Are There Different Kinds Of Candles?

Candles are a type of lighting consisting of a wick surrounded by a solid wax that is often scented or colored. The wick is lit, melting some of the wax into liquid which is then absorbed into the wick to provide fuel for the flame. Candles produce light from the heat of the flame, and many give off fragrance from volatile oils added to the wax.

There are many different types of candles made from various waxes, wicks, scents, and production methods. Some of the most common candle varieties include paraffin, beeswax, soy, gel, palm, coconut, bayberry, vegetable, and fruit candles. Each type has its own unique properties and burning characteristics. This article will provide an overview of the major candle categories and their key features.

Paraffin Wax Candles

Paraffin wax candles are the most common type of candle. They are made from paraffin, a byproduct of petroleum refining. Paraffin wax comes from fossil fuels so it is not a sustainable or renewable resource.

However, paraffin wax candles burn cleanly and evenly which makes them popular. The wax melts at low temperatures and holds its shape as it solidifies which allows paraffin candles to burn for a long time. Paraffin also absorbs fragrances and dyes well.

Paraffin wax on its own does not have a scent. Manufacturers add fragrance oils and dyes to create scented and colored candles. Paraffin wax is inexpensive which contributes to its popularity and widespread use.

Some drawbacks of paraffin wax candles are that they release more soot than other waxes when burned and can produce some smoke and odor initially as the wax pool forms. There are also some health concerns around paraffin wax candles and possible toxins released from the petroleum byproduct.

Overall, paraffin wax candles burn cleanly and consistently which has made them the most widely used candle wax worldwide. Their cost effectiveness and ability to hold scents and dyes makes paraffin a top choice for candle making despite some potential drawbacks.

Source: https://carmelindustries.com/blogs/all-blogs/how-to-make-your-own-paraffin-wax-candles-at-home

Beeswax Candles

Beeswax candles are made from bee honeycomb, so they are completely natural and non-toxic. According to this source, beeswax candles burn slower and cleaner than other types of candles because they have a lower melting point. The natural wax produces less soot and smoke, making beeswax a cleaner option.

Since beeswax is an all-natural product, beeswax candles do not contain any artificial fragrances, dyes, or other additives. The subtle, sweet honey scent comes directly from the beeswax itself. The natural wax also allows beeswax candles to burn brighter than many other types of candles.

Additionally, beeswax candles are often perceived as more environmentally friendly. Supporting beekeepers by purchasing beeswax candles helps sustain populations of honeybees, which are important pollinators. Beeswax is a renewable and biodegradable resource.

Soy Wax Candles

Soy wax candles are made from soybeans, a renewable and biodegradable resource. Soybeans are grown annually, so the wax is considered sustainable. The soybean oil is hydrogenated to convert it into a solid wax that can be used for candles. According to Natural Soy Candles vs. Paraffin Candles: Which Is Better?, soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, so soy candles burn slower and cooler. The slower burn makes soy candles last longer. Soy wax is also harder than paraffin, so soy candles hold their shape better as they burn down.

Gel Candles

Gel candles are made from a mixture of mineral oil and polymer resins that give them their transparent, glossy appearance. Unlike other candle waxes, gel is crystal clear, allowing colors to appear more vibrant and bright. According to Epic Workshops, gel candles burn cleanly without releasing any soot or smoke. The gel itself does not melt but instead liquefies into a thick oil that fills the glass container. Popular for their crackled effect, gel candles develop interesting craquelure patterns as the wick burns.

The process of making gel candles involves adding a catalyst and fragrance to the gel wax before pouring into a container and inserting a wick. Gel candles require less maintenance than paraffin varieties since they do not need to be trimmed as often. Their vibrant colors and transparency make gel candles an aesthetically pleasing decoration. Overall, the glossy gleam and dazzling hues of gel candles set them apart from other candle varieties.

Palm Wax Candles

Palm wax candles are made from palm oil and provide a natural alternative to paraffin wax candles. Palm wax comes from the fruit of palm trees and is extracted in an eco-friendly process that does not require cutting down trees^[1]. Palm wax candles burn cleaner than paraffin, producing less soot and smoke. They are also biodegradable and made from a renewable resource.

The natural crystalline structure of palm wax allows candles to hold scent nicely and burn evenly from top to bottom. Palm wax candles come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. When lit, they give off a warm glow. The hardness of palm wax makes these candles ideal for detailed shapes and carvings.

Overall, palm wax candles provide an eco-friendly, clean burning option for candle lovers looking for a natural wax alternative to paraffin. Their renewable source and biodegradable nature make them a sustainable choice.

^[1] https://www.colonialcandlecrafters.com/collections/palm-wax-candles

Coconut Wax Candles

Coconut wax candles are made from coconut oil and are considered a more natural and non-toxic option compared to paraffin wax candles. Coconut wax comes from the meat of the coconut, which goes through processing to create the wax (Source).

Some key benefits of coconut wax candles include:

• Natural and non-toxic – Coconut wax is made from a renewable resource and does not contain pollutants (Source).
• Clean burn – Coconut wax candles produce very little soot and burn cleaner than paraffin candles.
• Longer burn time – The high oil content in coconut wax allows candles to burn slower and longer than paraffin.
• Pleasant scent – Coconut wax itself has a light, sweet coconut aroma that enhances scented candles.

Overall, coconut wax is praised for its natural ingredients and clean-burning properties. The slow burn rate also provides consumers with candles that last longer. For those seeking a more eco-friendly, non-toxic candle option, coconut wax is an excellent choice (Source).

Bayberry Candles

Bayberry candles are made from the waxy grey-green berries of the northern bayberry shrub, which grows along the east coast of North America. The berries contain a natural wax that was used historically to make aromatic candles. Bayberry candles have been an important part of American history and folklore since colonial times.

To make a bayberry candle, the berries are boiled in water to extract the wax from the outer coating of the fruits. It takes about 15 pounds of bayberries to produce 1 pound of wax, so bayberry candles are labor-intensive and expensive to produce. The wax has a distinctive spicy, woodsy fragrance when burned due to the natural oils in the bayberries [1].

Bayberry candle making was once a thriving cottage industry in New England. The candles were highly valued for their scent and as a light source. Bayberry candles were also regarded as a sign of hospitality and welcome. A famous New England poem describes the practice of gifting bayberry candles to guests to ensure future visits. Today, bayberry candles are still treasured for their links to history, aroma, and symbolic meaning [2].

Vegetable & Fruit Candles

Vegetable and fruit candles are a more niche type of candle made from natural plant-based waxes. The main waxes used are:

• Citrus peels – Orange, lemon, grapefruit peels contain oils that can be extracted into wax.
• Berries – Raspberry and blueberry wax can be derived from these fruits.

The natural scents from the fruits and vegetables used give these candles pleasing aromas without any added perfumes. Citrus peels produce zesty scents, while berry wax gives off sweet fruity notes when burned. These natural scents are subtler than artificial fragrances.

As a more specialty item, vegetable and fruit candles tend to be handmade in smaller batches rather than mass produced. They are marketed as natural, non-toxic products. The unique scents and artisanal nature make them stand out from typical paraffin or soy wax candles. Overall, candles made from fruit and vegetable waxes appeal to consumers looking for natural, eco-friendly options with light, fresh scents.

Conclusion

In summary, there are many different types of candles to choose from depending on your needs and preferences. Paraffin wax candles are affordable and widely available. Beeswax and soy wax candles are natural options. Gel candles provide vivid colors and scents. Palm, coconut, and bayberry wax candles offer alternative natural waxes. Vegetable and fruit candles provide creative decorative options.

When selecting a candle, consider the scent, burn time, smoke level, and your purpose. Scented candles like lavender can promote relaxation. Natural beeswax or soy candles are ideal for clean burning. Vibrant gel candles work well for mood setting. Ultimately, the type of wax, wick, and fragrance oil should align with your needs and environment. With so many options, you can find the perfect candle to light up your space.