Paraffin Wax | Facts and Fiction

In this video, I talk about facts, fiction, and common misconceptions about paraffin wax. Below are a number of peer-reviewed, scholarly sources that I consulted in preparation for this video as well as throughout my candle making journey.
-European analysis of various candle waxes burning (summary): candles.org/wp-content/upload...
-Journal of Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology that found that scented paraffin candles do not pose any health risks when used under normal conditions. In this experiment, researchers used environmentally controlled emission chambers to evaluate the concentrations of possible harmful emissions. The researchers aimed to replicate candle use in normal households. They found that the highest estimated emission levels for fragrances, formaldehyde and benzene were well below the air quality exposure limits defined by the World Health Organization:
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24582...
-Paraffin first appearance: www.nature.com/articles/135113a0
-Occurrence and Characterization of Paraffin Wax
Formed in Developing Wells and Pipelines:
mdpi-res.com/d_attachment/ene...
-Other related Earthglow videos:
Why I love and hate essential oils: • Why I hate essential o...
Are fragrances actually clean? • Are candle fragrances ...
Welcome! I share tips and insider secrets as a professional candle maker and biochemistry major, review candle and soap supplies, and just have fun. I’m passionate about making cleaner, more earth-friendly candles and cold process soaps as well as helping small businesses, and it’s an honor and privilege to have you with me on the journey!
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#candlebusiness #candlewax #paraffinwax #candlemaking

[@the1994candleco]

Great video Allen!!! I’m sooooo tired of seeing misinformation and sometimes blatant lies spread about most paraffin waxes you would find on the market today! Makes me so frustrated. 🤦🏻‍♂️ I plan on doing a similar video in the future just because I’m so tired of seeing so much misinformation spread and people afraid to try certain waxes cause they were told 100% xyz wax was the only way to go. 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️ Great job!

[@earthglow]

Hi Nick! Glad you enjoyed. Love and light always.

[@NALACandleCo]

Hey handsome, I absolutely love your videos. Being new to this candle making world, I stumbled upon one of your videos and have falling in love with your knowledge, personality etc…. Finally my daughter taught me how to comment and like your videos bc I was watching you on tv and did know (yes I’m old🤦🏽‍♀️) how to give you likes. Thank you for all the info you give us all❤

[@earthglow]

Hi Nala! Thank you for your kind words. I'm honored to have you here! Love and light always.

[@jessicamartinez634]

This was a great video! I love learning about 'the science behind ' and 'comparison ' information. Speaking of... Would you ever consider explaining the ifra percentages and how to use them. Specifically for cold process soaps.

[@frenchmarketcandleco]

Hi Allen, I’m so glad you did this video and approached the topic very balanced! Bravo!!! It really is about time more candle makers tackle this “myth" instead of vilifying paraffin and parasoy blends. I appreciate that you are doing research and willing to pass that on to others. Everyone should use what they are most comfortable with and produce an excellent quality candle. I’ve been in business 11 years and use IGI 6006 and love it for all it’s great characteristics. The creamy off white look, beautiful smooth tops, high fragrance load and amazing hot throw. It’s cold throw is good too but the hot throw is excellent. I have done the research and amazingly was able to speak to the chemist at the IGI plant to which he invited me to take a tour of the plant. Exciting right?! There are “myths & facts” about paraffin vs soy on both sides. Let me give you a little background. Paraffin wax was king in the industry and soy manufacturers wanted to break into the wax manufacturing arena so they marketed soy wax as 100% natural and paraffin as toxic! It sounded good and it took off. However, soy wax comes from the soy bean and it goes thru an extensive chemical process to extract wax. And if we think logically about coconut wax I’m sure it does too! Like you said it is really the fragrance oils that can be toxic. Here is another bit of info: because the soy bean is a natural plant every single plant/harvest is different and explains why soy wax can be “temperamental” on its own. Paraffin acts as a stabilizer when blended with soy and other waxes. I chose 6006 because in my opinion is best of both worlds. I believe our marketing strategy should be about our hand made candles instead of using the “toxic” line. In any business people appreciate honesty, transparency and truth! Thank you, Allen for your video! I enjoy your channel! If you and your subscribers would like to read up more on this go to The National Candle Association. They are a governing voice in candle manufacturing and an unbiased source. www.candles.org FAQ has a lot of info… also an important fact - to date, no peer-reviewed scientific study has ever collected or analyzed any emissions data on any candle wax, including petroleum-based paraffin, and proven them to be harmful to human health. NCA was responsible for getting lead wicks banned from the USA in 2003.

[@earthglow]

Hi there! You bring up several great points and a wonderful additional resource as well. I think it is crucial to reference scholarly, peer-reviewed sources in our analysis. Thanks for sharing!

[@ambermuro4589]

Thank you so much! Tired of the misinformation regarding fully refined paraffin. Appreciate your expertise!

[@earthglow]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joniperiu8308]

Hi Allen. Great video!!!!! I use IGI 6006, PB600 and Coconut Apricot. I was trying to use one wax but I love working with different ones. Paraffin got a bad wrap!!!! Wicking plays a big part when dealing with IGI 6006. I also hv 4627 but hv not used it yet. Love love your new hair color. Thanks for all yr hard work to bring us such important information. Your awesome!!!

[@earthglow]

loving working with different ones too!! gives you lots of options too if one were to be discontinued. love and light!

[@georgianasalter]

Tertiary! Love it! You rock!

[@val-bm3so]

Thank you Allen, Very interesting video. Yes I would like to see part two videos. Also will be interested in your testing of the waxes. Thank you for sharing ☺️ PeAcE 🌿🐝🌿💖

[@earthglow]

Thank you, Val! I will consider a Part II in the future as well. Love and light always.

[@symbolikarts]

Another great video with much needed information. Thanks for sharing ✌️🤟🤙

[@earthglow]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@fran1395]

Awesome information !!! Thanks Allen

[@earthglow]

You bet!

[@deborahbrooks3841]

Thank you! As a fellow biochem nerd I appreciate this!!!

[@earthglow]

You are so welcome! Glad you're here!

[@lisathompson7966]

Love your lighter hair color❤ Also great information!

[@earthglow]

Thank you so much 😀

[@prettynina76]

This video actually helped me a lot, I recently bought Pure Palm Paraffin Wax from Makesy because I wanted to try it and Makesy is a reputable company so I did, but I was so scared to use this wax because of everything they say about paraffin, I think after this video I feel a little relieved. thank you 🙂

[@earthglow]

So glad this was helpful to you!

[@DWB1177]

Hello Allen, I wanted to express my gratitude for the knowledge you shared regarding paraffins. It was four years ago when I first learned about them, and they have since enabled me to adopt a more eco-friendly approach in my household. Your additional information, particularly concerning the reproductive aspects, was especially enlightening as it was previously unknown to me. I have a query regarding the use of vybar for achieving a better hot throw in candles. I must admit, I am quite hesitant to try it, as I am concerned about the potential harm it may cause. I prioritize the safety of the products I use in my candles, and I wouldn't want to compromise on that. Lastly, I would greatly appreciate receiving Part 2 of the information you mentioned. I believe it will prove highly valuable when I begin selling my products in the markets, as it could serve as an excellent conversation starter. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

[@earthglow]

Hi there! Vybar is often discussed in obtaining better hot throw but is more precisely a universal distributer (helps to distribute fragrance and/or dye more evenly throughout the wax). Many waxes already contain this as an additive, so be sure to check with your wax manufacturer/supplier to see if the wax you're using already contains this additive. I do not know it to be dangerous in any way. Love and light always!

[@DWB1177]

@@earthglow thank you

[@rituarora8214]

I agree and very well explained ❤

[@earthglow]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@aaronshearth3671]

Awesome video!

[@earthglow]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gettotalyou]

Great video. I have spent a lot of time test paraffin free wax because of the way some people perceive paraffin. My confusion right now is centered around prop 65 chemicals. There are some higher end companies that list beta myrcene on their sds. I want to be prop 65 compliant. How do you feel about non compliant fragrance oils? I have avoided them, but it's hard to pass on some if those oils.

[@earthglow]

Great point! Beta mycrene is naturally derived as you mention, however many chemicals are on Prop. 65 (some of which are natural or naturally derived). If you are going for Prop 65 compliance, you would need to avoid fragrance oils which use beta mycrene. Hope this helps!

[@kellensimonedossantos8442]

Paz e luz gratidão amei as explicações 🇧🇷

[@deborahbrooks3841]

Your hair is 🔥 Love it!!

[@earthglow]

Thank you so much 😀

[@georgianasalter]

Did you ever try mp 117? I read in a study that it is polyesther (sp?) wax. CS does not say that, I discovered this info. while looking for any kind of lab notes on it to see if I should try to move to add more paraffin or use it alone.

[@earthglow]

I haven’t tried this wax but I’ve heard shipping can be really challenging due to its Vaseline like texture.

[@georgianasalter]

@@earthglow I read that too. ☹ I wonder if it is more or about the same challenge as ahipping low melt point coconut wax candles.

[@bohomiimeditation]

I use Makesy's Palm paraffin wax and blend with their paraffin pillar for refills or S&P 487 for best hot throw... and I have tried every Soy, Rapeseed, Apricot and Coconut blend on the market 😂😂

[@earthglow]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ms_taree7335]

I would be interested to hear about the fragrance chemicals I should be aware of that are established toxins. I loved this nag champa scent last year but I didn't rebuy because it had that warning. Do the sellers list the warnings on their site (required) or do I have to look at every safety data sheet? Do you know of a seller that does list it on their site or totally avoids these chemicals?

[@earthglow]

Hi there! Have you checked out my video "Are Candle Fragrances Actually Clean?" There's a link to it in the description of this video. I think it would be helpful in answering your question. You generally will need to consult every SDS unless you're purchasing Clean Scents from CandleScience or almost all of the oils from Makesy. These two brands do make it a bit easier on us to vet fragrance oils!

[@ms_taree7335]

@@earthglow I am about to check it out right now! Thank you ! 🕯😎

[@emmaluciaev1938]

After using natural waxes I tried 6006 and I found it greasy and cheap looking Maybe buying a small batch would have been a smarter choice for me I am now stuck with a big lot of this wax that I did not liked and probably never use it :/

[@earthglow]

Oh no!!! Have you thought of blending it with another wax? I bet it would work excellently with a tart wax at a 50/50 to add some scent throw.

[@marissa3627]

Thank you for making this fact driven video! I use PB600, personally and this is after testing soy, coco soy, IGI 6006, etc. Unrelated side comment: Love the summer hair! We could be mistaken for siblings with that color ❤ Keep shining like you do 🌟

[@earthglow]

Thanks for sharing and for your kind words, Marissa! Always a pleasure to have you here.

[@steweythecatdog]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@lavenderwarrior1]

I use a coco-paraffin container blend, and I find that it has the best hot throw / smooth tops off the first pour.

[@earthglow]

Would you mind sharing the name of the wax?

[@lavenderwarrior1]

@@earthglow yeah, np! it's IGI 6046 through candlescience

[@lavenderwarrior1]

@@earthglow sure, it's the IGI 6046 from candlescience

[@popitargentina]

Can you do something of this style with beeswax?! Amazing info

[@earthglow]

Hi there! I'll definitely consider it. Do you mean like a facts/fiction video?

[@popitargentina]

@@earthglow I mean thechinical aspects and considerations, for example im from Argentina and I’m trying to educate myself as much as I can, for example we don’t have allll the wax blends you have neither the wick options, so it’s hard to progress and work our way up. We have to make our own blends with the primary resources.

[@catherinebassettrose229]

Will paraffin wax hold mold?

[@earthglow]

i'm not sure what you mean?

[@danielbolger25]

I can't use Paraffin Wax I am allergic to it.

[@earthglow]

totally understandable!

[@popitargentina]

You deserte more followers

[@earthglow]

i've only been on here about a year and a half! i'm grateful for all of you.

[@Chellybelly813thatsme]

Hi ❤ I started trying iG6006 and I don’t think I’m going back to 464 my hot throw is amazing

[@earthglow]

Good for you!