Decorating the room by lighting the candle is an innovative idea. It transforms an ordinary room with a mesmerizing glittering effect and sweet fragrance. Candles are the best solution for lighting up a home with their sparkling flames that make a difference. So, it really needs a careful decision while choosing a candle. The color, odor, and flame duration differ based on the physical properties of the candle. The ongoing debate is on which one is better for healthy and sustainable living paraffin wax for candles or soy wax for candles. Let’s explore before making a well-informed decision.
Facts of Candle Wax
Candle wax was typically known as beeswax candle in the early 19th century. People used to prepare it from a variety of oils, fats, or waxy-like materials extracted from plants, animals, and even rocks. Let’s see what characteristics these soy wax or paraffin wax for candles typically have.
- Both types of candle wax have the properties to stay solid at room temperature and liquid at higher temperatures.
- All kinds of wax are insoluble in water.
- Candle waxes are a form of a diverse class of hydrocarbons.
- Paraffin wax for candles is widely popular nowadays, but soy wax, palm wax, and beeswax are also used in candle making.
- All waxes with high quality are suitable for the best candle making. Only check its safety measures and clean-burning features during purchase.
- Candles are not normally toxic or harmful for human health at all. Rather, it enlightens the human mind, gives a sweet aroma, and offers an aesthetic look to any decoration.
- Whether it is a paraffin wax or soy wax, both emit soot (carbon) while burning. Soy wax produces less soot compared to paraffin wax. When a hydrocarbon burns in the presence of oxygen, it generates carbon as a byproduct. So, there is no existence of soot-free wax. All candles may produce soot, but quality candles minimize it
A Guide To Decorative Candle Wax
- Fragrance: While making a purchase of a candle, never overlook the scent options. The candles are available in the market with countless fragrance oils that create a tranquil aroma while burning. Scented candle wax is a great addition for graceful appeal. You can try lavender, sandalwood, or citrus fragrance for freshness of the air.
- Burning Quality: A high melting point is always good for the longest burn. It keeps your home lit up for a longer period of time. Wax, which has a low melting point, does not last for long hours and burns out quickly.
- Natural color: Candle waxes are available now in different attractive natural colors that withstand high temperatures as well as give a charming look to your home decor.
- Eco-friendliness: Natural and renewable candle wax is biodegradable and breaks down naturally. It protects the environment without emitting any harmful substances.
- Safety: Usually candle waxes are non-toxic in nature and do not contain any hazardous material, but still check the supplies’ material while purchasing to keep your children and home safe.
Soy Wax Candles Vs. Paraffin Wax Candles
Paraffin wax for candles is the byproduct of petroleum, derived by a purification process. Paraffin wax is absolutely safe to use. It is not only popular for candles, but it is also applied for coating food products. Paraffin wax is not toxic in nature and usually has a high melting point. Soy wax, on the other hand, is derived from soybean oil after a long refinement process.
| Features | Paraffin Wax | Soy Wax |
| Scent | Paraffin wax has less molecular density and burns up easily by making a strong scent throw, though it does not prevail for longer hours. | Soy wax usually has a lasting scent and forms less soot while burning due to its natural properties. It has high molecular density that causes long-lasting fragrance. |
| Burn time
(excluding the factors that determine the burn time, such as the size of the candle, melting temperature, additives used, and many more. ) |
Paraffin wax also has a high melting point, similar to soy wax, between 120°F and 150°F, and lasts long. | Soy wax candles have high molecular density. So, it takes much time to heat up and burn between 120°F and 180°F |
| Cost-effectiveness | Paraffin–type wax is inexpensive and widely used for industrial as well as home decoration purposes. Paraffin is derived from petroleum as a byproduct, and it requires simple steps to manufacture. So, for large-scale use, paraffin wax is the most preferable choice. | Soy Wax is comparatively available at high price in the market. |
| Sustainability | Paraffin wax is not a biodegradable product, and it is developed from non-renewable resources, i.e., petroleum. | Soy wax candles are a natural product made from soybean oil, and they do not form any toxic elements. Soy wax is a more environmentally sustainable product compared to paraffin wax. |
| Health Effect | Paraffin wax candles do not have any toxic material and do not generate any harmful substances. But, large amount may cause respiratory distress. | Soy wax candles have a comparatively lower environmental impact due to their naturalistic properties and are assumed to be healthier. |
Final Thoughts
The strong debate on soy wax or paraffin wax for candles does not hold up any meaning. It solely depends on your preference. Make the choices based on your needs, like color, scent, and durability. Both of these waxes are not toxic in nature and form soot at the time of burning. So, you have to be cautious while using candles and need to take safety measures.
Faqs
Q1. How do I choose the right candle?
Choose the right candle wax considering burning time, scent, color, and cost-effectiveness. A good, well-scented, and colorful candle enhances the overall beauty of home decoration.
Q2. Which one in better Soy wax or Paraffin wax for candles?
There is no significant difference between a soy wax candle and a paraffin wax candle. Both are non-toxic in nature. It depends on your preference how you want to decorate your home or anything. Generally, paraffin wax is cost-effective, has a strong fragrance, and comes in different colors and is widely used, whereas soy wax has a longer burning time with a long-lasting, mild fragrance.
Q3. Which candle wax is environmentally friendly?
Soy wax for candles is more environmentally friendly for its natural physical property, as it is produced from soybean oil.
Q4. How can I ensure safety in my home while using candles?
Always open up the doors and windows to circulate the air within the room because all types of candles generate carbon dioxide while burning, and it can create respiratory problems in closed rooms. Place the candle over the plain surface and keep away from flammable substances.