Scented candles: which wax to choose?

Nowadays, a lot of brands point out that their candles are made of 100% vegetable wax. Nevertheless, some great companies have always used blends of mineral waxes. Is vegetable wax a really attractive feature for the consumers? Hereafter is a reminder of the differences between mineral and vegetable waxes.

At a health level

The ADEME (French environment and energy management agency, related to the French Ecology Ministry) realized a detailed study on scented candles and incense in July 2017. The published report concluded that a normal use (around 4 hours a day) of scented candles is harmless to the health.

In this report, no distinction has been made between the candles made of vegetable or mineral waxes.

Things to consider regarding one’s health

 - Smokeless burning: do not forget to cut and clean the wick before lighting it and to put out the candle with a lid rather than blowing it.

- A good ventilation of the room: ventilate your house daily.

 The quality of the wax and the know-how of the manufacturer in the setting of his candles are decisive, not the type of wax.

At a financial level

It all depends on the wax quality and the supplying source. Some soy waxes cultivated in France and GMO-free as well as the best mineral waxes grades distilled in Europe can reach very high prices.

On the contrary, it is possible to buy mineral and vegetable waxes at lower prices from exotic regions where sanitary and quality controls are more permissive than in Europe. There is then no economical arbitration between mineral and vegetable wax but rather between good and bad wax quality.

At a quality level

As far as diffusion is concerned, mineral waxes are better than vegetable ones. But one must know how to formulate them correctly and this is where the manufacturer’s know-how will make the difference. A bad formulation of mineral waxes will translate into a disappointing diffusion.

Should we absolutely oppose them?

Surely not! A little pragmatism is necessary here. The adjustment of a scented candle relies on a complex and often empirical formulation. Each wax type, mineral or vegetable and each grade (hardness, fusion temperature…) must benefit to the mix to make it more efficient, cleaner and increase the diffusion duration and improve the aesthetic appearance.