Hello everyone! Thank you for returning to learn more about why not all candles are created equal. Let’s get started.
**Beeswax:**
Let’s begin with 100% pure beeswax. When harvested properly from honeycombs and cappings, and free from resins, propolis, and other impurities, pure beeswax is one of Mother Nature’s finest products. While some may think that wax is just wax, pure beeswax has distinct chemistry and molecular characteristics that set it apart from others. It has the highest melting point of any known wax, which allows it to burn very slowly. Pure beeswax also burns cleaner, brighter, and longer, making it the preferred choice for many candle enthusiasts. Additionally, burning pure beeswax candles offers numerous health benefits.
**Paraffin:**
Paraffin is a greyish-black sludge by-product of petroleum refining. It is bleached to remove impurities, which creates dioxins, and is then processed into solid paraffin using carcinogenic chemicals. This solid paraffin is further colored with dyes from additional chemicals and scented with synthetic fragrances, all of which can produce toxic fumes when burned.
**Gel Candles:**
Gel candles are another petroleum-based product made from mineral oil and a gelling agent. Similar to paraffin, synthetic colors and fragrances are added, which can also release toxic fumes when burned. Due to their unique characteristics, gel candles must burn in a container, restricting airflow and hindering efficient combustion, resulting in soot production.
**Soy Candles:**
Soy candles are made by hydrogenating soybean oil. The oil is solidified through a high-heat process where hydrogen and nickel (a suspected carcinogen) are introduced as catalysts. Like paraffin and gel candles, synthetic colors and fragrances are then added. While lighting these candles may create a pleasant scent or contribute to a soothing atmosphere, it’s important to remember that they can also release toxic fumes.
Join us next week as we continue our mini-series on ‘Beeswax Candles’ and explore Mother Nature’s Balancing Act.
Until then,
Bee kind to each other! 😊
