Can Candle Wax Be Organic?

What makes a candle organic?

Organic candle wax is wax that comes from natural, sustainably-sourced materials that have not been treated with chemicals or pesticides. The key criteria for organic candle wax include:

Organic wax must be made from plant or animal products grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Common organic wax sources include soybean, palm, coconut, and beeswax.

Organic wax cannot contain any petroleum-based paraffin, synthetic dyes, or artificial fragrances. Only natural essential oils can be used for scenting.

For a candle to be certified organic in the USA, the wax must meet USDA organic standards. This involves third-party auditing and certification to verify no prohibited substances were used in production.

In the EU, candle wax can be certified organic if it complies with European organic farming standards. The “Soil Association Organic Standard” in the UK is a commonly used benchmark.

True organic candle wax will usually feature a recognized organic certification logo on its packaging from organizations like the USDA, Soil Association, or Ecocert. This guarantees it was produced without synthetic chemicals.

Origins of candlemaking

Candlemaking dates back thousands of years. Evidence shows that wicked candles were used in Ancient Egypt as early as 3000 BCE [1]. Around the same time, the Ancient Chinese were making candles using rice paper for wicks and wax rendered from insects [2]. The Ancient Romans are credited with developing the wicked candle before that time by dipping rolled papyrus repeatedly in melted tallow or beeswax [3].

For centuries, candles were primarily made from beeswax and animal fat tallows like beef or mutton. Beeswax candles were costly so they were mainly used by churches and the wealthy. Tallow candles were cheaper and more widely used. Other traditional candle materials included spermaceti from sperm whales, stearin from animal fats, and paraffin wax made from petroleum [1].

Common candle wax types

There are several types of wax commonly used in candlemaking:

Paraffin wax – This petroleum-based wax is the most widely used candle wax. It’s inexpensive, easy to work with, and provides a high-quality burn. However, paraffin is not a natural wax and emits more soot and fumes when burned compared to natural waxes (source).

Beeswax – Made by honey bees, beeswax is all-natural and emits minimal soot and fumes when burned. It has a lovely natural honey aroma. However, beeswax is expensive and can be challenging to work with (source).

Soy wax – Made from hydrogenated soybean oil, soy wax is a renewable and natural alternative to paraffin. It’s easy to work with and provides a clean, even burn. The drawback is that soy wax is prone to frosting.

Palm wax – Derived from palm oil, palm wax is also a natural alternative to paraffin. It offers excellent scent throw and a smooth appearance. However, there are concerns over the environmental impact of palm oil production.

Other natural waxes – Candlemakers also use waxes like coconut, bayberry, and rapeseed/canola. These provide natural, eco-friendly alternatives to paraffin, but can be more difficult to source and work with.

Benefits of organic candle wax

Organic candle wax offers several benefits over synthetic wax options like paraffin. Organic waxes like soy, beeswax, and coconut wax are more environmentally friendly. Soy wax is made from soybeans, a renewable and biodegradable resource, and helps support sustainable farming practices (https://www.pureintegrity.com/blog/soy-wax-healthier-choice-candle-addiction.html). Beeswax comes directly from honeycomb produced by honeybees. Using organic waxes reduces reliance on petroleum-based paraffin wax.

Organic candle waxes also burn cleaner than paraffin, producing less soot. The natural waxes have lower melting points, meaning the wax pool reaches an ideal temperature for full fragrance release. Soy candles in particular are praised for excellent scent throw using essential oils and fragrances. The natural texture of soy wax allows more fragrance oil to adhere to the wax (https://selfmadecandle.com/blogs/candles/benefits-of-soy-wax-candles-and-why-they-should-be-your-go-to-choice).

Finally, organic candle waxes are non-toxic and better for human health compared to paraffin-based candles. Paraffin can release compounds like toluene and benzene into the air when burned. Organic soy, coconut, and beeswax candles do not give off these potentially hazardous fumes.

Drawbacks of non-organic wax

Many conventional candle waxes pose environmental and health risks. Here are some of the main drawbacks of using non-organic waxes:

Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum refining. When burned, paraffin candles release compounds like toluene, benzene, acetaldehyde and formaldehyde, which can be irritating to the eyes and respiratory system [1]. These pollutants contribute to indoor air pollution.

Palm wax often comes from unsustainable practices that threaten rainforests and natural habitats. Irresponsible palm oil production is linked to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and exploitation of workers [2].

Some beeswax contains pesticide residues from commercial beekeeping. Neonicotinoid pesticides are harmful to bee populations when used irresponsibly [3]. Buying organic helps avoid pesticide contamination.

Making organic candle wax

When making organic candle wax, it’s important to source sustainable ingredients like soy wax, beeswax, palm wax, or coconut wax (https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/homemade-candles/). Look for wax that is certified organic, non-GMO, and sustainably harvested. Avoid paraffin wax, which is a petroleum byproduct.

The process for making organic wax is quite simple. Melt the wax gently in a double boiler or crockpot, mixing in any essential oils or fragrance oils once the wax is melted (https://nestingwithgrace.com/easiest-way-to-make-candles-non-toxic/). Pour the wax into containers and allow to fully harden before use. Make sure to follow proper safety precautions and ventilate the area when melting wax.

For commercial production, organic candle makers should follow standards like those required for USDA organic certification. This ensures the wax and other ingredients are truly organic through every step of processing. Proper labeling and compliance helps consumers trust the organic claim.

Buying organic candles

When buying organic candles, there are a few things to look for to ensure you are getting a truly organic product. First, check for certifications from organizations like the USDA Organic, EcoCert, Oregon Tilth, and Quality Assurance International. These certifications verify that the candle ingredients were grown and processed without toxic pesticides, herbicides or GMOs. According to one source, “Look for candles made with 100% natural waxes (such as soy or beeswax), scented with 100% essential oils (or unscented), and made with cotton…” (source).

Some reputable organic candle brands to look for include Root Candles, Pacifica, Brooklyn Candle Studio, and SkinnySkinny. These brands use natural waxes, essential oil scents, and cotton wicks to ensure a clean burn. Expect to pay a bit more for organic candles compared to standard paraffin candles. Organic soy wax or beeswax, essential oils, and eco-friendly packaging tend to cost more. However, the benefits of avoiding toxins and supporting sustainable practices make organic candles worth the extra investment for many consumers.

Safety considerations

When burning candles, it’s important to take certain safety precautions. According to Fillmore Container, you should never leave a burning candle unattended and keep it away from flammable materials. St Eval recommends keeping wick trimmings under 10mm to control the flame height.

When buying candles, carefully read the label to check if the candle contains lead in the wick, which can release toxic fumes. Choose candles with cotton or paper fiber wicks instead of metal-core wicks. Make sure the wick is the proper width for the candle size so it doesn’t produce tall, sooty flames. Burn candles in a well-ventilated area and away from drafts to prevent uncontrolled burning. With the right precautions, you can safely enjoy organic candles and all their benefits.

Caring for Organic Candles

Properly caring for your organic candles will help them burn cleanly and evenly, while extending their lifespan. Here are some tips for caring for organic candles made with natural waxes like soy, beeswax, or coconut wax:

Store candles in a cool, dry place when not in use. Temperature fluctuations can cause wax to sweat and lose fragrance. Keeping candles stored in a closet or cupboard between 55-75°F is ideal (Self-Made Candle).

Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before each use to prevent sooting and uneven burning. Use nail clippers for easy trimming. Long wicks create overly large flames that tunnel down into the wax (Finding Home Farms).

Clean the jar thoroughly before the final burn to remove leftover wax residue. This helps prevent wax buildup. Gently wipe the jar with a soft cloth and warm water. Avoid soap, as it can contaminate wax.

Once the candle has burned down completely, pour any leftover wax into a heatproof container. Allow it to fully harden before throwing it away. Hardened wax won’t stick to trash bags. Leftover wax can also be reused in candlemaking projects.

The future of organic candlemaking

The organic candle market is projected for strong growth in the coming years. According to Grand View Research, the global candle market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.7% from 2023 to 2030, reaching $20.09 billion by 2030.

One major trend driving this growth is increasing consumer demand for natural and organic candles. Customers are becoming more aware of the potential harmful effects of paraffin and synthetic fragrances, and are seeking out candles made from natural waxes like soy, coconut, and beeswax. Brands that position themselves in the organic space will be well-placed to capitalize on this growing market.

Innovation in candle materials is another important trend. Soy, coconut, and palm waxes are gaining popularity as sustainable alternatives to paraffin. Beeswax and vegetable-based waxes are also seeing increased use. On the fragrance side, essential oils and all-natural scents are preferred over synthetic fragrances. New wick materials made from wood pulp or paper are also emerging as eco-friendly options.

Consumer interest in organic candles is driven by health consciousness and environmental concerns. Shoppers want to avoid inhaling harsh chemicals and smoke from petroleum-based paraffin candles. They also don’t want candles with synthetic fragrances that can trigger allergies or headaches. The perception of candles as a natural, wholesome product makes organics an appealing choice.

With market forecasts projecting steady growth, innovation in materials, and high consumer interest, the future looks bright for the organic candle segment. Brands that position themselves in this space have a major opportunity for expansion in the coming years.