Brooke Martin
Candles are primarily made of wax, and the type of wax used can vary. In the past, candles were made from fats saved from the kitchen, whale fat, beeswax, stearin, and spermaceti. Today, most candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining. However, candles can also be made from soy wax, beeswax, gel, plant waxes, and other materials. The choice of wax can depend on factors such as sustainability, burn rate, and cost. Fragrance is another important consideration, with many candles incorporating essential oils or fragrance oils to create scented candles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredient | Wax |
| Wax Types | Soy Wax, Paraffin Wax, Beeswax, Microcrystalline Wax, Gel Wax, Plant Wax (Palm, Carnauba, Bayberry, Soybean Wax), Stillingia Tallow, Japan Wax, Chinese Wax, Cinnamon Wax |
| Wick Types | Wood, Cotton, Zinc, Paper |
| Other Ingredients | Fragrance or Essential Oils |
| Use | Lighting, Home Decor, Aromatherapy, Stress Reduction |
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What You'll Learn
Candles are mostly made of paraffin wax
Candles have been made from various materials over the centuries, from animal fats to beeswax and spermaceti, a waxy substance derived from sperm whales. However, in the modern era, most candles are made from paraffin wax, a by-product of the petroleum industry. Paraffin wax is created using waxy substances from crude oil, and it is the cheapest and most widely available wax type on the market. It is also highly versatile, able to hold both dyes and scents very well, making it an ideal base for commercially produced candles.
The process of making paraffin wax involves distilling the residue left after crude petroleum is refined. This was first achieved in the mid-19th century by James Young, who established the world's first oil refinery and produced two paraffin wax candles that illuminated a lecture. Young later succeeded in distilling paraffin wax from coal and oil shales, developing a commercially viable method of production.
While paraffin wax is the most common type of wax used in modern candles, there are other types of wax that are also popular. Soy wax, for example, is becoming increasingly popular as it is plant-based, burns cleaner and slower than paraffin, and is a healthier alternative. Beeswax is another option, though it is usually more expensive than soy wax. It is available in yellow or white varieties, with the yellow variety being aromatic and the white one non-aromatic.
The type of wax used in a candle can affect its burn rate, with beeswax and coconut wax burning slower than paraffin or soy wax. This is an important consideration for candle makers, as the burn rate can impact the overall performance and longevity of the candle. Additionally, the choice of wax can also be influenced by sustainability concerns, as some waxes may have a greater environmental impact than others.
In conclusion, while candles have historically been made from a variety of materials, the most common type of wax used in modern candles is paraffin wax due to its low cost, wide availability, and ability to hold dyes and scents. However, other types of wax, such as soy and beeswax, are also popular for their unique characteristics and sustainability profiles.
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Other types include soy, beeswax, microcrystalline, and gel
Candles are primarily made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining. However, other types of waxes are also used, including soy, beeswax, microcrystalline, and gel.
Soy wax, derived from soybeans, is a popular alternative to paraffin wax. It is plant-based and burns cleaner and slower than paraffin. Soy wax is a good option for those seeking a sustainable choice, but it is important to consider that the American soy industry primarily uses genetically modified soy and pesticides.
Beeswax, a natural byproduct of honey collection, has been used for candle-making for centuries. It is a more expensive option than soy wax and is available in aromatic yellow and non-aromatic white varieties. Beeswax candles can be used with or without containers and have a natural golden hue.
Microcrystalline wax is another type of wax used in candle-making. It is a petroleum byproduct, similar to paraffin wax. Microcrystalline wax has a higher melting point than paraffin, giving it a longer burn time.
Gel candles are made from a mixture of polymer and mineral oil, creating a unique, quirky appearance. They are often used for decorative purposes and are available in various colours and scents.
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Wicks are made from wood, cotton, or zinc
Wicks are an essential component of candles, drawing liquefied wax into the flame to enable burning. Different types of wicks are made from various materials, including wood, cotton, and zinc.
Wooden wicks are made from thin, flat strips of wood. They deliver melted candle wax to the flame, just like traditional cotton wicks. Wooden wicks stand up easily in the container while pouring wax and during the hardening process, making them easier to use than cotton wicks. They produce a flatter, lower flame, creating a cosy ambience with a soft crackling sound. This is caused by substances in the wood transforming into gas and expanding, causing the surrounding material to break open. Wooden wicks require regular trimming to burn effectively and can be more challenging to light. They are available in various styles, including flat, booster, and spiral or tube shapes. Flat wicks are best suited for thinner waxes, while thicker waxes require booster or spiral wicks.
Cotton wicks are made from braided or synthetic fibres and are typically treated with a core stiffener or wax coating to enhance their structure. They produce a taller, rounder flame, providing more light. Most cotton wicks today are self-trimming, with the excess wick incinerated during burning. Cotton wicks are generally easier to maintain and more affordable to manufacture than wooden wicks.
Zinc is commonly used as a core material in metal-cored wicks, providing stability and stiffness to the wick. Metal-cored wicks with zinc or zinc alloys have become the industry standard, replacing lead-core wicks that posed health hazards due to lead vapour inhalation.
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Fragrance and essential oils are added for scent
The use of candles has evolved from the religious to the secular. In the 21st century, there has been a huge spike in sales of scented candles. The COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns led to a dramatic increase in the sales of scented candles, diffusers, and room sprays.
Fragrance and essential oils are added to candles for scent. Essential oils are pure plant extracts, which makes them more expensive to work with, whereas fragrance oils are synthetically made scents and are less expensive. Fragrance oils are commonly found in many scented products, and the amount of oil added to the wax defines how fragrant a candle can be.
The National Candle Association reports that fragrance is the most important characteristic impacting candle purchases today, with three-fourths of candle buyers saying it is "extremely important" or "very important" in their selection of a candle. Consumers are increasingly purchasing candles as a focal point for their home décor, and for aromatherapy-like relaxation and stress reduction.
Bulk fragrance oils are usually sold in powder form, which are then reconstituted by suppliers, using "solvents" to turn them into liquid. Oftentimes, phthalates are used during this process. The jury is still out regarding phthalates, however, it is getting a bad reputation as a potential cause of negative health effects, primarily affecting breathing.
Essential oils like peppermint, rosemary, and lavender may enhance cognitive function and memory retention.
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Historically, candles were made from animal fats
Throughout history, candles have been a vital source of light and have undergone various transformations in terms of their materials and methods of production. Animal fats, also known as tallow, have been commonly used for candle-making, especially in ancient times. This practice has a long tradition and has left its mark on the candle-making industry even to the present day.
The use of animal fats for candles can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. In those times, animal resources were readily available, and tallow was a practical and economical choice for candle production. Animal fats were easy to obtain from the butchering process, and candles could be made from the rendered fat. This made candles a valuable commodity, providing light for homes, places of worship, and public spaces.
The process of making tallow candles involved rendering the fat, which meant melting and purifying it. The fat would be heated to separate the usable fat from the impurities. This process could be done in a large pot over a fire or in specialized rendering equipment. Once the fat was rendered, it would be poured into molds to create candles of various sizes and shapes.
Tallow candles played a significant role in the medieval period and were widely used in castles and homes. They were often made from beef or mutton fat, and the candles produced were typically smoky and had a strong odor. To improve the quality and burning properties of tallow candles, beeswax was sometimes added. However, beeswax was more expensive, so it was often reserved for special occasions or used by the wealthy.
In the 1800s, the whaling industry also influenced candle-making, as whale fat, also known as spermaceti, was used for candle production. Whale oil was highly valued for its ability to burn cleanly and brightly. However, the use of whale fat for candles declined due to the decreasing whale population and the rising popularity of alternative materials, such as paraffin wax.
Today, while most store-bought candles are made from paraffin wax or soy wax, it's important to recognize the historical significance of animal fats in candle-making. The use of tallow candles may have diminished over time with the advancement of candle-making technology and the discovery of alternative materials, but it remains a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of our ancestors.
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Frequently asked questions
Most candles are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum refining.
Other types of wax used to make candles include soy wax, beeswax, microcrystalline wax, gel wax, plant waxes (palm, carnauba, bayberry, or soybean wax), and stearin (produced from palm waxes).
Paraffin wax is the most widely available wax type on the market and is used as the base for most commercially produced candles due to its ability to hold both dyes and scents at a minimal cost. However, soy wax is becoming increasingly popular for scented candles as it burns cleaner and slower than paraffin.
Wicks can be made from different materials, including wood, cotton, and zinc.
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