Are Scentsy Wax Melts Made Of Paraffin Wax?

Scentsy wax melts are scented wax cubes that are heated in a wax warmer to fill a room with fragrance. The wax cubes are designed to melt slowly without burning, allowing the fragrance to be released over a long period of time. Scentsy was founded in 2004 and has grown into a popular direct sales company, with independent consultants selling Scentsy products through home parties and online. Their wax melts come in over 80 different scents and are one of Scentsy’s most popular products due to their ability to make homes smell great without the safety risks of burning candles.

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What is Paraffin Wax?

Paraffin wax is a soft, colorless wax derived from petroleum. It is solid at room temperature and begins to melt above approximately 37°C (99°F), making it easy to melt and use for products like candles and wax melts.

Paraffin wax is created through the process of refining and distilling crude oil. The crude oil is first separated into different fractions or compounds before the paraffin hydrocarbons are isolated. These hydrocarbons are then further refined and distilled to produce paraffin wax of varying melting points, grades, and purity levels.

Some key properties of paraffin wax include:

Soft, pliable texture
Excellent wax burning properties
Ability to hold fragrance oils
Low cost and wide availability

Due to these characteristics, paraffin became a popular choice for candle making starting in the mid-1800s. It remains one of the most commonly used waxes for candles, wax melts, and other wax-based products today.

Common Ingredients in Wax Melts

Wax melts are made from a variety of waxes that melt at low temperatures to release fragrance as they warm. Common wax melt ingredients include:

Paraffin Wax – A petroleum byproduct made from refined crude oil. It is odorless and colorless. Paraffin wax is commonly used in candle making and wax melts because it is inexpensive and has a low melting point.

Soy Wax – Made from hydrogenated soybean oil. Soy wax is natural, biodegradable and renewable. It has a lower melting point than paraffin. Soy wax is commonly marketed as an eco-friendly alternative to paraffin.

Beeswax – Made by honey bees. Beeswax has a pleasant natural honey aroma. It is hypoallergenic and burns cleaner than paraffin. However, it is more expensive and has a higher melting point.

Other natural waxes like coconut wax and palm wax are also sometimes used in wax melts. The wax used affects the melting point, fragrance throw, burning properties and price of the final wax melt product.

Are Scentsy Wax Melts Made of Paraffin?

Scentsy wax melts are often assumed to contain paraffin wax, as this is a common ingredient in many competing wax melt products. However, Scentsy maintains that their wax melts do not actually contain any paraffin wax.

According to Scentsy, their wax melts are made from a proprietary blend of food-grade waxes, including soy, palm, carnauba, and beeswax. They assert that paraffin wax, derived from petroleum, is never knowingly added to their products.

Scentsy states that their wax melts are formulated to meet product safety requirements in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Japan. They say their products comply with regulations from organizations like the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada.

While Scentsy declares their wax melts paraffin-free, some customers remain skeptical, since Scentsy does not provide a full ingredient list. Without third-party testing or verification, it’s impossible for consumers to definitively confirm whether paraffin is present or not.

In the end, Scentsy maintains that paraffin wax is not an ingredient in their wax melts. But without complete transparency about their proprietary formula, customers have to take Scentsy at their word or conduct their own tests.

Scentsy’s Stance on Ingredients

Scentsy has stated that their wax melts are made from a proprietary formula that does not contain paraffin wax. On their website, Scentsy claims their wax is made from “a safe, high-quality paraffin-free wax.” They say their wax melts are made from a blend of food-grade waxes and proprietary polymers that allow for an even melt and scent dispersion.

According to Scentsy, their wax undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets safety and quality standards. The company states that their products are free from parabens, phthalates, and lead. Scentsy asserts that their wax melts contain no formaldehyde, toluene, or benzene. The company also claims their products are cruelty-free and not tested on animals.

Scentsy maintains that their wax melts are safe for use in the home around people and pets when used as directed. They say their wax does not release harmful chemicals or toxins when heated. The company stands behind the safety of their wax and its ingredients.

Third Party Testing on Scentsy Products

Scentsy states that their products undergo rigorous third party testing to ensure safety and compliance with stringent standards. According to Scentsy, an independent accredited laboratory regularly tests their wax melts and other products.

These third party tests analyze Scentsy wax melts for the presence of heavy metals, prohibited phthalates, and lead content. The tests verify that Scentsy products meet acceptance criteria for these restricted substances. Scentsy publishes letters from the independent lab summarizing the test results on their website.

Additionally, Scentsy states their wax melts are tested to ensure they meet requirements related to plastics and consumer product safety. The tests confirm if the wax and other Scentsy products contain any prohibited levels of regulated chemicals.

While Scentsy provides summaries of these third party test results, they do not reveal the full, detailed reports. However, Scentsy’s statements indicate their wax melts undergo regular independent testing to validate product safety and regulatory compliance.

Pros and Cons of Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax has been commonly used in wax melts and candles because it is inexpensive, easy to work with, and makes products that burn cleanly and evenly. However, there has been debate around the safety of paraffin wax, especially when it comes to inhaling the fumes when melting or burning.

Some of the potential benefits of using paraffin wax in wax melts include:

Cost-effective – Paraffin wax is very affordable compared to natural waxes.
Easy to use – It has a low melting point and is malleable, making it easy to work with when producing wax melts or candles.
Clean burn – Products made with refined paraffin wax burn evenly and tend not to produce a lot of soot or smoke.
Good scent throw – Paraffin wax helps scent oils disperse well when melted.

Some potential risks and downsides to be aware of:

Toxic fumes – Unlit paraffin wax is considered non-toxic, but burning it releases compounds like benzene and toluene which may have chronic health effects.
Not eco-friendly – Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct and non-biodegradable. Making it also causes pollutants.
Allergies and asthma – Some people have sensitivities to the fumes released from melted paraffin wax.
Not natural – Those looking to use only natural ingredients may wish to avoid paraffin-based products.

Overall, paraffin wax has trade-offs in terms of performance, cost, and safety. Understanding the pros and cons allows consumers to make informed choices about wax melt products.

Alternatives to Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax is not the only option when it comes to wax melts. Here is an overview of some common alternative waxes:

Soy Wax

Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It is a renewable and biodegradable wax alternative. Soy wax melts at a lower temperature than paraffin wax. It’s also softer and can help reduce “frosting” on finished wax products.

Beeswax

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees. It has a pleasant, subtly sweet honey aroma when melted. Beeswax is used in various cosmetic products as well as candle and wax melt making. It is biodegradable, but can be more expensive than other wax options.

Vegetable Waxes

Vegetable-based waxes are made from various plant sources, like palm, bayberry, and soybean oil. They are renewable and biodegradable. Vegetable waxes vary in price but are generally affordable. The scent and melting point depends on the plants used.

These natural wax alternatives offer options for people looking to avoid paraffin wax. Every wax has pros and cons to consider based on the specific needs and preferences of wax melt makers and users.

Making Informed Purchasing Decisions

When purchasing wax melts and aromatic products for your home, it’s important to be an informed consumer. Here are some tips to help you research products and make the best choices:

Look at the ingredient list – Reputable companies will provide a full list of ingredients on their website or packaging. Avoid products that just say “fragrance” without listing the specific ingredients.
Research the ingredients – If you see ingredients you’re unfamiliar with, look them up to understand any potential health risks. Pay special attention to ingredients like paraffin wax or phthalates.
Look for third party testing – Legitimate companies will often have their products tested by independent labs to verify they are free of harmful chemicals. Look for certifications from organizations like the EPA.
Consider alternatives – Look into more natural wax options like soy, beeswax, or vegetable-based waxes. While pricier, these can reduce exposure to chemicals.
Read online reviews – Check third party websites to see what other real customers are saying about a product’s quality, scent throw, and safety.
Ask the company questions – Reach out directly via phone, email, or social media if you have specific questions a company can answer.

Taking the time to thoroughly research products and companies can lead you to the safest, highest quality wax melt options for your home and family.

Conclusion

Based on the information presented, it appears that Scentsy wax melts are likely made with a paraffin wax base. While Scentsy does not disclose their full ingredient list for proprietary reasons, their statements about using a refined, pharmaceutical-grade paraffin indicate paraffin is a main component.

Paraffin wax is cost-effective and reliable, but some consumers prefer more natural waxes. Look into soy, beeswax, or other alternatives if you wish to avoid paraffin. When buying any wax melts, read labels closely and research the company’s stance on ingredients.

In the end, make an informed decision based on your personal preferences, health factors, and comfort level with different wax types. Scentsy products seem to meet safety standards, but paraffin may give off more smoke and fumes. Consider your space, heating method, and sensitivity to scents when choosing wax melts.