Beeswax candle & Soy wax candle & Paraffin candle
When choosing the perfect candle for your home bees wax, one of the key factors to consider is the type of wax used.
Different waxes have different qualities, benefits, and environmental impacts. The three most common types of wax used in candles are soy wax, beeswax candle, and paraffin wax.
Here’s a breakdown of each, along with their pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision.
1. Soy Wax Candles
Soy wax is a popular choice for eco-conscious candle lovers, and for good reason. Soy wax is made from soybeans, a renewable resource. After the soybeans are harvested, the oil is extracted and hydrogenated to create a wax suitable for candle making.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly: Soy wax is biodegradable and made from a renewable resource, making it a more sustainable choice compared to paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum.
- Cleaner Burn: Soy wax burns more cleanly than paraffin wax, producing little to no soot. This is particularly important if you have respiratory issues or are concerned about air quality.
- Longer Burn Time: Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin, which means it burns more slowly and lasts longer. A soy wax candle typically lasts 30-50% longer than a paraffin candle of the same size.
- Great for Scent Throw: Soy wax holds and releases fragrance well, providing a consistent scent throw when the candle is lit.
Cons:
- Softer Wax: Soy wax is softer than paraffin wax, which means it may not be ideal for certain types of decorative candles or those in unusual shapes. It can also be more prone to surface imperfections.
2. Beeswax Candles
Beeswax is one of the oldest and most natural candle materials. It is produced by honeybees to build their hives, and when harvested, it’s refined into a clean, non-toxic wax used for candle making.
Pros:
- Natural and Pure: Beeswax candle is a 100% natural product and burns very cleanly. It’s an excellent choice for those who are looking for a more natural and toxin-free candle.
- Air Purifying: One of the unique benefits of beeswax is its air-purifying qualities. Beeswax candles release negative ions when burned, which can help neutralize dust, allergens, and pollutants in the air, creating a cleaner environment.
- Long Burn Time: Like soy wax, beeswax also has a slow burn rate, making it last longer than paraffin candles.
- Naturally Sweet Fragrance: Beeswax candles have a subtle, honey-like fragrance that is naturally pleasant without the need for added fragrances or essential oils.
Cons:
- Price: Beeswax is typically more expensive than both soy and paraffin wax, making beeswax candles a more premium option.
- Limited Fragrance Variety: Beeswax has its own natural scent, which some people may find overpowering or less versatile if they prefer candles with different fragrance profiles.
3. Paraffin Wax Candles
Paraffin wax is the most common wax used in candles today. It is derived from petroleum, a byproduct of the oil-refining process. Despite its widespread use, paraffin has been the subject of some environmental and health concerns due to its petroleum-based origin.
Pros:
- Inexpensive: Paraffin wax is widely available and generally much more affordable than soy or beeswax. This makes paraffin candles an economical option.
- Variety of Fragrance Options: Paraffin wax has a higher fragrance load capacity, meaning it can hold and release a wide variety of fragrances, making it a popular choice for highly-scented candles.
- Smooth Appearance: Paraffin wax is very smooth and uniform in appearance, which makes it great for creating decorative candles and intricate designs.
Cons:
- Less Eco-Friendly: Paraffin wax is a petroleum-based product, which means it is derived from non-renewable fossil fuels. This makes it less sustainable and more harmful to the environment than soy or beeswax.
- Produces Soot: Paraffin wax tends to produce more soot when burned, which can cause indoor air pollution. Over time, soot can settle on walls, furniture, and other surfaces, which may be undesirable for some candle users.
- Potentially Harmful Chemicals: When burned, paraffin wax may release potentially harmful chemicals such as toluene and benzene, both of which are known to be carcinogenic.
Conclusion
When choosing between soy, beeswax, and paraffin wax candles, it’s important to consider your priorities.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, long-lasting, and clean-burning option, soy and beeswax candles are great choices.
Beeswax candles offer additional benefits like air-purification but come with a higher price tag.
Paraffin wax candles, on the other hand, are more affordable and provide a strong fragrance throw but have environmental and health concerns due to their petroleum-based nature.
