Beeswax vs. Paraffin

Beeswax vs. Paraffin:

Beeswax is a 100% natural fuel created by bees;

- burns cleaner than any other,
- burns longer than others and do not drip,
- emits a bright light that has the same light spectrum as the sun,
- emits negative ions that actually clean the air and invigorate the body,
- are naturally scented by the honey and nectar of flowers packed into the honeycomb within the beehive.
- come from a renewable resource.

Paraffin candles come from a nonrenewable resource: petroleum, a.k.a. crude oil;

- give off many of the same toxic fumes as are found in auto exhaust,
- are relatively short burning and drip excessively,
- is a toxic byproduct of the oil industry.
- produce a disorganized light spectrum very similar to old-fashioned incandescent bulbs,
- produce toxic petrol-soot that eventually stains all interior surfaces,
- typically contain artificial fragrances and colors which also produce toxins and stains when burned.

The wick is just as important as the type of wax. When you burn a chemically processed or metallically reinforced wick, it can release large amounts of soot into the air you breathe, possibly causing harmful health side effects. The metals and chemicals in these wicks are bleach, petroleum products, lead and zinc, which are released into the air for you to inhale.

Also look for 100% unbleached cotton wicks. One way to test the wick is to drag it or rub it on a piece of white paper, any metals will leave a mark on the paper.

Bees Wax is often used in soapmaking as well. Put the wax in with the oils at the beginning as this natural wax has a high melting point and may not fully melt if added at trace. Usually this amazing wax is added to soap for the added hardness of the final bars. The scent of honey is an added bonus!

Add only 1.5 percent of wax to your total of oils and fats. Too much wax could make a sticky and gummy bar.