What is Paraffin Wax?
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Paraffin wax is a non-toxic, non-reactive solid which naturally occurs in petroleum oil. It is refined from the light lubricating oil portion of petroleum, being separated from oil and distilled to remove any impurities or solvent residues. Paraffin is used by the food, medical and cosmetic industries in various forms, such as in baby oil and petroleum jelly for example. Paraffin comes from a completely different side of the chemical chain than gasoline, and has been proven safe for human consumption by the EPA (Environment Protection Agency).
Our candles are made from the highest quality of fully refined paraffin wax. Beware of cheap, imported candles made from cruder wax which still contains harmful chemicals, and may also have lead wicks, a substance that is highly toxic (our wicks are either cotton or zinc).
What are Vegetable Waxes?
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Soy wax and palm wax are the most common examples of vegetable-based waxes. Although of plant origin and erroneously considered by some to be more natural than paraffin wax, the process required to turn the extracted substance into wax involves a chemical manipulation called "hydrogenation", similar to that used in the manufacture of shortening and margarine. The process also involves the use of reactive metals such a nickel as well as various solvents. Furthermore, due to the soapy texture of one and brittleness of the other, paraffin is often added to these types of waxes in order to produce better candles. The choice of a vegetable-based wax over paraffin wax is simply a matter of personal preference and cost.
Is there a 100% Natural Wax?
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Yes, Beeswax is 100% natural as it is made by bees! Those clever little insects ingest high quantities of honey or sugar syprug and huddle together to raise the temperature of the cluster. The wax is then sweated from the segments of the underside of the abdomen. Bees will need to consume about ten pounds of honey to produce one pound of wax, hence the cost of beeswax. Be warned therefore that beeswax candles may only be paraffin candles dipped in beeswax, or made of a blend of paraffin wax and beeswax. If you insist on a purely natural candle, beeswax is the answer but you will need to check the manufacture process of your supplier. The whole point of beeswax candles is their natural appearance and fragrance. Their use in candle-making is therefore rather limited to candles which use this wax in its natural state, without dyes, additives or fragrance. It is a complement, rather than an alternative to ordinary paraffin wax.
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