Candle wax how is it made

Paraffin wax, developed after chemists found a way to remove the naturally-occurring waxy substance from petroleum during refining, became the standard candle wax in the Western Hemisphere.

During the latter half of the 20th century, several synthetic and chemically synthesized waxes, including gels, were developed largely for specialty candle uses. Two vegetable-based candle waxes — soy wax and palm wax — were developed for commercial use in the candle market during the late s by hydrogenating soybean and palm oils, respectively.

Paraffin is by far the most frequently used candle wax on a worldwide basis today. Beeswax is also used around the globe, although in significantly smaller quantities. Stearin candle wax is largely limited to European use. Soy wax, palm wax, gels, synthetic waxes, and synthesized waxes are also now used in candles, as are a variety of wax blends and customized wax formulations.

Michael Richards, a candle maker, discovered soy wax in Michael was looking for an inexpensive alternative to beeswax. As he experimented with different types of vegetable products, he eventually discovered a relatively cheap way to create wax from soybean oil.

His invention paved the way for a new kind of candle, which burned cleaner than paraffin and was less costly to produce than many alternatives.

Next, the oil is extracted from these flakes using solvents or mechanical pressing and hydrogenated. During the hydrogenation process, fatty acids in the oil become saturated, which alters the melting point of the oil and makes it solid at room temperature. Soy wax is available in flakes or pellets. Candle makers melt soy wax flakes or pellets in boilers.

During the melting process, they may add coloring, fragrance or essential oils to dye or add a pleasant scent to the candle. It also comes in various melt points, making it suitable for making many different types of candles , from containers to pillars. That said, it's not considered the most eco-friendly type of candle wax, since it's made from a byproduct of the oil industry, she explains.

Another downside: If not properly cared for , a paraffin wax candle will create soot. Soy wax is a mid-range wax with a slow burn, making it a great value. The wax is made from—what else— soy beans , and is considered more eco-friendly than paraffin wax. That said, it is a byproduct of the soybean industry, and there are growing concerns over deforestation , fertilizers, and pesticides used in the process, says Fitchl.

It can also be relatively difficult to work with: "It's very temperamental with temperature and can shrink, as well as 'frost' with white spots," says Fritchl. The wax doesn't hold quite as much fragrance either, though this can be a pro or a con, depending on how heavy of a scent you like. Beeswax is one of the oldest forms of candle wax and is another eco-friendly option, since it's derived from bees during the honey-making process.

Because of this, beeswax has a very subtle naturally sweet aroma that helps purify the air. Beeswax is also a harder, more solid wax that's often used in blends for container candles or to make unscented pillars, says Fritchl.

This newer type of wax is harvested from coconuts —a high-yield and sustainable crop, says Fritchl. Coconut wax is popular for this reason, but also because it holds fragrance and color very well, plus has a clean burn that produces very little soot. Unfortunately, it tends to be most expensive candle wax of the bunch.

When shopping for candles, you'll often see blends.