Scented Candles - What Type Of Candle Is Right For Me?

The market for these candle products has grown incredibly quickly over the past ten years with so many variations now available; Beeswax scented candles, Natural wax scented candles or Paraffin scented candles to mention but a few. Perhaps the information below will aid you in the selection of your perfect scented candle.

Whilst the demand for Paraffin based scented candles continues to be very strong, over the last 2 decades society has been alerted to the "toxic air agents" that they omit when burned. Paraffin scented candles can contain additives and chemicals, that are a by product of petroleum and there can be up to a dozen carcinogenic compounds found in a paraffin scented candle. Another downside of the Paraffin scented candle is that they produce soot; this soot contains some of the compounds given off by burning diesel fuel. This can be an irritant and harmful when inhaled. Taking all of this into consideration, paraffin wax scented candles are still the most in-expensive scented candles on the market and therefore for many people still provide the perfect solution.

If the comments above concern you then Beeswax scented candles offer a fantastic alternative to Paraffin based scented candles. Beeswax scented candles have health benefits as they are non toxic, hypo allergenic and release negative ions into the air. These ions cleanse the air leaving it feeling fresh and highly scented which has proved incredibly popular with asthma sufferers and anyone with respiratory problems.

Consumers who use beeswax scented candles also love the fact that the scented candle omits a warm, natural colour and optimum clear flame which generates a good source of light. Obviously the major benefit of a beeswax scented candle is the fact that they last much longer than Paraffin based scented candles as they burn slower: the negative side however is that of supply and demand; the bees cannot produce it fast enough! This unfortunately has resulted in the price of beeswax scented candles costing significantly more than Paraffin candles; in fact in some cases 10 times more!

As a result of the increased demand for Natural scented candles entrepreneur Michael Richards realised there was a need for a cheaper natural alternative to beeswax scented candles. In 1992 he invented soy wax which is a blend of hydrogenated soy bean oil, coconut oil and palm oil. One of the main advantages of scented candles made from soy wax aside to the cost is that they are manufactured from a renewable source which is at the fore front of many consumers' minds in the 21st Century. Soy wax candles tend to be a little cheaper than Beeswax candles but in turn don't burn for as long.

As a result of consumers being more environmentally aware and wishing to purchase ‘greener products' we have seen the sales of natural wax scented candles dramatically increase as an alternative to paraffin wax scented candles.

However, probably the most important consideration once you've decided whether to choose Paraffin, Beeswax or Soy is the "burn time". There is a significant probability that a candle which retails at four times the price of another will burn for at least four times as long. When shopping for that perfect gift always ensure you know how long that special candle will keep your room smelling beautiful.