Here is a little guide on the different terms used with candles.
Beeswax: The oldest known type of wax. Natural wax produced by honey bees. Beeswax burns readily and cleanly. They are also known to help purify the air.
Coconut Wax: Coconut wax is made from a natural process from the fruit. Coconut trees are renewable, the tree does not have to be cut down as only the fruit is used. Coconut wax burns with low melting points, thus there is a need to blend with other types of wax. Coconut wax also throws scents very well.
Cruelty-free: Never ever tested on animals!
Essential oils: Derived from nature mostly through steam distillation, cold-press, solvent or Co2 extraction resulting in robust and complex oils.
Fragrance oils: The fragrance oils used are non-toxic, phthalate-free fragrance oils derived from both natural and high quality synthetic ingredients.
Paraben: A type of preservative to prolong the shelf life of products, and to prevent harmful mould or bacteria from forming. It is studied that it can disrupt hormones in our body.
Paraffin Wax (Mineral Wax): Paraffin wax is a byproduct from refinement of petroleum. Due to its lighter density, paraffin wax is able to create a strong scent throw. Paraffin wax is not biodegradable and sustainable. Paraffin by itself is too soft to make candles and thus stearic acid (animal fats) is added. With the on-going debate on the negative effects of paraffin wax, we reckon that it will be safer to go with natural alternatives.
Phthalates: A kind of plasticizer, industrial chemicals used in fragrances and other products as binding agents to ensure that ingredients used will bind together and not disperse during its shelf life. Researches have linked phthalates to negative health effects.
Soy Wax: Soy wax is natural wax derived from soybeans. It is softer than paraffin wax with a lower melting point. It has a slightly lesser throw compared to paraffin wax as it is more dense. Soy wax is biodegradable and vegan. P.F. Candle Co and Brooklyn Candle Studio use 100% soy wax.
Sulfates: Sulfates are salts of sulphuric acid, to enable two or more immiscible liquids (liquids that don’t mix) to turn into an emulsion.
Vegan: Candles are made from plant-based ingredients. Vegan waxes are made out of common agricultural plants like soybeans plants in the USA which are readily available, renewable and 100% biodegradable.
Vessels and boxes: Both P.F. Candle Co and Brooklyn Candle Co jars can be repurposed into pencil holders, planters, bathroom organisers, etc. The glass vessels can be recycled once cleaned as well. All boxes are made of paper and can be recycled.
Wicks: P.F. Candle Co and Brooklyn Candle Co candles uses cotton core wicks primed with vegetable oil. Not the traditional type that contains metal or primed with paraffin.
We are proud to carry brands like P.F. Candle Co and Brooklyn Candle Co products that are paraben-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free, vegan, 100% USA grown soy wax and only using cotton wicks. Breath happy with a peace of mind!