Candles are fun to watch burn. They are also fun because you can buy them in a variety of scents. You can purchase candles that have secret gems inside, are layered with different scents, burn a special way to give an awesome glow and more. If you are like me, I LOVE candles. I must smell every scent when I walk into a candle store to buy candles. But, have you really ever thought about what the candles are made from and how healthy for the environment they may be? There are several types of wax candles made, some natural and some synthetic. Each has its own qualities and they all burn a slightly different way.
Paraffin Wax – It is one of the most versatile and common waxes used today. It comes in many different melt points and appropriate for many different candle applications. Most candles bought today are made with paraffin. However, it is a by-product of the crude oil refinement process. Therefore, we generally think of it as not sustainable because of its relation to petroleum.
Soy Wax – This is a new wax on the candle scene and taken a solid hold of the market. With the demand growing for more “natural” candles this is a sustainable and affordable alternative to paraffin and beeswax. It also comes in a variety of blends and melting points and offer a variety of scents as well. Many of the soy waxes are made from 100% soybean oil while others are blended with vegetable oils, palm wax and beeswax. A good thing to keep in mind though is that if the candle is made from at least 51% soy, it is called a soy wax blend.
Beeswax – This is the oldest candle wax found in the pyramids. It is produced by bees as a byproduct of the honey making process. It naturally has a sweet fragrance because it is unfused with honey during its creation and the smell varies slightly depending on what flowers and plants the bees feast on.
This is also one of the more expensive types of wax and can get pricey for something you are just going to burn away. I’m not sure if this has to do with the dwindling bee population or demand for “natural” waxes or what.
Gel Wax – This is not a wax at all. It is a combination of resin and mineral oil. It is similar to other waxes in that it holds a scent and color and melts and burns. The transparency of gel wax allows for an entirely different variety of candles. They keep their transparency even when colored. This is how you get the fishbowl or window effect in candles.
Palm Wax – It is similar to soy wax in that it is made from natural palm oil. About 24% of palm oil is harvested for soaps, candles, detergents and agricultural products. It is more firm and brittle than other waxes. One of the pretty things about palm wax is that it produces a crystalline or “feathered” affect.
Bayberry Wax – This is made from the waxy coating found on the outside of the berries produced by the Bayberry bush. They are boiled and then the wax is scraped off the top of the water. This takes a lot of bayberries and a lot of time, therefore making is a more expensive wax and candle option. However, it is popular around Christmas and New Year’s and it an older form of candle making wax dating back to the first European settlers in North America.
One of the reasons I like soy wax candles is because of its natural properties and its affordability. It is sustainable and does not require mining or harming of the Earth and habitats to acquire. It is biodegradable and much easier to clean up if you accidentally spill it on something. If you watch for candles made from American soybeans, meaning it could help to stimulate the U.S. economy as well.
Here's an interesting soy wax . You burn the candle to get to the jeweled “treat”. Jewelry can be rings, earrings or necklaces and has the potential to be quite valuable. For the price of these candles, it is worth the chance of finding something good inside. Even if it is not a very expensive jewelry item, you still get to enjoy the scents these soy wax candles offer.
The bottom line is that candles are awesome as long as you are careful. If you are turned off by one type of wax, there are many more varieties of candle waxes available. You aren't limited to petroleum based wax or expensive candles. So have fun with your candles and enjoy them!
