Candle enthusiasts will agree that with plethora of candle options out there, it can get confusing on which one to buy as each claims to offer longer and cleaner burning or to make your house smell like a wonderland of your favorite scent. So this week, let's explore some of the most popular waxes you see in the market and what they offer:
Paraffin Wax: The most widely used wax, paraffin wax is known for its affordability and ability to hold fragrance well. On Average it has burn at a rate of around 5-7 hours per ounce of wax.
Pros:- Affordable: Generally inexpensive, it is a budget-friendly option.
- Strong Scent Throw: It can hold a high concentration of fragrance oils, resulting in strong scent throw when burned.
- Versatile: Easy to use when applying colors and molding into various shapes and sizes.
Cons:
- Non-Renewable: Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource.
- Soot and Toxins: It may produce more soot and release potentially harmful toxins when burned, depending on the quality of the wax and additives.
Coconut Wax: Derived from coconut oil, coconut wax is known for its clean burn and ability to hold a high fragrance load.On average it burns around 8-10 hours per ounce of wax.
Pros:
- Renewable: Coconut wax is derived from coconut oil, which is a renewable resource.
- Clean Burning: Coconut wax burns cleanly and slowly, producing minimal soot.
- Excellent Scent Throw: Coconut wax can hold a high fragrance load, resulting in strong scent throw.
Cons:
- Cost: Coconut wax may be more expensive than other waxes.
- Soft Texture: Coconut wax has a soft texture, which may make it unsuitable for certain candle types or climates.
Beeswax: A natural and sustainable option, beeswax emits a subtle honey scent and burns cleanly, making it a favorite among those seeking a more organic candle option. It burns for approximately 9-12 hours per ounce of wax.
Pros:
- Natural: Beeswax is a natural and sustainable option, as it's produced by bees.
- Clean Burning: Beeswax candles produce very little soot and are virtually dripless when burned properly.
- Air Purifying: Beeswax emits negative ions when burned, which can help clean the air in your home.
Cons:
- Cost: Beeswax is typically more expensive than paraffin or soy wax.
- Limited Scent Options: Beeswax has a natural honey scent, so it may not be ideal for those looking for a variety of fragrance options.
Palm Wax: Made from palm oil, palm wax offers a unique crystalline appearance and a longer burn time compared to some other waxes. Burns around 7-9 hours per ounce of wax.
Pros:
- Unique Appearance: Palm wax has a crystalline appearance that can create beautiful and unique candle designs.
- Longer Burn Time: Palm wax candles tend to burn longer than paraffin candles.
- Eco-Friendly: Some palm waxes are sourced sustainably, making them a more environmentally friendly option.
- Environmental Concerns: The production of palm oil, from which palm wax is derived, has been associated with deforestation and habitat destruction.
- Limited Availability: Palm wax may be less readily available compared to other waxes.
Soy Wax: Gaining popularity due to its eco-friendly nature, soy wax is derived from soybean oil and offers a clean burn with minimal soot. It has a burning time of around 7-9 hours per ounce of wax.
Pros:
- Renewable: Soy wax is made from soybean oil, a renewable resource, making it environmentally friendly.
- Clean Burning: Soy wax burns cleaner than paraffin wax, producing less soot and pollutants.
- Longer Lasting: Soy candles tend to burn longer than paraffin candles of the same size.
Cons:
- Price: Soy wax is often more expensive than paraffin wax.
- Scent Retention: While soy wax can hold fragrance, it may not always have as strong of a scent throw as paraffin wax.
As you've discovered, there's a wax type tailored to every preference, whether you're a candle maker crafting your creations or a candle enthusiast seeking the ideal ambiance. The choice is yours, create the perfect atmosphere to elevate any moment.
