Just about everybody enjoys the sight of a burning candle. While some candles are only meant to be used as a decoration, others need to be lit in order to get full enjoyment from them. Candles are produced from a number of different materials, including beeswax, paraffin and soy wax. Paraffin, a petroleum byproduct, is by far the most common type of wax used in the manufacture of candles. However, soy wax candles are becoming ever more popular, for a number of good reasons.
When you burn petroleum-based candles, they produce soot. Although a completely soot free candle isn’t yet possible, natural soy wax candles are as close as you can get.
Concern has been raised about certain types of paraffin candles in which the wicks were discovered to contain lead. Not all paraffin candles contain the lead laced wicks, but you certainly would not want to leave an issue such as this to chance. Small animals in the home such as birds, cats and the smaller dog breeds have been known to get sick, or even perish because of the toxins created by burning paraffin candles with lead laced wicks. Of course, it is also advisable to keep such candles away from children and the elderly.
Natural soy candles don’t produce the harmful emissions during burning that the paraffin candles do. You will find that soy wax candles have a tendency to burn longer than other candles of comparable size. This means you get a candle which provides more fragrance for the money. On average, soy wax candles have been shown to last thirty percent longer than their petroleum based counterparts.
For the most part, when an individual is not happy with a candle, it’s because it had such a nice aroma before lighting, but became somewhat pungent when lit. This problem lies in how fast the wax is burning, and the amount of soot produced while burning. Soy wax candles don’t burn as fast as other types do, and they produce less heat because they burn slower, and at a lower temperature. This slow and low burn factor allows the aromatherapy soy candle to disperse its scent slowly, and gives it superior room coverage without becoming overpowering.
The next time you’re out gift shopping, either for yourself or someone else, you really should consider soy wax candles. These lovely candles are available in a wide variety of colors and scents, so you’re sure to find something to please even the pickiest person on your gift list.