Mama.Sylvia's Candle Primer

What is the difference between paraffin, soy, palm, and beeswax? Does triple-scenting make a difference? Here is everything you always wanted to know about candles: how they are made and how to select and use the best!

Types of wax used in candles

Paraffin This inexpensive and reliable byproduct of petroleum refining has been very popular for years. Candlemakers know it holds fragrance well but tends to stick to molds. However, as the price of crude oil rises, so does the price of paraffin. In addition, as many people become more concerned about use of nonrenewable resources, the search for alternatives increases.
Soy This natural, renewable resource has become more popular among both candlemakers and candlebuyers. It is carbon-neutral, which means it only releases carbon used by the plant in growing and doesn't add more carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) to the atmosphere. Its problems include softness (making it unsuitable for pillars and other molded candles) and erratic fragrance throw. Candle companies are working on both aspects, and there are soy blends suitable for pillar and votive candles available. Soy wax is also prone to "frosting," a whitish coating that some people find unattractive but does not affect burning. The fragrance challenge is one for the candlemaker, and we are eagerly testing commercial scents to see which ones offer a strong "throw" in soy. (See below for a definition of "throw.")
Palm Another natural wax, this is typically used for pillar candles because of its delightful mottling and crystallizing properties. Palm candles have unique decorative patterns in the wax that justify the extra cost to those who make them.
Beeswax The oldest type of wax, used to make candles for milennia, this adaptable and naturally sweet-smelling wax remains the gold standard by which other waxes are judged. Like gold, it is extremely expensive, but beeswax tapers burn beautifully and fill the room with their honey scent. Beeswax is often added to other types of wax to increase strength, but I've never personally used it.

Triple scenting: Often, candlemakers claim that their candles are "triple scented," leading the buyer to believe their candles are stronger and more fragrant than others. But the term "triple scented" is misleading. Waxes, whether paraffin, soy, or palm, can hold a certain "load" of fragrance oil. For most waxes, including the ones I use, that runs 6-10%. I put as much scent into each item as the wax will hold, which is easily three times what comes in your basic discount-store candle. But all I claim is that the candles and tarts are deliciously scented and will fill your home with fragrance. (I stay away from sellers who make this claim. Either they are ignorant, in which case I don't trust their candles, or they are trying to fool buyers, to which I object on principle. This information page is available to everyone, whether you ever purchase anything from me or not!)

Getting the best for your money: First, decide what will suit your needs. For a candle that you will be using as decoration, you want something pretty that will match the rest of the room. For a votive or tart that will be burned (or melted) in a holder, appearance is less important than scent. (I make my tarts in decorative molds so you can use them in arrangements or centerpieces until you are ready to melt them.) Notice any candlemaker's listing. Do the claims seem exorbitant? They probably are. Do they seem knowledgable? Do they encourage questions? Do they offer information free to all comers? Then they are probably interested in producing the best possible product. I steer clear of resellers, preferring to deal directly with small producers.

Why don't I use 100% soy in my candles? Soy wax is much softer than paraffin, and it's difficult to get pure soy to hold a shape, especially one with edges and decoration like my tart molds. Pure soy is also erratic about holding fragrance, and I want to make sure every candle I sell will fill your home with its special scent. I'm totally committed to using as little paraffin as possible, and still experimenting to see how high I can get the soy percentage for each scent and mold. But I'm not willing to lie and claim these are 100% soy.

What is "throw?" It is the ability of the candle to emit its fragrance while being burned ("hot throw") or while not being burned ("cold throw"). To some degree, cold throw is a negative feature, as the more scent that has already been sent out by the candle, the less remains to fill the room when the candle is burned. However, there is typically plenty of scent left in the candle to be released when the candle is burned.

To see the fine candles and other scented products I have for sale, click here.
For basic information on candle care and wax types, check out my Candle Primer page
For instructions on making gel air fresheners (smelly jellies) and using fragrance oils, go to the Make Your Own Gel Air Freshener page
Still have questions? You can always Email mama.sylvia@gmail.com and get a prompt response!