Image credit: Queen B
When it comes to choosing the perfect candle for your home, the options can be overwhelming. From paraffin to soy, palm, and beeswax, what’s the safest? Not all candles are created equal, and some can even be harmful to your health and the environment.
Here’s why beeswax candles are the safest choice for your home, and your health…
The Problem with Paraffin Candles: A Petro-Chemical By-Product
Paraffin candles are among the most common types of candles available on the market today. However, they come with a significant downside: paraffin is a petro-chemical by-product. This means that paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. When burned, paraffin candles release toxic chemicals such as benzene and toluene into the air, both of which are known carcinogens. These toxic emissions can contribute to indoor air pollution, which can lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems and allergies.
The Misleading Nature of Soy Candles
Soy candles are often marketed as a “natural” and environmentally friendly alternative to paraffin candles. However, the truth is far more complex. Soy wax is not as natural as it may seem. It is chemically bleached and hydrogenated with heavy metals, turning soybean oil into the wax used in these candles. This chemical processing can leave residues in the final product, which may still emit harmful substances when burned.
The environmental impact of soy candles is also significant. The vast majority of soy used in candle production comes from large-scale plantations that often require clear-felling virgin rainforest. The production of soy candles can have devastating consequences for the environment.
The Hidden Dangers of Scented Candles
Scented candles are loved for their ability to fill a room with pleasant aromas, but the source of those fragrances is often synthetic chemicals. Even in cases where essential oils are used instead of artificial fragrances, there are hidden dangers. While essential oils are natural, they can release toxic emissions when burned. According to The Essential Oil Encyclopedia, the combustion of essential oils in candles can produce harmful substances, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are potential carcinogens.
Research from the University of Melbourne found that one-third of Australians report health issues—ranging from migraines to asthma attacks—when exposed to fragranced products. These findings suggest that even candles marketed as “natural” or “pure” may still pose risks to your health when burned.
Why Beeswax Candles Are the Only Safe Candle
Given the problems associated with paraffin, soy, and scented candles, beeswax candles emerge as the safest and best choice for your home (and your health!). Here’s why:
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Superior Burn Quality and Longer Burning Time
Beeswax candles have the highest melting point of any known wax, which means they burn more slowly and evenly than paraffin, soy, or palm wax candles. When made correctly, beeswax candles will not drip or drown their wick, leading to a cleaner and more efficient burn. This high melting point also results in a longer burning time, making beeswax candles a more economical option.
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Naturally Clean Burning
Unlike other types of waxes, pure beeswax burns cleanly and releases negative ions into the air. These negative ions help to purify the air by neutralizing pollutants, making beeswax candles an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality. As NSW beeswax candlemaker and Queen B founder Cate Burton says, “Rather than buying an electric ioniser to purify the air you breathe, by simply lighting a beeswax candle it emits negative ions.” With beeswax candles, you can enjoy the warm glow of candlelight without worrying about harmful toxic chemicals polluting your home.
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No Need for Artificial Fragrances
Beeswax candles have a natural scent that is subtle and soothing, often described as having a honey-like fragrance. This natural scent eliminates the need for artificial fragrances or even essential oils, reducing the risk of exposure to toxic emissions. When you light a beeswax candle, you’re not just filling your home with a pleasant aroma—you’re also creating a healthier environment.
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Environmentally Friendly Choice
Beeswax is a renewable resource that is harvested from bees without harming them. In contrast to the environmental damage caused by paraffin and soy wax production, beeswax is an eco-friendly option that supports sustainable beekeeping practices. By choosing beeswax candles, you’re making a positive impact on the environment.
Beeswax candles are hands down the superior option, offering a cleaner, longer burn without the need for toxic chemicals or artificial fragrances. Can you tell how much I love them? Check out the gorgeous range of Queen B candles here.
