The Different Types of Candle Wax and Why Soy Wax Is Best
When you think of candles, you probably envision the warm glow of a flickering flame, filling your home with your favorite scent. But have you ever stopped to wonder what goes into making that candle? What type of wax is used? It turns out that there’s more to the wax than just its ability to burn—different waxes come with their own benefits, sustainability factors, and scent-throwing capabilities.
At Aarka Origins, we take great pride in using soy wax for our candles, not just because it’s eco-friendly, but also because it provides an unparalleled burning experience. However, there are several types of candle wax available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. From the most common paraffin wax to the more sustainable soy wax, understanding these options can help you choose the perfect candle for your home.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of candle wax, how they compare, and why we at Aarka Origins believe that soy wax is the best choice for creating clean, long-lasting, and beautifully scented candles.
1. Paraffin Wax: The Most Common, But Not the Cleanest
Paraffin wax is the most widely used candle wax in the industry. It’s affordable, readily available, and has been the go-to choice for many commercial candle makers. However, despite its popularity, paraffin wax comes with some significant drawbacks—especially for those concerned about the environment or indoor air quality.
What is Paraffin Wax?
Paraffin wax is a by-product of petroleum, crude oil refinement, and the oil industry. As oil is processed, paraffin wax is extracted and refined to create the smooth, white wax we see in candles. While paraffin wax has the advantage of being inexpensive, its link to the oil industry raises environmental concerns. Not only is it a non-renewable resource, but the process of refining paraffin wax also contributes to pollution.
Pros of Paraffin Wax:
- Affordable: The primary reason paraffin wax is so popular is its low cost. For mass-produced candles, this makes paraffin a budget-friendly option.
- Good Scent Throw: Paraffin holds fragrance oils well, making it a popular choice for heavily scented candles. When burned, paraffin candles tend to emit a strong scent.
Cons of Paraffin Wax:
- Environmental Impact: Paraffin is a petroleum-based product, which means it’s not biodegradable. Additionally, the production process emits pollutants, which can contribute to environmental damage.
- Indoor Air Quality: When burned, paraffin wax can release harmful chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and soot into the air. These pollutants can cause respiratory issues over time, especially for those with allergies or asthma.
- Shorter Burn Time: Paraffin wax burns at a higher temperature, which can lead to faster consumption of the candle and a shorter burn time.
Why Choose Soy Wax Over Paraffin?
While paraffin wax does have its benefits, its environmental impact and potential health concerns make it a less desirable option for eco-conscious consumers. At Aarka Origins, we prioritize sustainability and clean-burning options, which is why we choose soy wax as our primary wax.
2. Coconut Wax: The Eco-Friendly Option, But Expensive
Coconut wax is a newer, eco-friendly alternative that is gaining popularity among candle makers. As you might guess, it’s made from the oil of coconuts, which are a renewable and sustainable resource. But while it offers several environmental benefits, coconut wax can be more expensive than other types of wax.
What is Coconut Wax?
Coconut wax is created by extracting oil from coconuts, which is then processed into a smooth, creamy wax. Because coconuts are a renewable crop, coconut wax is considered a more sustainable option than paraffin.
Pros of Coconut Wax:
- Sustainable: Since coconuts are renewable and can be grown in tropical climates around the world, coconut wax is often considered an environmentally friendly choice.
- Longer Burn Time: Coconut wax burns slower and cooler than paraffin, which means your candle lasts longer.
- Clean Burning: Like soy wax, coconut wax burns cleanly with little to no soot or smoke.
- Good Scent Throw: Coconut wax holds and distributes fragrance well, giving you a pleasant aroma without overwhelming the space.
Cons of Coconut Wax:
- Price: Coconut wax is generally more expensive than paraffin or soy wax. This can make coconut wax candles more costly, which may be a barrier for some customers.
- Availability: While coconut wax is gaining popularity, it’s still not as widely available as other types of wax, and may be harder to source.
Why Choose Soy Wax Over Coconut Wax?
While coconut wax offers some great environmental benefits, its higher price and limited availability make it less accessible for some customers. Soy wax, on the other hand, offers a perfect balance of eco-friendliness, affordability, and availability.
3. Beeswax: The Ancient and Natural Option
Beeswax is one of the oldest candle waxes, dating back to ancient Egyptian times. Beeswax is a natural substance produced by bees to build their hives, and it has many health and environmental benefits. However, beeswax does come with some downsides, primarily related to its scent.
What is Beeswax?
Beeswax is produced by honeybees and harvested from the hive. It’s a completely natural and renewable wax, making it an eco-friendly option. Beeswax candles are known for their clean, golden appearance and their ability to purify the air.
Pros of Beeswax:
- Natural and Non-Toxic: Beeswax is a natural substance, free from chemicals, and burns without releasing harmful pollutants or toxins into the air.
- Air Purification: Beeswax candles are believed to purify the air by releasing negative ions, which help to remove dust, pollen, and other allergens from the environment.
- Long Burn Time: Beeswax burns slowly and efficiently, giving you more hours of use compared to other waxes.
Cons of Beeswax:
- Honey Scent: While some people love the natural, subtle honey scent of beeswax, it doesn’t always pair well with other fragrances. This can limit your ability to create scented candles if you prefer specific aromas.
- Price: Beeswax is more expensive than soy or paraffin wax due to the labor-intensive process of harvesting and the limited supply. This makes beeswax candles more costly.
- Limited Availability: Beeswax is often harder to find than other waxes, and the production process is more limited due to the nature of beekeeping.
Why Choose Soy Wax Over Beeswax?
While beeswax is natural and purifying, its honey scent can be a limitation, especially for those who want a variety of fragrances in their candles. Soy wax offers a more versatile option without the strong aroma of beeswax, making it a better choice for those who prefer customizable scents in their candles.
4. Soy Wax: The Best Choice for Candles
After exploring the different types of candle wax, it’s clear that soy wax stands out as the superior choice for a variety of reasons. Not only does it provide a clean, sustainable, and eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based waxes, but it also offers many unique advantages that make it ideal for creating high-quality candles. Below, we will discuss why Aarka Origins prefers soy wax above all others and why it’s the best option for your home.
What is Soy Wax?
Soy wax is a vegetable-based wax made from soybean oil, which is naturally extracted from soybeans. The process of turning soybeans into wax is relatively simple and environmentally friendly, as it doesn’t require the use of harmful chemicals or processes. This natural and renewable resource makes soy wax an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers.
Soy wax is biodegradable, non-toxic, and burns cleaner than paraffin or beeswax, which makes it an ideal choice for home use. The United States is the leading producer of soybeans globally, so purchasing soy wax products also supports local farmers and helps the economy.
The Benefits of Soy Wax in Candles
Here’s why soy wax is the best choice for making candles:
1. Longer Burn Time
One of the most notable benefits of soy wax is its slower burn time. Compared to paraffin and other waxes, soy wax burns at a cooler temperature, which allows it to last much longer. This means that your Aarka Origins candle, such as our Late Night Reading Soy Candle, will provide more hours of enjoyment.
This extended burn time not only makes soy candles more cost-effective but also means you’ll have a longer-lasting fragrance. Soy wax candles can burn up to 50% longer than paraffin candles, making them a better value overall.
2. Clean Burning and Reduced Soot
Soy wax is known for its clean burn, meaning that it produces significantly less soot compared to paraffin wax. When you light a soy wax candle, you won’t have to worry about black soot stains on your walls, ceiling, or nearby surfaces. Additionally, the absence of soot is better for your indoor air quality, reducing pollutants and allergens.
For health-conscious individuals or those with respiratory issues, soy wax candles are a safer and cleaner alternative. Aarka Origins candles, like the Land of Tulips Soy Candle, ensure that you get all the benefits of a beautiful fragrance without compromising air quality.
3. Stronger Scent Throw
Another advantage of soy wax is its ability to hold and disperse fragrance better than paraffin wax. Soy wax has a lower melting point, which allows the wax to release fragrance oils more effectively when it’s burned. This results in a stronger and more consistent scent throw throughout your home.
Whether you're enjoying the refreshing scent of Halfling Meadow Soy Candle or the cozy, warm aroma of a Nevermore Soy Candle, you’ll enjoy a more vibrant and lasting fragrance. Soy wax is ideal for delivering a clean, strong scent without the overwhelming burn of paraffin.
4. Eco-Friendly and Renewable
Perhaps the most important reason to choose soy wax is its sustainability. Soybeans are a renewable resource, and their cultivation doesn’t put a strain on the environment like petroleum-based paraffin wax. By using soy wax, you’re choosing a more eco-friendly option that supports sustainable agriculture.
In addition, soy wax is biodegradable, which means it won’t contribute to landfills the way paraffin wax can. At Aarka Origins, we are proud to use natural, eco-friendly soy wax in all our candles, ensuring that your candle-burning experience is as environmentally conscious as it is enjoyable.
5. Supports American Farmers
Another reason to choose soy wax is that it supports local farmers in the United States. The U.S. is the leading global producer of soybeans, and choosing soy wax candles helps support American agriculture and farming communities. This makes your purchase not only good for the environment but also beneficial to local economies.
5. Why Aarka Origins Chooses Soy Wax for All Our Candles
At Aarka Origins, we believe in creating products that are both beautiful and sustainable. That’s why we’ve chosen soy wax as the foundation for all our candles. Our commitment to high-quality, eco-friendly ingredients ensures that each candle provides a long-lasting, clean burn, delivering a fragrance that enhances your space without harming the environment.
Sustainability at the Core
We take pride in our sustainable practices, and soy wax is a key part of that. By choosing soy wax, we’re ensuring that our candles are made from a renewable resource that is grown and harvested in the U.S., reducing our carbon footprint. Additionally, soy wax is biodegradable, so you can enjoy your Aarka Origins candle without worrying about contributing to pollution.
Cleaner, Longer Lasting Candles
Our Aarka Origins Soy Candles are designed to burn cleaner and last longer than traditional paraffin candles. Whether you’re enjoying the soothing fragrance of Enchanted Library Soy Candle or the refreshing notes of Land of Tulips Soy Candle, you’ll experience less soot, longer burn times, and more vibrant fragrances that fill your space with positivity.
We believe that our candles should not only make your home smell beautiful but should also be safe for your health and the planet. Soy wax is the perfect choice to meet both those needs, and it’s why we use it exclusively in our products.
6. Tips for Caring for Your Soy Wax Candles
To ensure that your Aarka Origins soy wax candle burns as cleanly and efficiently as possible, here are a few tips for proper candle care:
- Trim the Wick: Before lighting your candle, trim the wick to about 1/4 inch. This helps prevent excessive flickering and ensures a clean burn.
- Let the Wax Pool: Allow your candle to burn long enough that the wax melts evenly across the surface. This helps prevent tunneling, which can reduce the lifespan of the candle.
- Burn for 2-4 Hours: For optimal burn time and scent throw, burn your candle for 2-4 hours at a time. Avoid leaving it lit for too long, as this can cause the wick to become too large or produce excess soot.
- Store Your Candles Properly: Keep your candles in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. This helps preserve the fragrance and prevents the wax from melting prematurely.
Conclusion: Why Soy Wax Is the Best Choice
When it comes to choosing the right candle wax, soy wax is the clear winner. It’s eco-friendly, renewable, clean-burning, and delivers a superior scent throw compared to paraffin. Soy wax also supports American farmers and is biodegradable, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to make a positive impact on the environment.
At Aarka Origins, we use only the best soy wax in our candles to provide you with a cleaner, longer-lasting, and more vibrant candle experience. Whether you’re enjoying our Halfling Meadow Soy Candle or the cozy Nevermore Soy Candle, you can trust that you’re choosing a product that is as good for your home as it is for the planet.
So, the next time you choose a candle, go for soy wax. Your home, your health, and the environment will thank you for it.