Candles come in all shapes, sizes, containers, colors and scents. But did you know they come in different wax types as well? Once you learn about the different waxes and their ingredients, you can decide which is best for you. People are more health conscious than ever, and it’s important to know what is in the candles you’re making or buying.
Coconut Wax
Harvested from coconuts, this wax is newer in the world of candle making. Coconut wax candles are a natural, vegan wax option that is becoming very popular. Not just because the crop they come from is sustainable and high-yield, but because they hold fragrance and color very well. It also is very clean burning, producing little to no soot. Making them a healthier choice when burning them in your home. The downside to coconut wax is that it burns much quicker than other waxes, and is the most expensive one you can buy. Causing you to need to repurchase your coconut wax candles more often.
Soy Wax
Another great wax option are candles made from soy wax. This option falls in the middle as far as cost, and candles made from soy wax have much longer burn times. Making them more financially beneficial than other natural wax alternatives on the market. Soy wax is made from soy beans, a sustainable crop grown by local farmers in many regions. Soy wax also holds fragrance and color very well, and they are very clean burning. Making soy wax our favorite choice for all natural, vegan candle making. To read a more in depth article regarding soy wax and its benefits, click here.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin Wax is one of the most commonly used waxes for candle making. It is very inexpensive and can hold high amounts of fragrance and color. Paraffin wax comes from petroleum, which makes it one of the least environmentally friendly wax options on the market. Candles made from paraffin contain a lot of toxic additives, chemicals and carcinogens that cause high amounts of soot to be released into the air. This means it’s also not very good for your health. Though it is highly accessible and affordable, paraffin wax candles are
Palm Wax
Palm wax is another all natural and vegan wax option which is made from palm oil. It is a hard and durable wax that holds fragrance and color very well. While palm wax is a healthier wax for candle making, it comes at a high cost. It also negatively impacts the environment due to the high amount of deforestation that occurs when harvesting palm trees to produce the wax. So it’s not the worst choice out there, but it isn’t the best either.
Beeswax
Beeswax is an all natural but one of the most expensive wax options when it comes to candle making. It is also a candle making method that has been around for thousands of years, dating as far back as the ancient Egyptians. Though beeswax is not a vegan wax option because it is derived from bees and their honeycomb, it burns brighter, longer and cleaner than any other candle wax. It has a naturally sweet honey smell and is even said to have air purifying abilities. For a more in depth article on the benefits of beeswax, click here.
Looking to Buy Candles? View our hand poured, clean burning candles made from a blend of soy and beeswax, click here.