Paraffin Candles...it's Just Not Natural

Here are some of the disadvantages of paraffin wax:

Harmful to Breathe:

It's a fact that paraffin candles release far more soot (black smoke) into the air when burning. This soot contains 11 known toxins of which 2 are carcinogenic (toulene and benzene).

The Enviromental Protection Agency has produced a report validating the possible dangers of breathing this soot. You can read the report here: EPA Report. Here's another article on paraffin candles.

Not a Renewable Resource:

Petroleum is one of our natural resources and is not renewable. As the supply starts running out, more and more drastic measures are being taken to find more. This is not good for the environment.

Increases U.S. Dependence on Foreign Oil:

Although a very small percentage of our crude demand comes from candle production, the U.S. is currently producing around $2 billion in candles per year according to the National Candle Association. This number is increasing rapidly due to a growing trend in these little luxuries.

Oil Based:

Because paraffin wax is oil instead of water based, it makes it much harder (if not impossible) to clean up. Soap and water will just not do it. This may seem insignificant until some wax is accidentally spilled on your expensive new outfit or the carpet.

Being oil based also makes it extremely difficult to clean out the jars to use for other purposes.

Burns Hotter and Quicker:

Paraffin candles have a higher melting point than soy and vegetable candles. Not only can this make the candles more dangerous, the candle will burn faster because of the larger flame needed.

It's hard to tell exactly how much faster it will burn because of various factors. Some of these factors are drafts, not trimming the wick, and not burning the candle very long before blowing it out, can cause any candle to burn much faster than normal.

Loses its Shape:

Especially in pillar candles, paraffin tends to mushroom over and lose its shape as it burns down. Soy and vegetable wax pillars hold their shape and burn a relatively straight cylinder down the candle.


With affordable alternatives to paraffin candles, we believe all candles will be made from all natural sources such as soy someday in the future. Maybe with your help, we can make it so...I mean soy. I'm sorry, that was bad!

For a great paraffin alternative that's inexpensive enough to burn often but still has a strong scent, here's my recommendation.