Soy wax candles aren't all the same and it is important to know what your are buying and burning.
Not all soy candles are created equal or made with non-GMO responsibly sourced Soy Wax. Many are labelled "Natural" or as "Vegetable" wax blends when in fact this can mean there are hidden additives within the scented candles you purchase. More often than not, the soy candle wax you are burning, may contain a blend of soy and palm wax, and even worse it may contain paraffin wax also. For reasons of personal health and wellbeing and for the state of our planet it is wise to do your research if wishing to purchase soy only wax candles.
A little candle history: candles throughout ancient history were made primarily from tallow and beeswax and had also been made from spermaceti (from sperm whales) and stearin (purified animal fats). In recent centuries candles were made using paraffin and in modern times from rapeseed, palm, coconut and soy wax.
In the middle ages candlemakers were known as Chandlers and made candles from fats reserved from the kitchen. In France and England candle making became a guild craft by the 13th century using tallow (fat from cows and sheep). The first candle mould came from 15th century Paris and at my favourite Palace, Palace of Versailles, in 1739 when a great ball was held 24,000 candles were required and were placed on huge candelabras. Just imagine how extravagant and luxurios that must have been and it was preferred to place the candles close to mirrors, down low, to reflect the light assisting the ladies of the court to look younger. Gorgeous!
In the mid 1850's paraffin wax was processed by distilling coal and oil shales and stearin was then added. By the end of the 19th century 1,000 acres of coconut plantation were purchased in Sri Lanka by William Wilson from the UK to make candles from coconut oil. He also tried palm oil from palm trees a little later. However this was never to be as his son discovered how to distill petroleum oil when then led to candles being made using skin and bone fat and fish oil. When gas lighting and the incandescent light bulb were available the candle industry declined and candles were used for decoration only.
In the 1990's new types of candle waxes became available such as palm and soy wax and blends containing both.
Lisoire chooses pure non-GMO soy wax, responsibly sourced from the USA and European countries, to create Lisoire scented candles. At this time I believe this is the best choice available and will always be alert for a better alternative if it can be discovered. Olfactory notes, perfume accords, pure extracted plant essences and the best soy wax are the ingredients used by Lisoire to make the best candles for you to enjoy.
To stay informed keep an eye out for my next article that will discuss natural vs. synthetic scented candles.
Keep the light burning.
Be the light.
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