Candles have for years been an integral part of every home's furnishings because of the source of light they provide, but for the past several years, their purpose has changed significantly. They have become an essential element of decoration, which will look lovely on countertops or cabinets and have a wonderful scent spreading throughout the room. As a result of the growing popularity of candles made of plastic such as paraffin, their ecological substitutes appeared, such as candles made of soy wax, bee wax, or coconut wax, which were created out of concern for the environment and their wax quality does not differ from their "artificial" predecessors.
Natural or paraffin wax?
Natural wax candles are free of substances that can harm human health because they are made from naturally occurring products. Paraffin wax is a substance derived from petroleum and is released during petroleum processing. It is used in the cosmetic industry, heavy industry, and candle manufacturing, although in recent years, its use has decreased due to greater consumer awareness. Paraffin, despite good chemical properties (high melting point) and low price, releases toluene, benzene, and formaldehyde, which are carcinogenic and may cause laryngeal and pulmonary edema, dizziness, irritation of mucous membranes, and even loss of consciousness.
Unlike paraffin wax, natural waxes are biodegradable and do not contain heavy metals or other components released during combustion that can harm human health. So they are suitable for vegetarians and environmentally conscious people.
Soy wax
Soy wax is a product of plant origin obtained from soybean oil, produced by pressing soybean seeds. Soy wax candles can be described in a few words - they are safe, eco-friendly, and efficient. Soy wax is superior to paraffin wax in several ways:
- The burning time of soy wax is up to 50% longer, and the burning process occurs evenly.
- When burning soy wax, "smoking" does not occur. - The reason for this is usually the wick with the addition of lead, which can permanently settle in human lungs. Wicks in soy candles are made of pure cotton, without admixtures of heavy metals.
- Soy wax is safe for children because you can't get burned by it, and it only takes water with soap or dish liquid to remove dirt.
- Soy wax has a high ability to combine with fragrances - the resulting fragrance composition is intense and smells beautiful without chemical boosters.
Coconut wax
Coconut wax is obtained from coconut pulp and is fully biodegradable. It has a low melting point, so just like coconut oil, it melts on contact with the human body, so hot water and soap are all you need to remove dirt. A coconut wax candle burns slowly and without smoke, leaving an aromatic scent that coconut wax conducts very well. It is an excellent alternative to soy wax.
Beeswax
This is what the first candles were made of. Beeswax is efficient and burns slowly without leaving soot - it is also the only one capable of neutralizing airborne toxins. Its most outstanding characteristic is its delicate, honey-like scent, blends perfectly with floral notes, vanilla, or chocolate. Unfortunately, it is not a product suitable for vegans because it is obtained from the wax glands of bees and is used to build combs.
Canola wax
Rapeseed wax is standard and readily available as Poland is the third largest producer of rapeseed in the EU. Canola wax candles will be ideal for local industry advocates and vegans, as it is a plant-based product and completely biodegradable. Due to its smooth structure and low melting point, rapeseed wax releases fragrances well and does not cause smoke.
