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Many people are deciding to make the switch from the standard paraffin candles to all natural candles such as soy candles, beeswax candles or palm wax candles. All three of these options have their pros and cons, but all three are better options than paraffin when you take into account the environment and our responsibility to be greener citizens.
Beeswax candles
Beeswax candles have been around for literally thousands of years. These all natural candles are the longest burning of the three all natural options. Perhaps one of the only downsides to beeswax candles is the price. Both palm wax and soy wax candles are considerably cheaper than beeswax candles. Though, it is said that burning these candles actually purifies the air because when the fuel is burned it releases negative ions. They also have a natural odor of honey, which can be seen as either a pro or a con depending on your preference. It's difficult to use fragrance with beeswax because of this. Beeswax candles have the longest burning time of any other candle.
Palm wax candles
Perhaps the least know of the three types of all natural candles, palm wax is derived from palm oil that comes from the palm tree. It is completely plant based and contains no other additives besides the palm oil. Palm candles also burn very clean. Unlike most other waxes, palm wax has a crystalline structure which means it either completely hard, or it is in its liquid state. It does not become soft and then melt. This prevents palm pillar candles from bowing out at the top which can happen with paraffin, soy wax and beeswax candles. Palm wax is much cheaper than beeswax and can be a bit cheaper than soy wax. It burns about as long as soy wax but not as long as beeswax. Aside from the burning properties of palm wax, this all natural candle has a completely unique appearance that really makes it stand out when you consider aesthetics. It is generally described as feathered, sparkling or crystalline in appearance. It's something you have to see to understand.
Soy wax candles
These all natural candles lead the pack and have been becoming more and more popular since the invention of soy wax in 1992. When compared with paraffin, soy wax burns with very little soot and is comparable to palm wax in that department. Soy wax is much cheaper than beeswax. Soy beans are mainly grown in the United States so when you buy soy candles, you are supporting the US economy. This can be compared to palm wax that is generally harvested in Malaysia, Indonesia and parts of Asia. Soy wax is said to have the best scent throw of the three types of all natural candles. That is to say that is disperses the fragrance more effectively than beeswax or paraffin. Much like palm wax, soy wax burns odorless when it does not contain fragrance. Most soy wax candles are jar candles because soy wax is naturally very in contrast to palm. Soy pillar candles are made by adding other botanical oils such as palm oil to help the soy candle keep its shape.
All in all, any of these three options are good options. It's really just a matter of preference and why you may want to burn your candles. It can also be a matter of how thick your wallet is.
About this Author
All natural candles are becoming more popular with each passing year. To get the full story, please visit www.prometheancandle.com where you can find many candle products including soy, paraffin and palm wax candles for regular use and as well as use in aromatherapy.
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