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Soy versus Paraffin
Because I like to offer both types of candles, almost daily I am asked the question “Which candles are better, Soy or Paraffin?” In order to dispel some common myths about candles I have decided to include the following. Please remember, the information contained below is not my personal opinion but taken directly from the National Candle Association.
*Paraffin is the most commonly used candle wax today.
*Beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, and synthesized waxes are also used in candle-making for the U.S. market, as are blends of waxes.
*Waxes burn with a yellow flame due to the presence of carbon.
*No specific type of wax or wax blend is considered "best" for candle making. All candle waxes - when provided in high-quality format - have been shown to burn cleanly and safely.
*No candle wax has ever been shown to be toxic or harmful to human health.
*There is no such thing as a soot-free wax. All organic compounds when burned will emit some carbon (soot) due to incomplete combustion. Sooting is primarily a factor of wick length and disturbance of the flame's steady teardrop shape. Reputable candle manufacturers use only high-quality waxes in their formulations.
Whether Soy or Paraffin or any other type or combination of wax, when you light a candle the process is still the same. The heat from the flame when you light the wick melts the nearest wax. The liquid wax is then drawn up into the wick by capillary action and the flame’s heat then vaporizes the liquid wax and produces water vapor and carbon dioxide. We humans produce the same byproduct every time we exhale!
Here are a few questions and
answers direct from the FAQ page of the National Candle Association
Are certain candle waxes better than others?
No.
All types of candle waxes perform well, and will burn cleanly and safely when they are of high quality. U.S. candle manufacturers select waxes or blends of waxes based on their suitability for specific types of candles or formulation profiles, as well as their own candle-making preferences.
Is candle soot harmful?
No.
The minuscule amount of soot produced by a candle is the natural byproduct of incomplete combustion. Candle soot is composed primarily of elemental carbon particles, and is similar to the soot given off by kitchen toasters and cooking oils. These everyday household sources of soot are not considered a health concern, and are chemically different from the soot formed by the burning of diesel fuel, coal, gasoline, etc.
Do scented candles produce more soot than unscented candles?
Not really. The oils found in certain fragrances may slightly increase the small amount of soot produced by a candle, but wick length and flame shape are the primary factors that impact sooting in a properly-formulated candle.
Are scented candles safe?
Yes. When a candle burns, the wax is drawn into the wick, where it is "consumed" by the candle flame to produce water vapor and carbon dioxide. The only difference with a scented candle is that a small amount of fragrance is released as well. Reputable candle manufacturers use only fragrances that are approved for burning in candles. They also carefully monitor the addition of
fragrance to ensure that the candle will burn cleanly and properly.
Is paraffin wax toxic?
No.
Paraffin wax is non-toxic. In fact, paraffin is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in food, cosmetics, and medical applications. Food-grade paraffin is commonly used for manufacturing candles.
If you are worried about “sooting”, please remember anything with a flame has the potential to soot. There is no such thing as a soot-free wax. All organic compounds when burned will emit some carbon (soot) due to incomplete combustion. So please be aware, it is not the type of wax that makes a candle soot. A good quality, well made candle, regardless of whether paraffin or soy, will produce almost no soot if
burned correctly.
I hope this has helped to answer some of your questions about paraffin and soy candles. If you have a question please do not hesitate to email CustomerSupport@KerryScentedCandles.com.
For more information on candles and candle burning please visit National Candle Association.
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