What does 100% stearin mean?
Many consumers choose candles labeled "100% stearin," but few consider what stearin actually contains. Stearin is not a raw material in itself, but consists of plant-based or animal fat – both natural raw materials. Paraffin, on the other hand, is a petrochemical byproduct of crude oil and is not considered a natural ingredient. Since paraffin is inexpensive to produce, the choice of wax is one of the main reasons why candle prices vary.
The choice of wax has a significant impact on both the candle's quality, indoor environment, and environmental footprint. Here, we explain the difference between paraffin wax, plant-based waxes, and animal waxes – and why we have chosen a completely plant-based alternative.
Which wax is best?
Paraffin wax, also known as mineral wax, is a byproduct of the petrochemical industry and is often used in cheaper candles. One disadvantage of paraffin wax is that candles can produce soot and release particles that negatively affect indoor air quality.
Due to these properties, an increasing number of consumers are choosing to avoid paraffin in candles in favor of more environmentally friendly and healthier alternatives.
However, it should be added that there are different qualities of paraffin, and an indication of whether it is a better or worse paraffin is the price of the product.
Plant-based waxes – a sustainable alternative
Plant-based waxes, such as:
- Soy wax
- Rapeseed wax
- Coconut wax
- Olive wax
- Palm wax
are popular choices for those seeking natural wax and sustainable candles. Soy wax, extracted from soybeans, is one of the most widely used waxes in modern candle production.
The lifecycle of plant-based waxes begins with the harvesting of raw materials, which are then processed to extract the oil. The oil is purified and filtered until it reaches the correct consistency for use as wax in candles.
The biggest difference between various plant-based waxes is the melting point, meaning the temperature at which the wax melts. Natural waxes often have a softer melt, which means the candles:
- Burn slower
- Produce a more even flame
- Utilize the wax more efficiently
Often, a mixture of several waxes is used to achieve optimal quality, scent throw, and price point.
Animal waxes
There are also animal waxes, such as beeswax and waxes from slaughter by-products. These can be used in candle production but are less popular among vegans and consumers who prefer plant-based alternatives.
The Friendly Home – 100% Plant-Based Waxes
At The Friendly Home, we exclusively use plant-based waxes in our candle production. Our candles are therefore:
- Sustainable
- Vegan-friendly
- Paraffin wax-free
We carefully select waxes such as soy wax, rapeseed wax, and coconut wax to ensure high quality, good burn time, and minimal environmental impact – without compromising on the experience.
If you want to read more about natural waxes versus paraffin, more information can be found here.