types of candle wax

Why Is Soy The Best? An Overview of Different Types of Candle Wax

A study by the National Candle Association found that candle sales in the U.S. have grown by 30% since the pandemic. Of course, this goes without saying that people love candles, as they provide relaxing aromatherapy and a soft, gentle glow that creates a calming environment. 

During the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, the soothing scents and steady burning flames became even more crucial to helping stressed-out individuals find their center during periods of unrest. 

But did you know there are many different types of candle wax, each with its unique properties? This guide will detail the features of candle wax types and their attributes.

Do you want to find out more? Then keep reading to discover all about candle wax.

Beeswax Candles

History shows that the Romans made candles comprised of tallow, which are rendered animal fats. While the Ancient Egyptians and Ancient Chinese cultures used beeswax candle wax for their candles, as far back as the Tang Dynasty of 618 A.D., they were introduced to Europe in the Middle Ages. However, at the time, they were very costly compared to the other candles. 

 

Unlike tallow-made candles, beeswax candles burned cleaner and longer and did not have the pungent odor their animal fat counterparts did. As the name implies, Beeswax comes from beehives during the honey-making process. It is a more solid wax that is harder than other candle wax types.

These candles have a light sweet scent that helps remove toxins from the air around their environment. They are made from a natural substance is also a big plus for many.

Coconut Wax

Coconut wax candles are made from the oil of coconuts. Coconuts are a plentiful and renewable crop, so sourcing from them is ideal for long-term candle production and sustainability. Coconut wax is odorless, though. It will not give off a coconut smell.

Coconut wax tends to be a bit pricier than other types of candle wax, but they burn clean and are non-toxic because coconut wax does not emit soot or smoke.

Paraffin Wax

Parrafin wax is a by-product of petroleum derived from crude oil, so it does not possess the eco-friendly qualities of other types of candle wax, such as beeswax and coconut wax. On the other hand, paraffin wax is very inexpensive, and paraffin wax candles hold scents better.

But their release of volatile organic compounds while burning, although not detectable by the human nose, may deter many from considering them for long-term use. This is due to VOCs causing numerous health issues, especially when inhaled.

Paraffin is also not considered sustainable. Paraffin candles can create a layer of soot buildup on walls, curtains, and home furnishings. Additionally, petroleum products are bad for the environment and can contribute to climate change when thrown into landfills. 

Palm Wax

Palm wax comes from palm fruit oil, primarily in Southeast Asia. It is another natural and renewable sustainable alternative for candle wax and does not contain unhealthy chemicals or synthetic material additives. In addition, palm wax is bio-degradable, unlike paraffin wax. 

Palm wax candles burn cleaner and longer than artificial wax-based candles. Palm wax also has a higher melting point. 

Candelilla Wax

Candelilla wax is much denser than beeswax, with a higher melting point. The wax is derived from the candelilla plant of Northern Mexico and the southwest region of the U.S.

Candelilla wax is a plant-based and 100% vegan alternative to beeswax. It is natural, non-toxic, and odorless. 

Gel Wax

Gel wax candles burn twice as long as a standard wax candle. They also have a richer glow. Gel candle wax uses a different fragrance oil than standard wax candles use. They must be oil-soluble to prevent pockets of fragrance buildup, as they can be highly flammable.

Care must be taken to ensure that gel wax candles are not left unattended since they tend to flare up unexpectedly and can cause a potential fire hazard.

A gel wax candle is similar to a paraffin candle since gel wax is also made from petroleum-based wax products. Because of this, harmful synthetic hydrocarbons release pollutants into the air when burned. 

Soy Wax

As the name suggests, Soy wax comes from the oil of soybeans. Soy wax is less expensive than beeswax but still has all-natural ingredients. In addition, soy is vegetable-based and vegan and won't harm the environment the way harvesting beeswax can sometimes do to bee colonies.

Soy wax meets both the cost-efficiency and the environmental factors of great candle wax. Soy candles are non-toxic and burn cleanly with no soot or strong odors. In addition, soy candle wax is biodegradable, so there's no worrying about harmful chemical emissions or toxic materials leaching into your home.

Soy candle wax has a lower melting point than paraffin candles, so it is less likely to cause burns to your skin if it accidentally drips on you. In addition, low-temperature melted soy wax can help soften cuticles. It's like a bonus spa treatment and candle all in one. 

Soy wax candles may be more expensive than artificial types of candle wax like paraffin, but they offer a controlled burn that lasts 50% longer. And soy candles also burn more evenly with less wasted wax clinging to the sides. So you are getting your money's worth. 

Soy candles offer a stronger scent, so your self-care aromatherapy session will immerse you in beautiful fragrances without any toxic fumes of other candle wax types. Instead, all you smell is rich and luxurious pure scents from your soy candles. Soy wax is one of the most versatile and beneficial types of candle wax in today's market. 

With proper maintenance, you can enjoy your soy candles and their benefits without worrying about the harmful side effects of cheaper synthetic types of candle wax. 

Soy Wax Is One of the Best Overall Types of Candle Wax

For your health and the environment's health, soy wax tops the list in so many areas of the best types of candle wax.

Pure Placid combines pure ingredients and exquisite scents for the best of both worlds in care and luxury. Our Purity Promise means we will never use petroleum-based chemicals and additives in our products.

Don't mess around with toxic and dangerous cheaper artificial candle waxes. Instead, see for yourself what soy wax candles can do for you. Shop our entire catalog of products and gifts on our Pure Placid website today.

Contact Us with any questions you may have. We're happy to help!