Coconut-soy wax candles are a great way to add ambiance and a pleasant aroma to your home, while also being eco-friendly and affordable. From choosing the right scent to properly burning your candle, this guide will give you all the information you need to get the most out of your plant-based candles.

Understanding Candle Waxes

The most common wax used to make candles is paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is a white or colorless, tasteless and odorless solid that is derived from petroleum, coal, or shale oil. It releases 11 known toxins, including two carcinogens that can promote cancer. It is widely used in a variety of applications, including candles, cosmetics, and food. Paraffin wax is also used as a lubricant and as a sealing agent in the canning and preserving industry. It is known for its low melting point and high stability, making it a useful ingredient in many products. However, paraffin wax may produce harmful byproducts when burned, and is nowhere near sustainable. 

Alternatively, we have a plant-based waxes including soy wax and coconut wax. Soy wax candles are made from hydrogenated soybean oil while coconut wax candles are derived from the meat of coconuts. Plant-based waxes are typically sustainability-focused compared to Paraffin candles, which are derived from petroleum byproducts. Soy wax and coconut wax also have a longer burn time than traditional paraffin wax, so you will get more use out of your candle before it needs to be replaced. 

How to Choose a High Quality Candle

There are a few key factors to consider when choosing the right coconut-soy wax candle:

1. Look for candles that are made with high-quality wax and toxin-free ingredients. You would want to choose the ones that are made paraben-free and phthalate-free. 
2. Wick affects how fast the candle burns, how evenly it burns, and how much black soot it produces. Cotton wick candles and wood wick candles will give you a clean burn compared to zinc-core wicks. If you are super serious about your candle, organic cotton wicks and FSC-Certified wood wicks is the way to go!
3. Premium-grade fragrance oils are cruicial to the performance of scented candles. A high quality candle should have a balanced non-overwhelming scent that won't cause headaches. So, check for ones that are paraben and phthalate-free.
4. We all love a good-looking vessel and fancy packaging - but they can be unsustainable in many ways. Candles using food-grade glasses are more eco-friendly. Clean the jars and turn them into a drinking tumbler, or use them as a small planting pot - let's get creative!
5. Who's gonna say no to a candle with a longer burn time? Coconut-soy wax candles have a 30%-50% longer burn time compared to paraffin wax candles with proper candle care. Plus, they are more beneficial environmental-wise and health-wise!

Haze Fragrance Coconut-Soy Candles

At Haze Fragrance, all of our candles are made from sustainable coconut-soy wax. This all-natural wax can vary slightly in texture and colour throughout the year but our team performs regular tests to ensure quality products. If you experience any performance issues with your candle, please reach out to one of our team members so we can assist you. Choosing plant-based candles means you get none of the toxic chemicals normally found in traditional paraffin wax candles, leaving your home smelling clean and fresh.

Photo Credits

Pawel Czerwinski/unsplash.com