Ben Carter
Candles are made of wax and a wick, with scented candles also containing fragrance. 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. Today, most candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining, though candles can also be made from microcrystalline wax, beeswax, gel, or some plant waxes (generally palm, carnauba, bayberry, or soybean wax). Soy wax is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to paraffin wax due to its natural production, clean burn, wide availability, and longer burn time. Commercial wicks are typically made from braided cotton, though other materials include paper, zinc, tin, and wood.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wax | Paraffin, Soy, Palm, Beeswax, Gels, Synthetic waxes, Synthesized waxes, Microcrystalline wax, Stearin, Vegetable waxes, Tallow |
| Wick | Braided cotton, Paper, Wood, Zinc, Tin |
| Scent | Natural and synthetic fragrances, Essential oils, Aroma chemicals |
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What You'll Learn
Paraffin wax is the most common candle wax
However, paraffin wax is a petroleum by-product, and as such, it emits large amounts of particulate pollution when burned. This includes soot and toxins, such as polycyclic hydrocarbons, which are major contributors to air pollution. Paraffin candles have also been found to release two carcinogens that have been linked to the development of cancer. Due to these health and sustainability concerns, some candle makers are opting for alternative waxes, such as soy wax, which is a vegetable wax with a longer burn time and clean burn.
Despite the issues surrounding paraffin wax, it remains the most frequently used candle wax worldwide due to its low cost and ability to hold dyes and scents. It is likely that paraffin wax will continue to be the primary wax used in commercial candles, although the rise of soy wax and other alternatives may challenge its dominance in the future.
Paraffin wax is just one of many waxes used in candle-making, with soy wax, beeswax, palm wax, gels, and synthesized waxes also commonly used. The type of wax used can depend on various factors, including cost, burn time, scent, and environmental impact. Ultimately, the choice of wax is an important consideration for candle makers and consumers alike.
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Soy wax is a popular alternative
Commercial candles are predominantly made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining. However, soy wax is a popular alternative. Soy wax is a natural, eco-friendly, and biodegradable alternative to paraffin wax. It is derived from soybean oil, which is grown in many parts of the world, including the United States, Brazil, and Argentina. Soy wax gained popularity in the 1990s as a more stable, affordable, and environmentally friendly option compared to beeswax and paraffin wax.
Soy wax has several benefits over other types of wax. Firstly, it is a slower-burning wax, which means it can burn up to 50% longer than paraffin wax, extending its lifespan. This makes it a cost-effective option for candle makers and consumers. Additionally, soy wax is easy to clean, as it can be cleaned with just hot water and paper towels. It also preserves the olfactory properties of perfumes, making it an excellent carrier of fragrance. Soy wax allows for a smooth and even diffusion of aromas, making it a popular choice for scented candles. The scents of soy wax candles are often more natural and less overpowering compared to other types of wax.
Another advantage of soy wax is its sustainability and environmental benefits. Soy wax is a renewable resource, as it is derived from soybeans, which are a plant-based raw material. This renewable aspect makes it attractive to environmentally conscious consumers. Soy wax is also biodegradable and produced without pesticides, ensuring it is GMO-free. It is a natural alternative to any type of wax and does not release harmful toxins into the air, unlike paraffin wax, which emits yucky chemicals such as toluene and benzene.
Soy wax is also easy to work with due to its relatively low melting point, making it ideal for beginners in candle making. It can be used to make container, molded, or massage candles, as well as fondants and certain cosmetics. Soy wax can be coloured during the heating phase by adding colour at a temperature of at least 70°C and mixing well to ensure even distribution. However, it is important to note that the colouring of soy wax candles will result in more pastel shades compared to paraffin wax.
Overall, soy wax is a popular alternative to paraffin wax for commercial candles due to its natural production, clean burn, wide availability, and excellent scent diffusion. It is a sustainable and environmentally friendly option that offers a renewable and biodegradable choice for candle makers and consumers alike.
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Beeswax is more expensive and rarely used
Commercial candles are made from a variety of waxes, including paraffin, soy, palm, gels, synthesized waxes, and blends of waxes. Paraffin wax is the most commonly used candle wax today due to its affordability and ability to hold dyes and scents. However, paraffin wax has been linked to health and sustainability concerns, leading some candle makers to opt for alternative waxes like soy wax.
Beeswax is another natural candle ingredient that has been used for centuries, but it is rarely used in commercial candles due to its high cost and limited availability. Beeswax is a byproduct of honey collection, harvested from honeycomb, and it has air-purifying properties as it releases negative ions that bind to toxins and allergens. While beeswax candles were once a luxury item used by the elite and churches, they have been largely replaced by more affordable alternatives like paraffin and soy wax.
The high cost of beeswax is due to the expense of beekeeping and the difficulty of scenting beeswax candles. Pure beeswax candles are preferred by those seeking unscented, natural candles, but the majority of consumers now expect scented candles. The development of new waxes for candles has historically been driven by the availability of raw materials and the ease and cost of processing them into a suitable wax.
While beeswax candles have their advantages, they also require a higher pouring temperature and can shrink during cooling. Soy wax, on the other hand, is more affordable, burns up to 50% longer than paraffin wax, and is an excellent carrier for scents without the need for additional additives. These factors have contributed to the rise in popularity of soy wax candles, especially among those seeking more sustainable and natural alternatives to paraffin wax.
In recent years, there has been a growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable candles, and some candle makers have blended beeswax with other waxes like soy to create more sustainable options. However, the high cost and limited availability of beeswax continue to make it a rare choice for commercial candle production.
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Wicks are usually made from cotton
Commercial candles are made from a variety of waxes, including paraffin, soy, palm, beeswax, gels, and synthesized waxes. The most commonly used wax is paraffin, a byproduct of petroleum refining. However, the type of wax is not the only factor that determines the quality of a candle.
The candle wick plays a crucial role in the burning characteristics of a candle. Wicks are usually made from cotton, which is braided or knitted to form a consistent burn. The wick's capillarity, or ability to convey the melted wax to the flame, is essential for a clean and proper burn. If the capillarity is too great, the molten wax will stream down the side of the candle.
There are different types of wicks, such as flat wicks, cored wicks, wooden wicks, and specialty wicks. Flat wicks are the most common type, often found in taper and pillar candles. They are made from braided or knitted fibers, usually in three bundles, and curl in the flame for a self-trimming effect. Cored wicks use a core material like cotton, paper, zinc, or tin to keep the wick upright while burning. Wooden wicks have gained popularity for the atmospheric crackling sound they create, and specialty wicks are designed for specific applications like oil lamps and insect-repelling candles.
The choice of wick depends on the type of fuel, size, shape, color, and fragrance of the candle. Reputable candle manufacturers carefully select the proper wick to ensure a clean and proper burn. The wick's thickness also matters, as thinner wicks may easily extinguish in larger candles, while thicker wicks with larger flames are better suited for bigger candles.
Overall, the wick is a critical component of a candle, and its selection is essential to ensure the desired burning characteristics and performance of the candle.
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Scented candles use natural and synthetic fragrances
Scent is an integral part of a candle's appeal. Scented candles use both natural and synthetic fragrances. The aroma from a lighted scented candle is released through the evaporation of the fragrance from the hot wax pool and the solid candle itself. The fragrance materials may be derived from essential oils or synthetic aroma chemicals. Candle manufacturers can choose from over 2,000 aroma chemicals and essential oils to create scents that are appealing to consumers and suitable for candle use.
Natural fragrances used in candles include essential oils, which can be derived from plants and flowers. For example, scented candles can be made from natural ingredients such as citrus fruits, cinnamon, peppermint, and pumpkin spice. Vanilla, sandalwood, and amber are warm scents that can be used in candles with wooden wicks to create a cosy, fireplace-like ambiance.
Synthetic fragrances are also used in scented candles. These are created in a laboratory using chemical compounds. Synthetic fragrances can be designed to mimic natural fragrances or create unique scents that do not occur in nature. They are often less expensive and more versatile than natural fragrances, making them a popular choice for candle manufacturers.
The type of fragrance used in a candle can impact the wick choice. Wicks are made from a variety of materials, including cotton, paper, zinc, wood, and tin. Different wicks have different burning characteristics, and some are better suited for certain types of fragrances than others.
The rising popularity of scented candles has been driven by the increasing emphasis on self-care and mental well-being, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a surge in sales of scented candles, diffusers, and room sprays.
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Frequently asked questions
Commercial candles are made of wax and a wick. The most common type of wax used is paraffin, which is derived from petroleum refining. Other types of wax used include soy wax, beeswax, palm wax, gels, and synthesized waxes. The wick is typically made from braided cotton.
In addition to paraffin wax, commercial candles can also be made from soy wax, beeswax, palm wax, gels, and synthesized waxes. Soy wax is a vegetable wax made from extracted soybean oils, while beeswax is a natural byproduct of honey collection. Palm wax is another vegetable-based wax, and gels and synthesized waxes are often used for specialty candles.
Candle wicks are typically made from braided cotton and are infused with chemicals to modify their burning characteristics. The wick's capillarity determines the rate at which the melted wax is conveyed to the flame. Different types of wicks include flat wicks, cored wicks, wooden wicks, and specialty wicks, each designed to meet specific burn requirements.
