Currently most candles are made with paraffin wax. This type of wax is a by-product of petroleum, specifically what is left over from a barrel of oil, as it is rejected by the oil and gas industry. In addition to being a by-product of petroleum, it also has this category in the field of coal and shale industry.
Paraffin wax was introduced to the market around 1850, when it was possible to find a way to separate and refine wax from petroleum. In this process, the wax is bleached to make it more aesthetically appealing. For this purpose, chemicals are added that increase the melting point and the useful life of the candles. One of the chemicals added is acrolein, which is a chemical compound closely associated with the risk of contracting lung cancer. This compound is added to the wax as a solidifying agent.
As soon as these candles start to burn, toxic components such as acetone, benzene and toluene are released, these are carcinogens that affect human health and the environment.
Therefore, choosing candles that are made with natural ingredients ensures your health. Some examples of natural ingredients are beeswax or wax with bioactive substances from soy, as they are not harmful to health.
Soy wax is made from soybean oil which hardens at room temperature. It is therefore renewable and a vegan product. It is important to note that, unlike oil, soy is a renewable and sustainable product, since after extracting soy oil, it is possible that the remaining grains can be used for animal feed. This wax, when burned, produces an oil that can also be used in massages, as the temperature reached is just a few degrees above the temperature of the human body.
This wax has another advantage, which is that it burns slowly and is an excellent aroma diffuser, and can be combined with various fragrances or essential oils. Beeswax, in turn, was discovered by the Chinese Empire. It is a substance discarded by bees, which comes from the honeycombs of hives. They are not of vegan origin, because they come from an animal, but they are renewable and sustainable. They are 100% natural, purify the air, burn evenly and have a brighter flame. In addition to being a less processed type of wax, it is 100% biodegradable.
That said, choose what will not harm you. Check out our candles on our website :)
Written by Beatriz Pereira
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