For centuries, people have enjoyed the ambience and aromas created by burning candles. Prior to the modern day distillation of oils, candles were usually made from beeswax, bayberry wax or from tallow. Because these candle waxes are so soft, and not conducive to pillar or sculptured candles, candles were generally only available in containers of glass or tin.
In recent decades, with the introduction of paraffin wax, our choice in the variety of candles has been greatly expanded, but also somewhat limited to those made from paraffin wax, because it is so readily available at a price affordable to most. Now there's something new -- soy wax candles. “Soy what!” you say? Well, let's take a look.
First, Some Definitions of Candle Waxes.
BEESWAX is a substance secreted by bees and used by them in making the honeycomb. This is a sweet-smelling, natural, slow-burning wax, but limited in availability and quite expensive for everyday use.
BAYBERRY WAX is made from bayberry bushes, naturally scented, with a natural green color. Makes great special-occasion candles with an old-fashion flair, but also quite expensive for everyday use.
TALLOW is a wax made from animal fats. It is inexpensive, but smokes when burned, and has an odor that interferes with scented oils.
PARAFFIN is a waxy, crystalline, flammable substance obtained especially from distillates of wood, coal, petroleum or shale oil that is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and is used chiefly in coating and sealing in candles, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
SOYBEAN OIL is a drying or semidrying oil that is obtained from soybeans and is used chiefly as a food, but also in paints, varnishes, linoleum, printing ink, soap ... and candles. (My 1977 dictionary doesn't say anything about candles, so I added that to bring the definition into the New Millennium.)
How Candles Burn.
Simply put, the wax is the fuel that makes the candles burn. Now, let's take a closer look at soy candles ... the new kid on the block.
Soy Wax Candles Burn Cleaner.
We are all familiar with the black residue that forms inside glass candle lamps from burning a paraffin wax candle. One of the best features of a soy candle is that it hardly produces any of this soot. This is evidence of a cleaner burn.
Be aware that a metal wick in a soy candle will also produce more soot than a wick made of natural fiber, like cotton or hemp. So, do pay attention to “which wick.”
Soy Wax Candles Burn Longer.
A soy candle costs more to purchase, but burns from 30% to 50% longer than a paraffin candle, because the wax burns more slowly. So, when comparing price, you must also consider the quantity.
Soy Wax Candle Scent is Stronger.
The natural oil in the soybean mixes well with fragrance oils and essential oils, which makes for a stronger scent that holds on and lingers longer in the air.
Made in America.
We have soy bean farms as well as soy wax manufacturing plants in our own country, so soy wax candles are among the few products still “Made in America.” If this is a note that tugs at your heartstrings, then a switch to soy wax candles may be a meaningful choice for you.
There are Two Types of Soy Candles on the Market.
You can purchase candles that are 100% Soy Wax, and some that are a blend of soy and paraffin. Of course, those that are totally soy, will give you 100% of the benefits indicated above; the blends with give you, well, a blended effect of those benefits.
Again, you say, “soy what!” All I'm saying is that, when it comes to candles, we now have another choice, and choices are good. For many decades, abundantly available paraffin wax candles have provided the general population with all the enjoyment and benefits of using candles, and they will continue to do so for a long time. Soy wax is new on the market, not yet as available as paraffin wax, but a product that raises thoughtful curiosity. So, now you have some food for your thoughts, and something new to chew on, as you continue to enjoy the benefits of candles.
About The Author. Margaret Adams is a professional Interior Decorator with 30 years experience completing Home Decor projects, furniture sales, and consulting in residential and commercial environments. Visit her website at CandleHoldersAndLamps.com for an interesting selection of Home Decor Accessories, and Tips to decorate like a Pro.
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