Paraffin vs. natural wax: The advantages and disadvantages of the two candle materials

Candles have been an important part of our lives for centuries. Whether as a source of light, decoration or to create a cozy atmosphere - candles are an indispensable part of our everyday lives. Nowadays, there are many different materials that candles can be made from. In this blog post, we compare two of the most commonly used materials, paraffin and natural wax, and highlight their advantages and disadvantages.

Paraffin candles

Paraffin is a byproduct of the petroleum industry and has long been a popular material for making candles. Some of the benefits of paraffin candles include:

1. Cost-effective: Paraffin is an inexpensive material, which is reflected in the lower prices of paraffin candles.
2. Easy to color: Paraffin can be easily colored, allowing candles to be made in a variety of colors and shades.
3. A variety of shapes and sizes: Paraffin can be easily molded into different shapes and sizes, allowing for a wide range of candle designs.

Natural wax candles

Natural wax includes a variety of materials, such as beeswax, soy wax and palm wax. Compared to paraffin , natural wax candles offer several advantages:

1. Renewable: Natural waxes come from renewable raw materials and are therefore more environmentally friendly than paraffin.
   
   
2. Cleaner burning: Unlike paraffin candles, natural wax candles burn cleaner and release fewer harmful substances.
   
   
3. Longer burn time: Natural wax candles often have a longer burn time than paraffin candles, making them more economical overall.

However, there are also some disadvantages to natural wax candles:

1. Higher price: Natural wax candles are usually more expensive than paraffin candles because the raw materials and production are more costly.
   
   
2. Limited variety of colors and shapes: Natural waxes are not as easy to color as paraffin, which means the color palette is more limited. In addition, producing complex shapes and designs can be more difficult with natural wax candles. Disadvantages of paraffin candles
   
   
   
   Disadvantages of paraffin candles:

1. Non-renewable: Since paraffin is a byproduct of the petroleum industry, it is a non-renewable resource. The use of paraffin therefore indirectly contributes to the depletion of fossil fuels and their environmental impacts.
   
   
2. Environmental impact: Paraffin candles can release soot when burned.
   
   
3. Shorter burn time: Paraffin candles have a shorter burn time compared to some natural waxes, such as beeswax. This means they burn faster and need to be replaced more often.
   
   
4. Melting behavior: Paraffin candles tend to melt faster and burn unevenly, which can result in an irregular shape and a less appealing appearance. The melting behavior of paraffin candles can also cause wax to drip onto the surface of furniture or other objects near the candle.
   
   
5. Sensitivity to temperatures: Paraffin candles are more sensitive to temperature fluctuations and can easily become deformed at high temperatures or brittle in extreme cold conditions.

Both paraffin and natural wax candles are very popular as they each have their own benefits and uses. At Sternkerze we are proud to offer our customers both paraffin and natural wax candles in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. Our natural wax range includes olive wax , beeswax and rapeseed wax , among others, so you can find the right candle for your needs and preferences.

Whether you choose paraffin or natural wax candles, we at Sternkerze strive to offer you a diverse selection of candle options that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally conscious. Explore our extensive range and find the perfect candle to add warmth, light and style to your home.