Tyler Brooks
Candles are made from wax, a wick, and sometimes fragrance oils. The wax can be derived from animal, insect, vegetable, or petroleum sources. Animal-based waxes include tallow (made from beef or mutton fat) and beeswax, while insect-based wax can be derived from the Coccos pella insect. Vegetable-based waxes include soy wax, palm wax, and coconut wax, and petroleum-based waxes include paraffin wax and microcrystalline wax. The wick is typically made from braided cotton, and sometimes infused with chemicals to modify burning characteristics. Fragrance oils can be natural, made from essential plant extracts, or synthetic, made in a laboratory.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Paraffin wax, beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, coconut wax, apricot wax, stearin, microcrystalline wax, vegetable-based waxes, tallow, spermaceti wax |
| Wick | String or cord, braided cotton, wood, metal-core (zinc or tin) |
| Oils | Fragrance oils, essential oils, natural fragrance oils |
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What You'll Learn
Wicks: cotton, wood, or metal-core (zinc or tin)
The wick of a candle is the piece of string or cord that holds the flame. Commercial wicks are typically made from braided cotton. The wick's capillarity determines the rate at which the melted hydrocarbon is conveyed to the flame. If the capillarity is too great, the molten wax will stream down the side of the candle.
Wicks are often infused with chemicals to modify their burning characteristics. For example, it is usually desirable that the wick does not glow after the flame is extinguished. Typical agents used for this purpose include ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate. The size of the flame and the corresponding rate of burning are largely controlled by the candle wick.
Candles with wooden wicks are also available. These provide a gentle and safe flickering effect as the wax from the candle heats and melts.
Metal-core wicks, made from zinc or tin, are sometimes used in container candles and votives to keep the wick upright when the surrounding wax liquefies during burning. Scientific studies have shown that these wicks are safe and non-toxic.
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Wax: paraffin, soy, beeswax, coconut, or palm
The type of wax used in candles depends on the desired characteristics, such as affordability, availability, scent distribution, and finish.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax, also known as petroleum wax, is a popular choice for candle-making due to its affordability, low melting point, and versatility. It is a synthetic product derived from petroleum, coal, or shale oil. Paraffin wax is soft, colourless, odourless, and flavourless. It has a typical melting point between 46°C and 68°C (115°F and 154°F). However, paraffin wax is not eco-friendly and can release toxic fumes when burnt, which can be harmful to human health and the environment.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is made from soybean oil and is often used in container candles due to its lower melting point compared to traditional waxes. It is available in flake and pellet form and has an off-white, opaque appearance. Soy wax produces a cleaner and slower burn than paraffin wax, resulting in cooler-burning and longer-lasting candles. It is also cheaper and produces minimal soot, but it has a more subtle scent distribution.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees and has been used in candle-making for centuries. It is an expensive option and is not considered vegan. Beeswax candles burn brighter and longer than other types of wax, and they do not release toxic or harmful fumes. Beeswax candles have a naturally sweet aroma and are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and biodegradable.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is a vegan product derived from coconut oil. It is colourless and odourless, with a superior scent distribution compared to other waxes. Coconut wax burns slowly and cleanly, producing less soot than other types of wax. It is considered one of the healthiest and most eco-friendly options for candle-making.
Palm Wax
Palm wax is another vegetable-based wax derived from palm oil. While it is used in candle-making, it is not ideal for production and is generally not recommended by the candle-making community.
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History: tallow, beeswax, spermaceti, stearin, or paraffin
The materials used to make candles have evolved over the centuries, with early civilisations using whatever raw materials were available. These included animal fats, oils and waxy substances derived from animals, insects, plants and rocks.
Tallow
Tallow candles are made from rendered animal fat, typically from cattle or sheep. They were used by the Ancient Egyptians and Romans, and during the Middle Ages, they became an indispensable part of daily life in Europe. Tallow candles were used in homes, churches, and even as a means of telling time with "candle clocks". They were also used in religious rituals and daily activities, providing a sense of connection and comfort. Tallow has also proven to be a versatile substance, used in soap making, cooking, skincare and cosmetics throughout history.
Beeswax
Beeswax candles have been used for thousands of years, with the earliest known examples dating back to ancient Egypt. The ancient Greeks and Romans also used beeswax candles in religious ceremonies and to light their homes. Beeswax was introduced to Europe during the Middle Ages but was a luxury item due to its expense. Beeswax candles are non-toxic, emit negative ions when burned, and have a natural, subtle honey scent. They are also more resistant to melting in warm conditions due to their high melting point.
Spermaceti
The whaling industry in the 18th century stimulated the development of spermaceti wax, derived from the head oil of the sperm whale. Spermaceti candles burned cleanly and had a low odour. Historians note that the first "standard candles" were made from this wax.
Stearin
In the 1820s, French chemist Michel Eugene Chevreul discovered how to extract stearic acid from animal fatty acids, leading to the development of stearin wax. Stearin candles are hard, durable and burn cleanly. They remain popular in Europe, particularly in Nordic countries.
Paraffin
Paraffin wax was introduced in the 1850s when chemists discovered how to separate and refine the naturally-occurring waxy substance from petroleum. It was a boon to candlemaking as it burned cleanly, consistently and was economical to produce. Paraffin is now the most commonly used candle wax worldwide.
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Fragrance: essential or fragrance oils
The fragrance is an essential part of scented candles. Consumers often buy scented candles to wind down after a long day or to celebrate milestones and accomplishments. Fragrances can be either essential oils or fragrance oils.
Essential oils are pure plant extracts, which makes them more expensive to work with. They are natural fragrance materials. They are identical to VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in nature. However, the safety level of a fragrance is not dependent on whether it comes from nature or a lab but on the concentration of the specific VOC in the air. To ensure fragrances (VOCs) from candles are safe, fragrance formulas are reviewed against the safety standards established by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA). Each ingredient in the fragrance and the finished product is required to meet the specifications set down by IFRA to be compliant with the standard. If the fragrance and product meet the standard, then the fragrance VOCs in that particular product are considered safe for human use.
Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are synthetically made scents and are less expensive. They are commonly found in many scented products and the amount of oil added to the wax defines how fragrant a candle can be. They are usually sold in powder form and are then reconstituted by suppliers using "solvents" to turn them into liquid. Phthalates are used during this process, which has been deemed to have negative health effects, primarily affecting breathing. However, there are no known health hazards associated with the use of scented candles. Validated scientific studies have shown that all major candle waxes produce virtually identical combustion byproducts, both in terms of composition and amount. To date, no peer-reviewed scientific study has ever collected or analyzed any emissions data on any candle wax and proven them to be harmful to human health.
Natural fragrance oils are added to soy candles to provide a relaxing and uplifting aromatherapy experience.
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Colour: dyes or colourants
Candles can be dyed with colourants to create a specific atmosphere or for decorative purposes. The colourants used in candles are typically dyes, which can be natural or synthetic. Natural dyes are derived from plants, insects, or minerals, while synthetic dyes are created in a laboratory.
Natural dyes have been used for centuries to colour candles and can be made from a variety of sources. For example, the ancient Romans used natural dyes derived from plants and insects to colour their candles. Today, natural dyes are often used to create eco-friendly candles. Some common natural dyes used in candle making include:
- Alkanet root: produces purple, red, or burgundy colours
- Turmeric: produces yellow or orange colours
- Indigo: produces blue or purple colours
Synthetic dyes, on the other hand, are created in a laboratory and are typically brighter and more vibrant than natural dyes. They are also more consistent in colour and less expensive to produce. However, some people prefer to avoid synthetic dyes due to concerns about their potential impact on health and the environment.
When adding colour to candles, it is important to use a dye that is specifically designed for candle making. These dyes are typically oil-soluble and will mix well with the wax, creating a consistent colour throughout the candle. Using the wrong type of dye can result in the colour bleeding or fading over time.
In addition to natural and synthetic dyes, some candle makers also use natural ingredients such as herbs, spices, or flowers to add colour and fragrance to their candles. This creates a more natural product that is often desired by consumers who are conscious of the ingredients in their candles.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles are made from wax, a wick and sometimes oils. The wax is typically paraffin, beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, synthesized waxes, or blends of waxes. The wick is typically made from braided cotton, but can also be made from wood or have a metal core. Oils used are either fragrance or essential oils.
Paraffin wax is derived from the refining of crude oil and is the most commonly used wax for candles today. It is inexpensive and works well with fragrance oils and colourants.
Soy wax, beeswax, and coconut wax are all more natural alternatives to paraffin wax. Soy wax is made from soybeans, beeswax is a byproduct of honey collection, and coconut wax is made by extracting and hydrogenating oil from coconut meat.
There are no known health hazards associated with the use of scented candles. However, concerns about the safety of man-made fragrances versus natural fragrance materials and essential oils have been expressed in the media.
