PARAFFIN/SOY VS BEESWAX
Honestly, I am just going to get right into it.
Commercial standard wax (paraffin + soy wax) used in —insert every single brand name candle company— is harmful. Not only for our health and air quality but for the environment aswell.
From bath and body works to your local aesthetically pleasing ‘natural soy candles’.
The damages being done are done in secret, they often go unnoticed, you cant physically see them. They are fumes and chemicals released from the harmful carcinogens, and phthalate’s.
When we know better, we do better and ultimately we make better choices.
Which is why I am so glad you’re here! I love helping people any way I can, especially when it is contributing to actionable steps towards reducing unnecessary burdens.
So here’s the buzz..
Paraffin wax is a highly refined petroleum by-product that contains up to 11 toxic compounds and chemicals like benzene and toluene. These compounds emit toxic diesel exhaust-like fumes. A study by the University of South Florida shows that candles made of paraffin wax emit low levels of benzene even when they are not lit.
Paraffin candles are made of black sludge that needs to be treated with 100% industrial strength bleach to change its color to white… creating (you guessed it) even more toxic dioxins. Acrolyn, a carcinogenic chemical (love that for us) is then added to solidify the white sludge and here you have your typical Bath and Body Works, Walmart, Superstore, Dollar Store (any store) candle.
By burning these candles, we emit the same toxins over and over and over again. Inside our homes, around our children, pets and loved ones.
If we really knew how dangerous paraffin candles are, we would be sending them to a new forever home: the trash.
I know what you’re thinking, what about soy candles? Don’t they make a healthy alternative? Welp.. like paraffin wax, soy candles will spoil without preservatives.
Additives, bleach and hardeners are common ingredients of soy candles. Soy candles are made of GMO soy crops that are heavily sprayed with pesticides. Ontop of all of that, they have a very low melting point and do not burn very long and the flame mimics LED light.
Kind of a buzz kill..I know.
Especially because candles are absolutely everywhere. People love them. I mean, how can you blame them?
So warm and cozy, a smell can unlock a dopamine rush of memories - Sounds wonderful right? Now imagine that, but it’s actually beneficial to your health and air quality.
Here is the good news..
Beeswax candles are TRULY, all natural. Beeswax is the only wax in the industry that is naturally occurring. No additives, no preservatives, no bleach, no toxic fumes, no toxic byproducts created when burned or to harvest the initial wax.
Beeswax actually releases negative ions, negative ions have been shown to attach positive ions (ions found in most pollutants) in the air, neutralizing them and cleaning the air you breathe. Most soy and paraffin candles contain scents(VOC’s) that trigger allergic reactions, runny noses and headaches.
Beeswax candles help purify the air to prevent such things, they are hypo-allergenic and can benefit those with environmental allergies, sensitivities and asthma.
The benefits of beeswax are truly endless.
Turn to beeswax. You’ll never look back.
Not only will it make a difference in your home ambience, your quality of life but your body, mind and soul will thank you for generations to come.
Let’s get back to traditional basics. Beeswax candles do not expire. Beeswax candles never go rancid. They last a life time and burns 3x longer than soy, paraffin, coconut and gel wax. You can never have one too many.
Beeswax candles burn with even more beauty with age. Over time, beeswax develops a white film (especially in cooler climates), which is deemed a very desirable feature.
It’s oozes resilience and simplicity.
H O N E Y + H A R V E S T
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for educational purposes only.
References:
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1863&context=etd
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34494504/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7209508/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0048969781901108?via%3Dihub
