Candle wax is an oil-based substance that is used to create candles. The melted wax serves as the fuel that burns candles. The flame causes the wax to melt, drawing it up the wick by capillary action. This vaporizes and combusts the wax, releasing carbon dioxide and water. The end result is heat, light, and aroma. A variety of natural materials are used to make candle wax. Here’s a brief explanation of the main types.
Paraffin candle wax is an oil by-product that became popular in 1867. Petroleum solidifies when it cools, so candles containing paraffin wax were discovered to have a low melting point. Petroleum-based paraffin wax is scraped from oil refineries and bleached with dioxin and acrolyn. It’s then mixed with animal-based stearic acid, which is a nasty byproduct of meatpacking slaughterhouses.
Soy wax candles are also popular. Soy oil comes from soybeans, which are cleaned, cracked, and rolled. After that, the soybean oil is extracted from the flakes. This is similar to the process used to produce vegetable oils. The result is natural wax, which solidifies at room temperature. Soy candles are becoming increasingly popular because of the desire for more natural candle options. They are also often regarded as the best container candles available.
Choosing a specific type of candle wax is a personal choice, based on a variety of factors. These factors include how strong you want the scent, how easy or difficult you want the process to be, and the desired finished look. There are also some pros and cons associated with different types of wax, so experimenting with a variety of types can help you decide which one is right for you. When making a candle, be sure to read the directions carefully before you begin.