Ben Carter
Candles are made from a variety of substances, including animal, insect, plant, and rock-based waxes. Paraffin wax, a popular candle wax, is derived from petroleum oil. However, due to concerns about the potential release of harmful pollutants and soot when burned, consumers are increasingly opting for vegetable-based alternatives like soy wax, cottonseed, palm, and canola wax. These vegetable waxes are created by hydrogenating soybean and palm oils, resulting in a renewable, clean-burning product with a strong scent throw and extended burn time. While some claim that paraffin wax is unsafe, others argue that it is not toxic and that the key to enjoying candles safely is moderation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is vegetable grade paraffin | A natural substance derived from the earth |
| How is it made | By removing the naturally-occurring waxy substance from petroleum during refining |
| What is it used for | Vegetable-based candles, coatings for fruits and vegetables, chewing gum, coating for cheese and candies |
| Is it toxic | No, but it is advised to consume such products in moderation |
| Are there alternatives | Yes, soy wax, cottonseed, palm, and canola |
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What You'll Learn
Vegetable wax vs paraffin wax
Vegetable wax is a renewable, sustainable, and cost-effective alternative to paraffin and other mineral hydrocarbon waxes. Vegetable waxes are made from refined vegetable oils, such as soybean oil, sunflower oil, rice bran oil, castor oil, and sugarcane wax. They are a good option for candle-makers because they blend well with other wax types, burn cleanly, and can hold scent and colour well. Vegetable waxes are also natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly.
Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is a white, odourless wax produced from the saturated hydrocarbons found in petroleum or crude oil. It has been used for candle-making for centuries and is the most commonly used candle wax today. Paraffin wax is affordable, easy to work with, and can be found in a variety of colours. It also has a high melting point, allowing for the creation of candles with complex shapes and sizes. Paraffin wax holds fragrance well and has a long burning time, making it a good choice for those looking for a traditional candle-making experience.
However, there is some controversy surrounding the safety of paraffin wax due to its emissions when burned. Researchers have suggested that using paraffin candles frequently can cause dangerous pollutants to drift into the air, which can be harmful when inhaled. Paraffin wax is also derived from petroleum oil, a non-renewable resource, and it contains toxins and pollutants that are not found in vegetable waxes.
In terms of performance, both types of waxes have their advantages. Paraffin wax has a longer burning time than vegetable wax and a higher melting point, making it more suitable for creating candles with complex shapes. It is also non-toxic and has been used for centuries, making it a traditional choice for candle-makers. On the other hand, vegetable wax is a renewable and sustainable resource that burns cleaner and is more eco-friendly. It has a lower melting point, making it less likely to cause a fire hazard, and it is easier to clean up than paraffin wax.
Ultimately, the choice between vegetable wax and paraffin wax depends on the specific needs and preferences of the candle-maker. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to consider factors such as cost, performance, sustainability, and safety when making a decision.
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Vegetable wax's smell
Vegetable wax is a great substitute for paraffin or gel wax. Vegetable-based waxes are becoming more and more common, and because being greener is a selling point for many customers, it is usually labelled. Soy, vegetable, and coconut are common labels you'll see. Beeswax candles are also natural and renewable and often smell great even without added scents.
Paraffin wax is a petroleum (or crude oil) byproduct. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum oil, and researchers suggest that using these candles frequently will cause dangerous pollutants to drift in the air, which can be harmful when inhaled. They advise consumers to use soy or vegetable-based candles instead. Paraffin wax is considered toxic, but this claim only applies to less refined petroleum waxes and not to fully refined paraffin candle wax. All candles produce combustion byproducts as they burn, but the emissions don't differ significantly from wax to wax.
Vegetable waxes are made from soybean and palm oils, which are hydrogenated to create soy wax and palm wax, respectively. These vegetable-based candle waxes were developed for commercial use in the candle market during the late 1990s.
Beeswax is another natural wax option that often smells great even without added scents. However, beeswax is less frequently used and more costly than other wax bases.
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Paraffin wax's toxicity
Paraffin wax is a by-product of gas and oil refineries, derived from petroleum, coal, or shale oil. It is a mixture of solid straight-chain hydrocarbons, separated from petroleum during the process of refining crude oil into fuels like gasoline. It has a melting point ranging from 120° to 150°F.
There is some controversy regarding the safety of paraffin wax due to its emissions when burned. Some studies, including one from South Carolina State University, have found that the combustion process releases toxic chemicals, including toluene, benzene, and formaldehyde. These toxins are linked to various health issues such as respiratory irritation, allergies, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and even cancer. However, it is important to note that the risk of cancer from burning paraffin wax is relatively low compared to other cancer risk factors in daily life.
The toxicity of paraffin wax may depend on the level of refinement. Claims of toxicity may be more applicable to less refined petroleum waxes, while fully refined paraffin candle wax may be safer. Additionally, it is worth noting that all candles produce combustion byproducts, and the emissions may not differ significantly between different types of wax.
To address the potential health risks associated with paraffin wax, some candle manufacturers have started offering alternative wax options, such as vegetable-based waxes like soy, coconut, and palm wax, or natural waxes like beeswax. These alternatives are marketed as non-toxic, sustainable, and environmentally friendly options for consumers who are concerned about the potential toxicity of paraffin wax.
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Paraffin wax's production
Paraffin wax is a petroleum product, derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale. It was first produced in 1830 by German chemist Carl Reichenbach, who discovered a method to separate the waxy substance from crude oil. This discovery revolutionised candle-making, as paraffin burned more cleanly and consistently than tallow-based candles, and was cheaper to produce.
The production of paraffin wax involves a series of refining stages, each critical to achieving high-quality wax. The process starts with crude oil, a naturally occurring fossil fuel. The first step is to heat the petroleum to obtain different fractions through a process called atmospheric distillation. These fractions are then separated by vacuum distillation and crystallised at various temperatures. This allows for the separation of hydrocarbons of different molecular sizes and the formation of separate crystals.
The next step is dewaxing, where the mixture is cooled, leading to the crystallisation of the wax content. The crystallised wax is then separated using filtration or centrifugation. The dewaxed oil is then treated with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst—a process known as hydrofinishing or hydrotreating—to remove impurities and enhance the stability and quality of the wax.
The final steps involve chilling the wax to remove certain hydrocarbons and achieve the desired soft-solid consistency of paraffin wax. Depending on the desired product, the wax can be further treated to modify its hardness and melting point. Paraffin wax is sold in liquid or solid form and used in various industries, including candle-making, cosmetics, food, and packaging.
In recent years, there has been growing demand for eco-friendly packaging and candles, as well as concerns about the environmental impact of fossil fuel usage. This has led to innovations in wax recycling and the development of eco-friendly alternatives, such as vegetable-based candle waxes like soy and palm wax.
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Paraffin wax's alternatives
Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum or crude oil. It was first produced in 1830 and is considered a significant advancement in candle-making due to its cleaner and more consistent burn compared to tallow-based candles. However, there is some controversy regarding the safety of paraffin candles due to the emissions released when burned, which some researchers claim can cause "dangerous pollutants" in the air.
As a result, consumers are advised to use alternative waxes for candles, such as vegetable-based waxes. Vegetable waxes are produced from refined vegetable oils and are a renewable and sustainable alternative to paraffin wax. They were introduced for commercial use in the candle market in the late 1990s and include soy wax and palm wax, which are made by hydrogenating soybean and palm oils, respectively. Vegetable waxes offer improved fragrance loading and a cleaner, longer burn compared to mineral waxes.
Other alternatives to paraffin wax include stearin candles, which are made from stearic acid derived from animal fats, and almond bark, a substance made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil often used in chocolate-making. Coconut oil and vegetable shortening are also viable alternatives, especially in food applications, although their distinct aromas may be less desirable in certain contexts.
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Frequently asked questions
Vegetable-grade paraffin is a type of paraffin wax that is made from vegetable oils such as soybean oil or a combination of other non-soy materials (animal products and/or other vegetable products).
Vegetable-grade paraffin is derived from plants and vegetables. It is created using crude oil or fossil fuel, which is extracted from the earth.
There is conflicting information about the safety of paraffin wax. Some sources claim that paraffin candles release toxic chemicals and pollutants into the air, while others state that these claims are fearmongering and that paraffin wax is safe for consumer use. It is important to burn candles in a well-ventilated room and to trim the wick to prevent excessive smoke and soot.
Alternatives to vegetable-grade paraffin for candles include beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, and synthesized waxes. These options may be preferable to some consumers due to concerns about the environmental impact and potential health risks associated with paraffin wax.
