Chloe Adams
Candles are made from wax, a wick, and oil. The wax can be paraffin, beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, synthetic waxes, coconut wax, or apricot wax. The wick can be wood, cotton, or zinc. The oil can be an essential oil, which is a pure plant extract, or a fragrance oil, which is synthetically made. Over the centuries, candle waxes have been developed from a variety of fats, oils, and waxy substances derived from animals, insects, plants, and rocks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Basic ingredients | Wax, wick, oil |
| Types of wax | Paraffin, soy, beeswax, coconut, palm, gels, synthetic, apricot |
| Wick types | Wood, cotton, zinc |
| Oil types | Essential oils, fragrance oils |
| Burning byproducts | Water vapour, carbon dioxide |
| Colour | White, yellow |
| Scent | Aromatic, non-aromatic |
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What You'll Learn
Waxes: paraffin, beeswax, soy, palm, gels, and synthetic waxes
The wax is the solid fuel of a candle, which is melted and ignited by the heat of the flame. There are several types of waxes used in candle-making, including paraffin wax, beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, synthetic waxes, and blends of waxes. Paraffin wax is derived from the refining of crude oil and is the most commonly used candle wax today. It is produced by removing the oil from slack wax, a byproduct of lubricating oil refining. The slack wax is heated, mixed with solvents, and then cooled, and may undergo further processing to remove colours and odours. Paraffin wax is sold in liquid or solid form.
Beeswax is another type of wax used in candle-making, though in smaller quantities than paraffin wax. It is derived from the honeycomb of honeybees and other bees and is available in aromatic yellow or non-aromatic white varieties. Beeswax candles were historically used by the elite and churches due to their expense.
Soy wax is a vegetable wax made from soybean oil and was developed for commercial use in the candle market in the late 1990s. It is a renewable resource with a slow and even burn, making it a longer-lasting option. Soy wax is also more affordable than coconut wax and paraffin wax.
Palm wax is another vegetable-based candle wax developed for commercial use in the late 1990s. Coconut wax is made by extracting and hydrogenating oil from coconut meat. It is highly sustainable, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and burns cleanly, producing minimal soot. However, it is more expensive than soy and paraffin wax and softens easily in warm temperatures, making it difficult to work with.
Gels and synthetic waxes were developed in the latter half of the 20th century, largely for specialty candle uses.
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Wicks: wood, cotton, and zinc
The wick is a crucial component of a candle, and different types of wicks can significantly impact the candle-burning experience. Cotton, wood, and zinc wicks are the three most common types of wicks used in candles, each offering unique advantages and characteristics.
Cotton wicks are one of the most popular choices for candle wicks due to their natural and sustainable properties. They are typically made from all-natural, ring-spun cotton and can be uncoated or coated with a wax coating for added rigidity. Cotton wicks are versatile and can be used with various wax types, including soy wax, palm wax, and paraffin wax. They come in different forms, such as spooled wicks, which can be cut to custom lengths, and pretabbed wicks, which have a metal tab at the base for easy use in container candles.
Wooden wicks offer a unique and luxurious alternative to traditional cotton wicks. They are made from a single piece of wood or dual layers of wood bonded together for a stronger burn. Wooden wicks produce a soft, crackling sound reminiscent of a cosy fireplace, adding an extra sensory element to the candle-burning experience. They also provide a consistent and even burn, reducing tunneling and improving scent throw. Wooden wicks are perfect for natural waxes like soy and coconut blends and are commonly used in container candles.
Zinc wicks, also known as zinc core wicks, are a type of cotton wick with an inner zinc core. The zinc core provides maximum rigidity and strength, keeping the wick straight in melted wax. These wicks are cooler burning and are generally recommended for use with paraffin wax. They help minimise the potential for mushrooming resulting from carbon buildup, making them a durable and long-lasting option.
It is important to select the appropriate wick size and type for a candle based on factors such as wax type, container size, and desired burn characteristics. Each type of wick offers distinct advantages and can enhance the overall candle-burning experience in its own unique way.
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Oils: essential oils, fragrance oils, and phthalates
Oils are a key ingredient in candles, providing fragrance and, in the case of essential oils, purported health benefits. There are three main types of oils used in candles: essential oils, fragrance oils, and phthalates.
Essential oils are highly sought-after compounds extracted from plants. They are prized for their characteristic odors, which are used to scent candles. However, they are not without drawbacks. Essential oils are sensitive to temperature changes and can be expensive to work with. Additionally, they are not always safe for human contact, and some individuals may experience irritation or allergic reactions. Despite these challenges, essential oils remain a popular choice for candle makers catering to consumers seeking ""natural" candles.
Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are synthetic oils that may or may not be derived from natural ingredients. They are used to impart a variety of scents to candles, ranging from floral fragrances to seasonal and holiday scents. While some fragrance oils are marketed with natural-sounding names, they are often chemical-based. It can be challenging to find lists of ingredients for these oils, and consumers should assume they are chemical-based unless specifically stated otherwise.
Phthalates are another type of synthetic oil used in candles. While they provide fragrance, their primary function is to stabilize and extend the shelf life of the fragrance oil. However, phthalates have come under scrutiny due to potential health concerns, and some candle makers opt for phthalate-free formulations.
The type of oil used in candle-making depends on various factors, including the candle maker's preferences, consumer demands, and health considerations. Some waxes, like soy, can accommodate a wide range of oils, while others, like coconut wax, are more limited in their compatibility. Ultimately, the choice of oil comes down to the specific requirements and desired characteristics of the final product.
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History: early candles were made of plant materials dipped in animal fat
The history of candle-making spans thousands of years, from ancient civilizations when candles served as the primary light source for homes, to the present day, where candles are used for decoration and fragrance. Early candles may have been made of plant materials dipped in animal fat, with evidence suggesting that the ancient Egyptians, Japanese, Chinese, Greeks, and Romans used wicked candles.
In ancient Egypt, candles were made by soaking the pithy core of reeds in melted animal fat. Similarly, the ancient Greeks offered moon-shaped honey cakes to the moon goddess Artemis, lit by small torches or candles. The Romans are often credited with the creation of the candle, but evidence suggests that other ancient civilizations also used wicked candles. Romans made true dipped candles from tallow and beeswax, with oil lamps being the most widely used source of illumination in Roman Italy.
In China, textual evidence suggests that candles may have been made from whale fat as early as the Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE). Chinese candles may also have been made from beeswax, wax from insects, or wax from the Chinese tallow tree. The Japanese used wax from tree nuts, while Indians boiled the fruit of the cinnamon tree to extract wax for candles.
In Europe, candles were primarily made from tallow and beeswax from the Roman period until the modern era. Tallow candles, made from rendered animal fat, were the common household candle for Europeans. By the 13th century, candlemaking had become a guild craft in England and France, with chandlers making candles from kitchen fats or selling their own candles from small shops. Beeswax candles were introduced in Europe during the Middle Ages, burning cleanly and emitting a pleasant sweet smell, in contrast to the foul odour and smoky flame of tallow candles.
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Health and safety: candle soot is not considered a health concern
Candles are made from wax and a wick, and sometimes include fragrances. The wax is typically made from paraffin, beeswax, soy, palm, gels, synthetic waxes, or synthesized waxes. The wicks of pre-19th-century candles required regular trimming to promote steady burning and prevent smoking. Modern candles are constructed so that the wick curves over as it burns, trimming itself through incineration.
While candles are a source of indoor air pollution, there is no definitive research showing that exposure to candle smoke increases the risk of developing health conditions. Candle wax, when provided in high-quality format, has been shown to burn cleanly, safely, and in the same manner. No candle wax has ever been shown to be toxic or harmful to human health. However, it is still recommended to minimise the intake of any type of smoke, including candle smoke.
Soot is the solid particle that results from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, primarily petroleum-based fuels. All organic compounds, when burned, will emit some carbon (soot) due to incomplete combustion. Sooting is primarily a factor of wick length and flame disturbance. While no candle is completely soot-free, candles made from soy wax are free of petro-carbon soot and provide a healthier alternative to paraffin or paraffin-blended candles. Paraffin wax is derived from the refining of crude oil, and when burned, emits many toxins. Coconut wax is another alternative, as it is highly sustainable, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and burns cleanly, producing little to no soot.
To minimise soot and exposure to candle smoke, it is recommended to keep candles away from drafts, trim the wick if it gets longer than 5 to 10 millimetres, use a candle snuffer or dip the wick in wax instead of blowing it out, and ventilate the room after extinguishing a candle.
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Frequently asked questions
Candles are made of wax, a wick, and oil. The wax can be paraffin, beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, synthetic waxes, coconut wax, or apricot wax. The wick can be made of wood, cotton, or zinc. Oils can be either essential oils or fragrance oils.
Paraffin wax is the most common type of wax used in candles. It is derived from the refining of crude oil.
Beeswax comes from the honeycomb of honeybees and other bees. It is usually more expensive than soy wax and comes in aromatic yellow or non-aromatic white varieties.
Wicks absorb melted wax to keep the candle burning. They can be made from wood, cotton, or zinc.
Fragrance oils are synthetically made scents that are added to candles to make them fragrant. They are usually sold in powder form and are cheaper than essential oils.
