There are several natural waxes to choose from for your homemade candle.
While paraffin may be natural, as it is a petroleum-based wax, it has been shown to be not that healthy and does not burn cleanly, so I think we can remove this wax.
The healthiest natural candle waxes are Palm, Beeswax, and Soy & Ghee.
Let’s see some pros and cons of each of these waxes.
Palm tree made of wax from the Palm Berry. It is white, totally natural, renewable and clean-burning.
Palm wax has a unique crystal structure that is very attractive.
May contain a very high odor load. Some palm waxes can contain up to twice the aroma of paraffin or soy wax.
Palm wax comes in granular form, is very easy to work with, and builds up evenly when lit. It does not need additives and is easily cleaned with warm soapy water.
Cons of palm wax; the cost of palm wax is a little more than soy wax.
When it comes to making soy candles, this wax also has many pros. Burns for a long time, cool and clean.
Here is a list of advantages that a manufacturer offers over their soy wax:
o Made with pure soy, 100% natural
o Burns longer, fresher and cleaner without soot build-up
o Made in the USA with domestic crops
o Produced that does not contain genetically modified material
o Manufactured in compliance with FDA and Kosher standards
o Easy to clean with soap and hot water removing solvents
o Sustainable renewable resources that require plant growth
o Biodegradable and free of pesticides and herbicides
o Very stable, which allows a long useful life.
o Not subject to animal testing
Cons of soy candles:
Some manufacturers claim that soy candles are produced without any genetically modified materials. For most soy waxes, this is only true because after processing there is no DNA left in the wax to assess whether the soybeans used were GMO or not. In the United States in 2002, 98% of the soybean crop was genetically modified (GMO) or non-GMO mixed with GMO soybeans. The only reliable source of non-GMO soy is identity preserved or certified organic, these are very few. This means that buying soy wax that is not identity preserved or certified organic is supporting the biotech industry. In my opinion, this is a disadvantage of soy wax. Also, I think that soy candles made from GMO soybeans cannot really be called “natural” since their DNA was humanly modified, the fact that the DNA was later removed does not negate that.
Now let’s take a look at the beeswax that has been used for candles since ancient times.
It burns slow and clean and has its own sweet fragrance.
It gives more light and heat than other waxes and practically drips less.
Beeswax is the only fuel that emits negative ions when burned, and this process cleanses the air of positive ions such as dust, odors, toxins, pollen, mold, dust mite feces, and viruses.
Lighting a beeswax candle inspired by a spiritual feeling; traditionally they have been the favorite candles in many churches.
Using a sheet of beeswax and rolling it with a wick inside is such a simple way to start candle making, a pair of scissors is the only equipment needed. Making beeswax candles out of sheets is child’s play.
Poured beeswax candles are just as easy to make as candles with other waxes.
One downside to beeswax is that the price is significantly higher than other waxes, but this is balanced by the quality of burning slower and lasting longer than other waxes. Beeswax can be added to other waxes to increase their burning time. Beeswax candles have their own natural sweet fragrance that only a few scents will blend very well with. Beeswax can be purchased in yellow or white. Some of the white beeswax may have been bleached and chemicals added, it is best to check with the supplier.
Cranberry wax is a greenish aromatic vegetable wax that is removed from the surface of the cranberry by boiling the berries in water and removing the wax from the surface. Burning a Bayberry candle over the holidays is a 300 year old tradition that is supposed to bring good luck next year. Cranberry wax is recommended only for making dipped candles and may not burn well as votive candles, tea lights, or pillars.
Cranberry wax costs about 4 times more than beeswax. It takes 15 pounds of blueberries to make one pound of wax. It has a warm, earthy fragrance reminiscent of freshly cut hay and takes on a beautiful olive green color when dried. A small amount can be added to other waxes to make them harder and impart their green color. This is a pro as there are no other natural candle dyes apart from the yellow from beeswax. All natural candles, that is all natural candles, are white unless beeswax or cranberry wax has been added to them.
Ghee lamps have been traditionally used by Sikhs and Hindus for thousands of years as a spiritual practice. Turning on the light dispels the darkness and brings comfort, hope, and peace. Lighting a light with cow’s butter is specifically said to ensure heavenly radiance and bliss, prosperity, health, and happiness.
Ghee is made from clarified unsalted butter. It’s easy to make yourself at home or you can buy it at the grocery store. Organic ghee is available. Once you learn how to make a container candle, you can make a ghee candle. Securing the wick in the middle of the container without glue is the trick. Traditionally, the ghee container is earthenware, silver, gold or brass, never stainless steel. The wick traditionally sits in the bottom of the container and rests on the side of the lamp rather than standing upright in the middle. I bought a ghee candle made in a small glass jar with a lid that has a central wick and works well. I would be very careful when resting the wick on the side of a glass container. Ghee is very soft at room temperature and liquid when heated, so it needs a container. My ghee candle burns with no ghee smell and gives a very sweet sensation. Now that I know how to dry the jar, I can keep updating the candle by adding ghee and wicks or I can make a much larger one that will burn longer for the same price as the candle I bought from my little shop.
Whatever material you use for your candle, don’t let yourself have to decide which wax will slow you down in making one! Pick a wax and make a candle, it’s fun, it can save you money, and using candles brings happiness.
