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Do you use candles for decoration or to illuminate a cozy space? If you make candles at home, you may know that some waxes are healthier than others. Let's look at two of them: paraffin and beeswax. And determine which is best for you.
Did you know that beeswax is the oldest and healthiest wax for making candles, whereas paraffin is the most commonly used wax because it is denser and less expensive? Paraffin emits more scent, whereas beeswax burns longer. Let's see who wins in the paraffin vs. beeswax debate.
What Is Paraffin Wax?
Paraffin wax is an odorless, colorless substance derived from petroleum, coal, or oil. It is a solid, yellowish-to-white material with no odor or flavor used in candles, cosmetics, and cuisine as wax. In candles, paraffin wax is used to fuel light and heat. It gives the candle a gradual, continuous heat supply, allowing it to burn for hours.
What Is Beeswax Wax?
Beeswax is an organic wax produced by Apis mellifera honey bees. Honeybees use beeswax to construct their honeycomb, which contains their larvae. It is mainly composed of esters of different long-chain alcohols and carboxylic acids. It is non-hazardous and biodegradable. Because beeswax has a high melting point, it is long-lasting and may be used in candles, cosmetics, and food packaging. Beeswax is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, making it an excellent choice for skincare products.
Difference Between Paraffin Wax And Beeswax Wax - Based On Factors
Do you want to know the difference between paraffin wax and beeswax? Let's compare them to some key factors.
- Nature Derived : Regarding nature-derived properties, there is a clear distinction between paraffin and beeswax, as beeswax is prepared by bees, as the name implies. In contrast, paraffin wax is made of petroleum and coal, which is not synthetic but can be harmful in the long run. Because beeswax is naturally derived, it can be used safely in skin and hair care products such as lip balms, body butter, hair masks, and face creams. In contrast, paraffin provides an excellent sturdy candle when appropriately used.
- Soot Emission : Soot is hazardous to your health, especially if you spend a lot of time near it. Because it is derived from coal and petroleum, paraffin wax produces more soot and mild pollution than beeswax, which makes almost no soot. If removing soot is your top priority, go with beeswax. However, combining the two allows you to make safer and less expensive candles than real beeswax candles. If money isn't an issue, go with beeswax for your candle-making hobby.
- Toxicity : You may enjoy the smell of something, but you will despise toxic fumes. Although not harmful, paraffin has a bad reputation due to the heavy soot it emits. If you keep burning paraffin candles in the same place, the wall or ceiling will eventually turn black. That's smoke. Beeswax is the cleanest of waxes. Furthermore, beeswax candles can purify the air by removing unpleasant odors. Cleaner waxes such as soy wax and beeswax are preferable if you have children or pets.
- Burning Time : It is unavoidable that we want our candles to burn for a more extended time. A candle with a long burning time is always appreciated because it saves money. The top waxes, such as paraffin, soy wax, and beeswax, do not burn equally. Paraffin candles burn the fastest because they have the least dense texture. Paraffin wax is the cheapest, which may help to reduce costs. Beeswax has the longest burn time, which can help to offset its high price.
- Melting Point : Paraffin wax has a melting point of 115 to 154 °F (46 to 68 °C), whereas beeswax has a melting point of 144-147 °F (62 to 64 °C). This implies that paraffin wax may melt in hot regions or when used in items such as candles. As a result, paraffin wax is frequently combined with additional chemicals to retain its integrity under such conditions. However, pure beeswax has a high enough melting point to be employed in such applications.
- Scent Throw: The term scent throw refers to how well a candle diffuses the fragrance in a room. The longer the fragrance travels and the larger the space it can fill, the greater the scent throw. The least dense wax is paraffin wax. As a result, it can hold many fragrance oils and then release them into the air. You will most likely be disappointed if you want a different aroma from beeswax candles. This is due to the beeswax's natural sweet fragrance, which is burdensome and unnecessary to overpower.
- Price: If you've ever been to a candle store, you'll know that paraffin candles are the most affordable. And beeswax candles are the most expensive of all candle types.The cost of production determines the price. Because paraffin is a byproduct of petroleum refining, it is widely available. Beeswax is derived from beehives, the work of hundreds of thousands of worker bees over a long time. It's both rare and natural. So, without a doubt, beeswax is the most expensive.
Is Beeswax Wax Better Than Paraffin Wax?
Since beeswax has the highest melting point of any wax, the candles burn longer than paraffin. They are the cleaner candle because they don't emit any soot and are dripless. They also produce much more ambient light, creating a cozy atmosphere. Negative ions emitted by beeswax candles purify, cleanse, and improve air quality. Paraffin candles emit black soot, which stains and damages interior surfaces. Bleach is added to paraffin candles before carcinogenic chemicals are added to harden the wax.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you want to use all-natural wax in your DIY recipes, choose beeswax, especially in skin care products. If you want to save money, go with paraffin, the most commonly used wax in candle making. The best option is to combine them in different proportions depending on the recipe. Visit VedaOils.com for the best wax and receive a discount on your first order.
