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
Whether Soy or Paraffin or any other type or
combination of wax, when you light a candle the process is 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 by-product 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 that 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
