THE GOOD WAX 

The wax is the thing. Wax may be one reason why you choose to purchase a particular candle. It can be overwhelming to decide which wax is best for your home.  Did you know that the Romans used papyrus dipped in tallow (rendered beef or mutton fat) as candles? While oil lamps were the popular form of illumination during Roman times, candles were also used and commonly given as gifts. There is evidence that a few hundred years later the Chinese used whale fat to make candles and in India a wax made from cinnamon berries was often used.

 Today, there are a good handful of waxes commonly used to make candles. You’ve probably heard of the commonly seen ones:

Paraffin, Soy & Beeswax.

There’s also coconut, gel, palm, rice bran and more.  Currently, there is a lot of internet chatter about certain waxes being toxic or dangerous. The truth is that there isn’t a “best wax” for candles. All waxes used in candle making burn in the same way. A high quality properly made candle will burn cleanly and safely, regardless of which wax is being used.

 For the purposes of this blog, we’re going to focus on the big three. There are benefits to using each of these waxes.

PARAFFIN WAX

First used in 1830, paraffin wax replaced tallow as the leading wax to use for candle making because it burned cleanly and more reliably than tallow. 

While paraffin is safe to use and non-toxic, some people may have sensitivity to paraffin.

Think of it the same way you would as someone with a gluten sensitivity or a peanut allergy. Not everyone is affected and just because it causes a reaction in some, that doesn’t make it toxic to everyone.  Paraffin is the most widely used candle wax in the world. It is cheaper than other commonly available waxes and holds fragrance extremely well. Many major candle brands use paraffin wax, even in candles that are predominantly soy based.  Paraffin wax is a vegan wax.

BEESWAX

In the history of candle making, beeswax has been used for thousands of years. It has been used for centuries as the Easter Candle and for other religious ceremonies by varying denominations.

It burns cleanly and has a natural faint honey aroma.

This hearty wax can be used for pillars, tapers and container candles alike.

SOY

Using soy wax for candle making has been growing in popularity since the 1990s. Soy wax burns cleanly and emits less soot build up. Soy holds fragrance very well and offers great fragrance throw.  

Glim + Glow Home uses soy wax made with American grown soybeans.