How to choose your scented candle wax?

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Scented candles are decorative and olfactory objects that create a warm and pleasant atmosphere. But do you know what these candles are made of? What are the differences between mineral waxes and vegetable waxes? What are the criteria to take into account when choosing your scented candle? In this article, we detail the essential information you need to know.

Mineral waxes: a tradition that dates back to the 1850s

Mineral waxes come from petrochemicals and are obtained from non-renewable residues from petroleum refining.
Paraffin is a mineral wax commonly used to make scented candles. It was discovered in the 1850s, when chemists figured out how to extract this waxy substance found in petroleum. Odorless and of perfectly white, paraffin has proven to be particularly suitable for the production of candles. Paraffin then offers uniform combustion and is much less expensive to produce than other materials used in the 19th century such as beeswax or tallow.
Even today, paraffin is often used to make scented candles because of its many advantages:

It burns cleanly and evenly.
It is colorless and odorless, which allows dyes and perfumes to be added for maximum customization.
It allows good diffusion of the scent when the candle is lit.
It is suitable for container-poured or molded candles, as it solidifies quickly and evenly.

Paraffin is also used in many industrial and commercial sectors, including the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries in products such as ointments, moisturizers, lip balms or body lotions. It helps seal in moisture in the skin and protect the skin barrier.
Mineral waxes, in particular paraffin, are therefore ideal for traditional scented candles and offer excellent olfactory results, particularly when the candle is lit.

Vegetable waxes: a natural alternative

Vegetable waxes are natural products that come from plants such as soy, palm, rapeseed, coconut or rice. They are increasingly used for the manufacture of natural scented candles. They also have several advantages:

They are biodegradable, which makes them more environmentally friendly than mineral waxes.
They burn a little gentler than mineral waxes, which allows you to enjoy your candle for a little longer.
They are less white than paraffin, slightly beige.
They allow good diffusion of the scent especially when the candle is not burning.

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Vegetable waxes are therefore ideal for natural and eco-responsible scented candles, they offer excellent olfactory results, particularly when cold.
It is possible to mix several types of waxes to create a formula, also called a candle base. When the wax is correctly poured into a compatible, good quality container, mineral and vegetable waxes have similar performances in terms of diffusion. One being slightly more suitable for hot diffusion and the other for cold diffusion.
Other components may be added to waxes and fragrance concentrate to improve the appearance, texture, stability or olfactory performance of the scented candle, for example vegetable oils, stearin or esters.