Chloe Adams
Candles are made from wax, a wick, and oil. Over the years, candles have been made from various waxes, fats, and oils, many of which are derived from animals, insects, and plant matter. The earliest candles were made from tallow (animal fat) and beeswax. In the mid-1800s, candles were also made from spermaceti, a waxy substance derived from sperm whales. Today, most candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of the petroleum industry, although other types of waxes such as soy, beeswax, and coconut wax are also commonly used. Candle wicks are typically made from cotton, wood, or zinc, and oils used are either fragrance or essential oils.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Candle Wicks | Cotton, wood, zinc |
| Wax | Paraffin, soy, beeswax, coconut, apricot, microcrystalline, gel, tallow, palm, carnauba, bayberry, soybean, stillingia tallow, Japan wax, Chinese wax |
| Oils | Natural fragrance oils, essential oils, synthetic fragrance oils |
| Other Materials | Skin fat, bone fat, fish oil, industrial greases, whale fat, stearin, spermaceti |
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What You'll Learn
Wicks: Cotton, wood, or zinc
Wicks are an essential component of candles, enabling the candle to burn and providing structure to the candle during production. Wicks are typically made from cotton, wood, or zinc.
Cotton wicks are the most common type, made from tightly braided cotton to ensure they are safe to burn and self-combusting, providing a clean and environmentally friendly burn. Cotton wicks require a wick holder to stay upright.
Wooden wicks are another option, providing a gentle and safe flickering effect as the wax melts. Wooden wicks, like cotton wicks, require a wick holder to remain upright.
Zinc wicks, featuring a zinc wire core, can stand upright on their own, making the candle-making process easier.
The size and type of wick impact the rate of burning and the size of the flame. A larger wick will result in a faster melt and a larger flame, while a smaller wick may lead to "tunneling", where only the centre of the candle burns.
Over time, improvements have been made to wicks to enhance their performance and self-trimming capabilities. For example, in 1825, M. Cambacérès introduced the plaited wick soaked in mineral salts, which curled towards the outer edge of the flame and trimmed itself.
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Wax: Paraffin, soy, beeswax, coconut, or apricot
Candles are made from a variety of waxes, including paraffin, soy, beeswax, coconut, or apricot. Each type of wax has unique properties that influence the candle-making process and the characteristics of the final product.
Paraffin wax, a by-product of the petrochemical industry, is the most commonly used wax for mass-market candles. It is derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale and consists of hydrocarbon molecules. Paraffin wax remains solid at room temperature, melting at around 37°C (99°F). It is a versatile and inexpensive option, known for its clean burn, excellent scent retention, and smooth finish. However, some consumers are moving away from paraffin wax due to concerns about its potential health and environmental impacts.
Soy wax, made from hydrogenated soybean and palm oil, is a more recent innovation in candle-making. It offers a smoke-free, even burn and can be infused with natural fragrance oils to create a relaxing aromatherapy experience. Soy wax is easy to handle, measure, and melt, making it a popular choice for both beginner and experienced candle makers.
Beeswax candles have a long history and were once a luxury item. Today, beeswax candles are valued for their natural, chemical-free properties and their ability to burn beautifully. The wax undergoes specialised filtration processes to ensure purity and a light colour.
Coconut wax is another natural option for candle-making. Coconut wax candles are known for their sustainability and modern, fresh designs. They are all-natural and eco-friendly, with clean-burning wicks.
Apricot wax is a soft and beautiful option for luxury candles. It is easy to pour and has great adhesion to candle vessels. Apricot wax can be blended with coconut and soy waxes to create a smooth finish and enhance fragrance intensity.
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Animal-based: Tallow, whale fat, or animal fat
Candles have been a source of light and ambiance for centuries, and even in modern times, they retain their popularity. While most people are familiar with candles, the materials used to create them may be less known. Animal-based products, such as tallow, whale fat, and other animal fats, have traditionally been used as key components in candle-making.
Animal-based candles have a long history, especially before the widespread use of vegetable-based oils and paraffin wax. These candles were commonly used for lighting and religious purposes. Tallow, rendered from beef or mutton fat, was particularly popular and is still used today in certain cultural and religious contexts. The process of making tallow candles involves rendering the fat, which is then boiled and skimmed to purify it. The purified fat is then cooled and hardened, becoming solid tallow, which can be moulded or dipped to create candles.
Whale fat, or whale oil, was also once a common candle component. The use of whale fat for candles was particularly prominent during the 18th and 19th centuries. Whale oil candles were known for their bright, clear flame and were considered a luxury item. However, with the decline in whaling and the increasing awareness of the importance of whale conservation, whale fat is no longer a common candle ingredient.
Animal fat, in general, can also be used to create candles, though it is less common today. Any type of animal fat can be rendered and purified in a similar process to tallow candle-making. These candles often have a lower melting point than other types of candles, which can make them unsuitable for certain climates or environments. However, they can be a sustainable and cost-effective option for those with access to animal fats.
Animal-based candles have their own unique characteristics and benefits. They tend to burn longer and with a brighter flame compared to vegetable-based candles. The hardness of the fat also contributes to a longer-lasting candle. However, one of the main drawbacks is the scent. Animal-based candles often have a distinct odour, which may not be appealing to all. To counter this, scents and essential oils can be added to the wax to create a more pleasant fragrance. Despite this, animal-based candles remain a traditional and sustainable option for those interested in candle-making and provide a unique connection to the past.
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Plant-based: Palm, carnauba, bayberry, or soybean wax
Candles are made from wax, fats, and oils, with various materials used throughout history. In the modern era, candles are typically made from paraffin wax, but there has been a shift towards plant-based alternatives.
Plant-based candles are better for the environment and human health, as they do not release toxic carcinogens during combustion. They are also made from renewable and biodegradable sources, and are vegan-friendly.
Palm wax is a plant-based alternative to paraffin wax. It burns cleanly with a low soot output and has a long burn time. However, due to the effects of palm oil production on deforestation, sales of palm wax have declined.
Carnauba wax is another plant-based wax that can be used to make candles. It is produced from the leaves of the carnauba palm tree, native to Brazil. Carnauba wax has a high melting point, making it suitable for container candles. It also has a high gloss finish, giving candles a polished appearance.
Bayberry wax is a plant-based wax derived from the bayberry shrub. It has a natural green colour and a sweet, earthy scent. Bayberry wax has a high melting point, making it ideal for container candles, and it burns slowly, resulting in a long-lasting candle.
Soy wax is a popular plant-based alternative to paraffin wax. It is made from soybean oil, with hydrogenation altering the melting point to make it solid at room temperature. Soy wax burns longer than paraffin wax, and its low melting point results in a larger pool of liquid wax, allowing for better fragrance distribution. Soy candles burn evenly and do not produce smoke or health hazards, making them a preferred choice for aromatherapy.
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Oils: Fragrance, essential, or natural
Oils are an important ingredient in candle-making. They can be used to create fragrance, or as the wax itself.
Fragrance Oils
Fragrance oils are added to candles to give them a pleasant scent. They can be synthetic or natural, and are often used by professionals and hobbyists alike to create amazing candles. Fragrance oils tend to have a higher flash point than essential oils, meaning they don't evaporate as quickly when exposed to high heat.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds that can be used to scent candles. They are a popular choice for candle-making due to their natural, non-toxic properties. However, they can be tricky to work with because of their low flash points, which cause them to evaporate at high temperatures. This can limit the strength of their aroma in candles, but there are techniques to maximise their scent and effectiveness. For example, choosing essential oils with higher flash points and strong aromas, such as those above 150°F, can improve the fragrance throw.
Natural Oils
Natural oils, such as soy bean and palm oil, can be combined to create a scented candle that burns evenly and is smoke-free. These candles can provide an uplifting aromatherapy experience, and are a more environmentally friendly and healthier alternative to traditional paraffin wax candles.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles are made of wax, a wick, and oil. The wax can be paraffin, soy, beeswax, coconut, apricot, or a combination of waxes. The wick is usually made of cotton, but can also be made of wood or zinc. Oils used include fragrance and essential oils.
Paraffin wax is a by-product of the petroleum industry, made from waxy substances found in crude oil. It is the cheapest and most widely available wax type, but it is neither biodegradable nor natural, and it releases soot and toxins into the air.
Soy wax is a popular alternative to paraffin wax. It is made from extracted oils of soybeans and burns cleaner and slower than paraffin. Another alternative is beeswax, which is made from the waxy abdominal secretions of honeybees. Beeswax is natural and has a sweet aroma, but it is more expensive than paraffin.
Candle wicks are usually made from cotton, but they can also be made from wood or zinc. Cotton wicks need a wick holder to stay upright, whereas wooden wicks and wicks with zinc wires stay upright on their own.
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