On my Candle Box, So to Speak

Why Palm Wax?

•  *The main ingredient in palm wax is palm oil, which is obtained from the fruit of palm oil trees. Palm oil is actually a "virgin" oil, because it is obtained just by steaming and pressing the palm fruit.
• *The oil palm tree is a natural renewable resource. It has a higher yield and is more resilient than any other oilseed crop. No artificial fertilizers or chemical treatments are required for its cultivation. 
• *Palm wax has a unique crystalline structure that is quite attractive.  Each candle’s crystal pattern is unique as the wax reacts to the color, scent, and mold pattern—no two palm wax candles are alike.
• *Palm wax candles are virtually dripless and soot-free.
• *Palm wax holds twice as much fragrance as paraffin or soy wax.
  

Why Soy Wax?

• *Soy wax is made directly from the soy bean.  The production of soy wax does not involve processes harmful to the environment, and contains no crude oil products. 
• *Soy wax is often advertised as “100% American” because U.S. suppliers--including the ones used here--purchase their soybeans from local farmers.
• *Soy wax burns “clean”, meaning it is virtually soot-free.  Many fans of soy candles claim that they find soy candles do not bother their allergies in the way that paraffin candles do.
• *The texture of soy wax is naturally creamy, with a unique, soft smell.  When mixed with other colors and fragrances, the results are a richer, more fragrant candle than other waxes and gels.

Why not Paraffin?

• *Paraffin wax is made from petroleum by-products, and often contains toxic additives used to manipulate the clarity and malleability of the wax.  The higher quality the paraffin candle, the more additives that were needed to create it.
• *Studies have begun to indicate that paraffin may contain as many as 11 carcinogen agents as a result of its petroleum chemicals. 
• *The EPA has begun to release studies connecting the burning of paraffin indoors to the increased cases of Black Soot Deposition (BSD), a toxic home condition that results from burning carbon-containing chemicals.  BSD can cause irritation of the lungs, and is harmful to those who already suffer from common lung diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and COPD.
• *Paraffin wax undergoes the same refining process as all other crude oil products, making it harmful to more environments than just the homes it burns in.  We are already an oil-dependent society in terms of transportation, why do more harm to decorate our homes and offices?   
  

 I only use paraffin for my hurricane lanterns, since paraffin is the only virtually-clear wax on the market, and I am very careful to use only the necessary amount of paraffin wax.  Yes, I learned how to make candles using paraffin wax, but once I learned the differences in the wax, I vowed to only use soy and palm wax in the candles I plan to sell that will be burned.  It makes my inner hippie feel happy.  *smile*