Nowadays there is a wide variety of materials for candle making. The most popular are paraffin wax and natural waxes. However, for some time now, there has been controversy over which of the two is better for making quality candles. Paraffin wax critics often point to its toxicity, but is this myth or reality? Below we explain the main characteristics of paraffin waxes and natural waxes to find out which one is the better choice for making attractive and long-lasting candles.
Paraffin wax for candle making
Paraffin waxes are a product of mineral origin, derived from petroleum, which is refined to a characteristic solid block, white or translucent in color, odorless and with an oil content of less than 0.5-1%.
Within the range of refined paraffin waxes for candles, we find a wide range of melting points, which can range from 48 ºC to approximately 68 ºC. The melting point is an important characteristic to consider when making candles with paraffin wax. The choice will depend on the type of candle we want to make.
As mentioned above, one of the main drawbacks to paraffin is its alleged toxicity. However, different studies on the combustion of paraffin candles, such as that carried out by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, Miljøstyrelsen, indicate that emissions from burning candles are not dangerous to human health, if they are manufactured with quality products and lit in safe environments. Choosing paraffin with the lowest possible oil content is a key factor in this respect, as the lower the oil content, the lower the risk of the candle smoking when burning.
Finally, when buying paraffin wax for candles, it is also useful to know other technical aspects, such as hardness (measured by penetration) and viscosity, which will help us to achieve the desired result.
Natural waxes for candle making
Natural candle waxes are obtained from nature and are divided into vegetable and animal waxes.
Vegetable waxes, on the other hand, are obtained through different fat hydrogenation processes that convert liquid oils of vegetable origin into solid products. Examples of this type of wax are soybean, rapeseed, sunflower, coconut and palm waxes.
The main technical characteristic of most vegetable candle waxes is their low melting point, which makes them perfect for making candles in any container. However, nowadays, there are also some vegetable waxes on the market (such as soy or rapeseed waxes) with a higher melting point and penetration, which are ideal for making candles in molds.
Classic vegetable stearin (stearic acid) deserves a special mention. It is the wild card of natural candle wax, used for centuries, and which allows an infinite number of applications: making candles in cardboard molds with a “shiny” finish, manufacturing the well-known “sand candles” from its microspheres, or even improving paraffin candles.
Natural waxes have recently become very popular because they are environmentally friendly.
Comparison between paraffin candle wax and natural candle waxes
When manufacturing candles, there are certain key aspects to consider. Among them, the safety of the final product, appearance and cost are some important ones.
The safety of waxes of natural origin has never been in doubt, and we have seen that science has proven that paraffin candles are also safe for humans. In this respect, therefore, both materials are equally suitable.
In terms of appearance, both paraffin waxes and natural waxes can yield excellent quality products. The choice of one or the other will depend, in some cases, on the type of product we are looking for. For example, while paraffin wax can be easily dyed due to its white color, natural yellow beeswax is not so easy to dye. If we wanted to make colored beeswax candles, we would have to opt for the bleached version.
Finally, in terms of cost, paraffin waxes are many times cheaper than natural waxes. However, given the tendency among a group of consumers to prefer products with a low environmental impact, even if they have a slightly higher price, it is possible that profits will not be affected if we choose to manufacture candles with natural waxes. It all depends on the type of product and the consumer segment we are targeting.
Best material for candle making
Now that we know the main characteristics of paraffins and natural waxes, and that we know that they can even be combined to improve their performance and enhance their strengths, we can understand that the two products are totally compatible and valid for making the best candles on the market. The important thing is to prioritize the quality of the raw materials and to keep in mind these basic recommendations:
- Choose the right product according to the type of candle to be made.
- Select the right wick both in size and quality.
- Ensure the compatibility of the essences for each product, as well as the quality and dosage for each candle.
- If we add dye to bring color to our candles, make sure it is suitable for each raw material.
In conclusion, the most important thing when making candles is to choose top quality raw materials, suitable for the final product and properly combined. Finally, let us not forget that the correct lighting of a candle, in a sufficiently spacious and safe environment, will also provide us with air free of toxins and will help us to achieve the right atmosphere for each moment.