Why Woodland Creek Candles Uses a Soy Blend for a Superior Burn
By Andrew Lindloff, PharmD, MBA
At Woodland Creek Candles, we're passionate about crafting candles that not only fill your home with delightful fragrance but also burn beautifully and safely. You might have heard a lot of different opinions about candle waxes, especially when it comes to soy and paraffin. We believe in transparency and want to share why we've chosen a soy blend wax for our candles – combining the best of both worlds to give you an exceptional candle experience. Our candles are primarily soy with a touch of paraffin.
Demystifying Paraffin: It's Not What You Think
For years, paraffin wax has faced a lot of misunderstanding, often labeled as "toxic" or "unclean burning." We want to set the record straight and share what the science actually says.
What is Paraffin Wax?
Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum refining, first discovered in 1830. When crude oil is processed, it's separated into different components, and what becomes paraffin wax is a highly refined residue. The key here is "fully refined paraffin." This type of paraffin undergoes a stringent purification process, including steps like hydrofinishing and clay filtration, to remove impurities, colorants, and aromatic compounds. The paraffin wax used in high-quality candles, like the small amount in our blend, is incredibly pure, often even food-grade. In fact, it's the same level of purity as the wax used to coat fruits, vegetables, and even certain candies! Less refined paraffin waxes do exist, but reputable candle suppliers only provide the fully refined version for candle making.
Is Paraffin Wax Toxic or Unsafe?
The notion that paraffin wax candles are toxic largely stems from confusion with these less refined versions. However, extensive studies have shown that fully refined paraffin wax is non-toxic. The 2007 Ökometric Wax and Emissions Study, an internationally funded research, specifically examined emissions from paraffin, soy, stearin, and beeswax candles. Its key finding? "…well-made candles of all major wax types exhibit the same clean burning behavior, and pose no discernible risks to human health or indoor air quality."
Another important takeaway from this and other studies is that the "combustion byproducts of the waxes studied were virtually identical in composition and quantity, with all emissions levels registering far below the most restrictive of any applicable indoor-air standards." So, when it comes to what's released into the air, paraffin candles are no different from soy or other natural wax candles.
What About Soot?
You might have heard that paraffin candles produce more soot. This is a common myth. The Ökometric study also investigated soot production and found that soot is primarily a result of improper wicking, not the wax type itself. An over-wicked candle, regardless of the wax used, will produce more soot. This is why proper wick trimming and choosing the right wick size are so crucial for a clean burn – something we meticulously ensure for every Woodland Creek Candle. (stay tuned for a future blog post on wick types and sizes!)
The Environmental Angle: A Byproduct with Purpose
Another common concern about paraffin wax is its connection to the petroleum industry, a non-renewable resource. We understand these concerns. However, it's important to know that paraffin wax is a byproduct of crude oil refining. This means that crude oil is extracted for many other purposes, and paraffin wax is simply one of the materials that can be made from it, rather than being discarded as waste. Using this byproduct contributes to sustainability efforts by maximizing the utility of already-extracted resources.
Why We Choose a Soy Blend for Woodland Creek Candles
Now that we've debunked some myths about paraffin, let's talk about why we choose to incorporate a small amount of it into our soy blend wax for Woodland Creek Candles. It's all about creating the best possible candle experience for you!
Exceptional Scent Throw (Hot Throw):
One of the most noticeable benefits of our soy blend is its superior hot throw – how well the candle's fragrance disperses when burning. While soy wax is excellent, paraffin has a remarkable ability to carry and release fragrance effectively. By using a small amount of refined paraffin in our blend, we can achieve a robust and consistent scent experience without needing excessive fragrance oil, which can sometimes make wicking more challenging.
Beautiful Aesthetic Appeal:
If you've ever burned a 100% soy candle, you might have noticed some common aesthetic quirks like "frosting" (a white, crystalline appearance), cracking, or rough tops. While these are natural characteristics of soy wax and don't affect performance, our soy blend helps create a smoother, more consistent surface and prevents frosting. This ensures your Woodland Creek Candle looks as beautiful as it smells. Our blend also allows for more vibrant and consistent colors, should we choose to add them.
Consistent Performance:
Plant-based waxes can sometimes vary slightly from batch to batch due to natural variations. Our carefully formulated soy blend, with its touch of highly refined paraffin, ensures remarkable consistency in every candle. This means a more predictable and enjoyable burn for you, every time.
Common Products Containing Paraffin: You Use Them Every Day!
Paraffin wax is a safe and widely used ingredient in many products you likely encounter daily, a testament to its non-toxic and versatile nature:
* Cosmetics & Skincare: Lipsticks, lip balms, moisturizers, and petroleum jelly (often called "soft paraffin") commonly use paraffin for texture, consistency, and moisturizing properties.
* Food Industry: Food-grade paraffin coats fruits and vegetables to enhance appearance and prolong shelf life. It's also found in chewing gum, cheese coatings, and certain candies.
* Pharmaceuticals & Medicine: Ointments, creams, and even paraffin bath therapy for arthritis pain utilize its emollient and occlusive qualities.
Our Commitment to Quality and Your Experience
At Woodland Creek Candles, our ultimate goal is to provide you with a high-quality, safe, and incredibly fragrant candle. By carefully blending soy wax with a small amount of fully refined paraffin, we harness the best attributes of both, delivering:
* Strong, consistent fragrance throw
* A beautiful, smooth candle appearance
* A clean and consistent burn
We encourage you to experience the difference a thoughtfully crafted soy blend can make. Light a Woodland Creek Candle and let its inviting glow and captivating aroma transform your space.
We hope this article helps you understand our wax choice better! Do you have any other questions about our candle-making process?
Email us at: WoodlandCreekWI@gmail.com