farmers and promotes sustainable farming practices.
So in short, soy wax is a great choice for candle makers who are going for a natural, eco-friendly, and clean-burning approach for candles.
Pros and Cons of Paraffin Candle Wax
Paraffin wax is a type of wax made from petroleum, coal, and shale oil. It is a soft, white, and odorless wax. Since it is fairly cheap and widely available in bulk, it’s commonly used in mass production. It has a high melting point, making it suitable for container and pillar candles. Similar to soy wax, it also has a long burn time and a bright and consistent flame.
Pros of using paraffin wax in candles:
- Affordable and widely available
- Can create a bright, consistent flame
- Can hold fragrance and color well
- It can be used in a wide range of candle types
Cons of using paraffin wax in candles:
- Derived from non-renewable fossil fuels
- Can release harmful chemicals when burned, such as toluene and benzene
- Not biodegradable
- Not suitable for people with sensitive skin or allergies
- The process of extracting paraffin wax might not be environmentally friendly
It is important to note that some studies have reported the potential for paraffin candle wax to release harmful chemicals when burned, but other studies have not found any significant risk. it’s always good to check the quality and certifications of the paraffin wax before using it.
Pros and Cons of Beeswax Candle Wax
Beeswax is a wax produced by honeybees. It naturally adds a sweet, honey aroma to your candles and is usually for premium wax for candle-making. moreover, it’s the most expensive wax on this list coming in at about $13 per pound. Just like paraffin wax it has a high melting point making it sturdy enough to not need its own container and is good for wax sculptors.
Pros of using beeswax in candles:
- Natural and renewable resource
- Biodegradable
- Has a natural honey aroma
- Long burn time
Cons of using beeswax in candles:
- More expensive than other types of wax
- May be more difficult to find in some areas
- Can be harder to work with than other types of wax
- It may not be suitable for people who are allergic to bee products
Health benefits of using beeswax candles include:
- Emitting negative ions when burned, which can help to purify the air and remove allergens, pollutants, and odors
- Can help to relieve symptoms of asthma and allergies
- Can help to improve overall air quality.
It is also important to consider that the process of collecting beeswax may have an impact on the environment, and it is important to make sure that the beeswax is ethically sourced and sustainably produced.
Pros and Cons of Palm Candle Wax
Palm wax is a type of wax that is derived from the oil of the fruit of the oil palm tree. while cheap and biodegradable, some places where palm wax is produced have terrible working conditions and some studies found palm wax to release unhealthy agents as it burns but not as much as paraffin candle wax. In addition, it has a smooth texture and can be easily colored and scented.
Pros of using palm wax in candles:
- Affordable and widely available
- Can create a bright, consistent flame
- Can hold fragrance and color well
- It can be used in a wide range of candle types
- Biodegradable
Cons of using palm wax in candles:
- The process of extracting palm oil for the production of palm wax can be environmentally destructive, particularly when it comes to deforestation and loss of habitat for wildlife.
- There are concerns about the sustainability and ethical implications of using palm wax, as it is often produced in countries with weak regulations, leading to human rights and environmental abuses.
- Some studies suggest that burning palm wax candles may release higher levels of certain pollutants than other candles.
Sustainability concerns associated with palm wax include:
- Large-scale monoculture palm oil production has led to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and habitat destruction, mainly in tropical countries.
- It has been linked to human rights abuses and exploitation of local communities, as well as the displacement of indigenous peoples.
- The use of palm oil in various products, including candles, has been criticized for its environmental impact, and some consumers may want to avoid products containing palm oil for ethical reasons.
It’s important to consider the source of the palm wax and ensure that it is sustainably and ethically produced, and also to check for certifications such as RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) for responsible and sustainable production.
