Ben Carter
Candles are made from wax, a flammable, carbon-containing solid that becomes liquid when heated above room temperature. Over the centuries, candle waxes have been developed from fats, oils, and waxy substances derived from animals, insects, plants, and rocks. Today, candles are made from various types of wax, including paraffin, soy, beeswax, palm, gels, and synthesized waxes. Each type of wax has unique properties, such as burn time, sustainability, and fragrance-holding capacity, making some waxes better suited for specific types of candles and purposes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Solid at room temperature | Yes |
| Liquid at higher temperatures | Yes |
| Water repellent | Yes |
| Insoluble | Yes |
| Flammable | Yes |
| Carbon-containing | Yes |
| Hydrocarbon | Yes |
| Natural | Beeswax, Soy wax, Coconut wax, Rapeseed wax |
| Synthetic | Paraffin wax, Palm wax, Gels, Synthetic waxes, Synthesized waxes |
| Most common | Paraffin wax |
| Most eco-friendly | Soy wax |
| Longest burn time | Soy wax |
| Holds fragrance the best | Paraffin wax |
| Holds colour the best | Paraffin wax |
| Best for clean burn | Beeswax, Coconut wax |
| Most budget-friendly | Soy wax |
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What You'll Learn
- Candle wax is typically solid at room temperature and liquid at higher temperatures
- Over the centuries, candle waxes have been developed from fats, oils and waxy substances derived from animals, insects, plants and rocks
- Paraffin wax is the most commonly used candle wax today
- Soy wax is a popular alternative to paraffin wax, offering a slow, steady burn and being more eco-friendly
- Beeswax is one of the oldest forms of candle wax and is made by bees during the honey-making process
Candle wax is typically solid at room temperature and liquid at higher temperatures
Candle wax is typically solid at room temperature and becomes a liquid at higher temperatures. It is a flammable, carbon-containing solid that serves as the candle's fuel. When a candle is lit, the heat melts the wax, which is then vaporised and combusted, producing heat and light.
Over the centuries, candle waxes have been made from a variety of fats, oils and waxy substances derived from animals, insects, plants and even rocks. The term "wax" is considered a generic term for materials that are solid at room temperature, liquid at higher temperatures, primarily hydrocarbon in structure, and water-repellent.
The type of wax used in candles depends on the candle's purpose and the candle-maker's preferences. Paraffin wax, for example, is the most commonly used candle wax today. It is inexpensive, holds colour and scent well, and is suitable for highly decorative candles. However, it releases soot when burned, which has raised concerns about its environmental impact.
Other types of wax used in candles include beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, and synthesized waxes. Soy wax is a popular choice for its slow, steady burn and eco-friendliness, although it may be more difficult to work with due to its sensitivity to temperature changes. Beeswax, one of the oldest forms of candle wax, has a subtly sweet natural scent and a tougher, more solid nature. It has been used in candle-making for thousands of years, although it is not vegan-friendly as it is produced by bees during the honey-making process.
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Over the centuries, candle waxes have been developed from fats, oils and waxy substances derived from animals, insects, plants and rocks
Over the centuries, candle waxes have been developed from a variety of fats, oils and waxy substances derived from animals, insects, plants and even rocks.
In ancient times, civilisations relied on raw materials to create candle wax. For example, the Ancient Egyptians and Romans used tallow rendered from animals. In the 18th and 19th centuries, spermaceti, a waxy substance produced by sperm whales, was used to make superior candles that burned longer, brighter and gave off no offensive smell. Later, colza oil and rapeseed oil were introduced as cheaper substitutes.
In the mid-19th century, candle-making became an industrialised mass-market process. The invention of new production techniques, such as the mechanised production of candles by Joseph Morgan in 1834, made candles affordable for the masses. During this time, candles were made from paraffin wax and stearic acid, with the former being a byproduct of petroleum. Paraffin wax is still the most commonly used candle wax today, particularly in luxury candles, due to its ability to create strong fragrances and hold colour well.
However, there are many other types of candle waxes available today, including natural waxes such as soy, beeswax, coconut, palm, gels, and synthetic waxes. Soy wax is a popular choice for those seeking a slower-burning, more environmentally friendly option compared to paraffin wax. Beeswax, one of the oldest forms of candle wax, is known for its sweet natural scent and solid nature, while coconut wax is often used for its ability to produce a smoke-free flame. Ultimately, the type of wax chosen for candle-making depends on various factors, including budget, fragrance strength, burn time, and environmental concerns.
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Paraffin wax is the most commonly used candle wax today
Candles are made from wax, a generic term for materials that are solid at room temperature and liquid at higher temperatures. Over the centuries, candle waxes have been made from fats, oils, and waxy substances derived from animals, insects, plants, and rocks.
Today, paraffin wax is the most commonly used candle wax. It is a soft, colourless, odourless, and flavourless solid derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale. Paraffin wax was first created by German chemist Karl von Reichenbach in 1830. It was a significant advancement in candle-making technology as it burned more cleanly and reliably than tallow candles and was cheaper to produce. In the mid-1850s, James Young developed a commercially viable method of producing paraffin wax from coal and oil shales, making candles affordable for the masses. Paraffin wax is also used in lubrication, electrical insulation, crayons, and cosmetics.
Other types of candle waxes include beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, and synthesized waxes. Beeswax is one of the oldest forms of candle wax and has been used since ancient times in China and Egypt. However, beeswax candles were historically expensive and primarily used by the elite and churches. Soy wax is a more eco-friendly alternative to paraffin wax, although it may be more difficult to work with and does not hold fragrance as well. Wax blends, which combine different types of waxes, are also available and offer a more sustainable option.
The choice of wax depends on various factors such as the type of candle being made, budget constraints, desired fragrance strength, and environmental considerations. While paraffin wax is the most widely used due to its low cost and ability to hold fragrance and colour, it is less eco-friendly than some other options. Ultimately, the right combination of wax, fragrance, wick, and vessel is essential for the perfect candle-burning experience.
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Soy wax is a popular alternative to paraffin wax, offering a slow, steady burn and being more eco-friendly
Candles are solid blocks of wax with an embedded wick that can be ignited to provide light, heat, or fragrance. Over the centuries, candle wax has been derived from a variety of sources, including animal, insect, plant, and rock-based fats, oils, and waxy substances.
Today, paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum, is the most commonly used candle wax worldwide. However, soy wax, a vegetable wax derived from hydrogenated soybean oil, has emerged as a popular alternative.
Soy wax offers several advantages over paraffin wax. Firstly, it is a more environmentally friendly option. Soy wax is made from soybeans, a renewable resource, and is biodegradable, making it more sustainable than paraffin wax, which is non-renewable and takes a long time to break down. Soy wax also burns more slowly than paraffin wax due to its lower melting point, resulting in a longer-lasting candle. This slower burn also contributes to a longer-lasting fragrance release, making it ideal for those who prefer a subtle, steady release of scent. Additionally, soy wax burns cleanly, producing little to no soot, which helps maintain air quality and reduces residue buildup on walls and furniture.
However, soy wax does have some drawbacks. It has a lower scent throw than paraffin wax, meaning it cannot hold as much fragrance oil and may not be suitable for those who prefer a strong scent. Soy wax is also generally more expensive and can be more challenging to work with due to its lower melting point.
Ultimately, the choice between soy wax and paraffin wax depends on individual preferences and priorities. If you seek a natural, eco-friendly option that burns cleanly and lasts longer, soy wax is ideal. However, if you prioritize strong fragrances, vibrant colours, and affordability, paraffin wax may be a better choice. Blended waxes that combine soy and paraffin wax can also offer a balance between these various factors.
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Beeswax is one of the oldest forms of candle wax and is made by bees during the honey-making process
Candles have been used for over two millennia, providing light, and in some cases, fragrance. While candles are no longer essential for illumination, they are still used for functional, symbolic, and aesthetic purposes.
Beeswax is one of the oldest forms of candle wax. Before the 19th century, a "wax" candle typically referred to a beeswax candle. It is made by bees during the honey-making process. Beeswax is used around the globe, although in significantly smaller quantities than other types of candle wax.
The wax used for candle-making is typically a hydrocarbon, whether derived from animals, vegetables, or petroleum. The most popular wax for candle-making today is paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining. Paraffin wax is widely used because it is inexpensive and holds colour and scent well. It is considered the best wax for achieving a strong fragrance.
Other types of candle wax include soy wax, palm wax, gels, synthetic waxes, and synthesized waxes. Soy wax is a more recent development, having been invented in 1996. It is derived from soybean oil and is a more eco-friendly option compared to paraffin wax. However, there are concerns about the soybean industry's use of deforestation, fertilisers, and pesticides.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles are made of wax and a wick. The wax is typically paraffin, beeswax, soy wax, gel, palm wax, coconut wax, rapeseed wax, or blended wax. The wick is usually made from braided cotton and is infused with chemicals to modify its burning characteristics.
Candle wax is made from fats, oils, and waxy substances derived from animals, insects, plants, and rocks. Today, most candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining.
The best wax for candle-making depends on your preferences and goals. Paraffin wax is the most widely used and inexpensive option, and it holds colour and scent well. Soy wax is a good budget-friendly option and produces lighter pastel colours. Beeswax is another popular option and may help to clarify the air.
Candles work through capillary action, where the wick draws ("wicks") the melted wax or fuel up to the flame. The liquid fuel then vaporizes and combusts. The candle wick influences how the candle burns, with characteristics such as diameter, stiffness, fire resistance, and tethering playing a role.
