What is a natural candle?
A natural candle is crafted from materials that are minimally processed, free from synthetic additives, and derived from genuinely renewable or natural sources. In contrast to conventional candles made from heavily processed waxes, natural candles prioritise ingredients like beeswax, which is created by bees and harvested with care, requiring little to no alteration.
These candles burn cleaner, emitting fewer toxins, and their scents are subtle and authentic, derived from essential oils rather than artificial fragrances. A truly natural candle also avoids chemically treated wicks, instead relying on unbleached cotton or wood to ensure a clean and consistent burn.
To meet the standard of being natural, candles must avoid industrial processes that alter their raw materials. Waxes such as soy, coconut, rapeseed, and paraffin, while widely used, undergo extensive chemical treatments that strip them of their natural integrity. Paraffin, a by-product of crude oil refining, adds another layer of environmental and health concerns, emitting pollutants when burned. Choosing a natural candle is a commitment to purity, sustainability, and a connection to nature that synthetic or heavily refined alternatives cannot replicate.
The Essence of Natural
A natural candle is pure in its origin and honest in its purpose. It is crafted without synthetic additives, industrial processing, or unnecessary interventions. True naturalness lies in materials that are minimally altered from their original state.
Beeswax epitomises this. It is produced by bees, shaped by their hives, and harvested with care. It is a material that does not need processing to be usable — simply melted, filtered, and poured. Compare this with paraffin, coconut, and rapeseed waxes, which undergo extensive refining and chemical treatments, making them far removed from nature.
The Problem with Uncertified Beeswax
While beeswax is the gold standard for natural candles, not all beeswax is created equal. Without organic certification, there are risks that undermine its purity:
1. Pesticide Contamination
• In conventional beekeeping, bees often forage in areas treated with synthetic pesticides or herbicides. These chemicals can contaminate the wax, leaving traces that may be released when the candle is burned.
• Imported beeswax, in particular, may come from regions with less stringent regulations on pesticide use, raising concerns about toxicity.
2. Adulteration with Paraffin
• In the UK, where many beeswax products are imported, it’s not uncommon for beeswax to be cut with paraffin or other waxes to reduce costs. This blending is often not disclosed, leaving consumers unknowingly purchasing products that emit harmful petrochemical fumes.
• Adulterated wax lacks the unique properties of pure beeswax, such as its subtle honey aroma and clean-burning nature.
3. Lack of Transparency
• Without organic certification, it’s difficult to trace the origins of the wax or ensure that it has been harvested ethically and sustainably.
• Certified organic beeswax, on the other hand, comes with a guarantee that it has been produced in environments not dependent on synthetic chemicals, with high standards for hive health and biodiversity.
The Truth About Waxes
1. Beeswax: The Gold Standard of Natural Candles
Beeswax is a remarkable material, created entirely by nature and requiring minimal human intervention. Produced by honeybees as a by-product of their hive-building process, it begins as tiny flakes secreted from glands on the bees’ abdomens. These flakes are chewed and moulded into the honeycomb, a structure essential for storing honey and raising the next generation of bees.
When responsibly harvested, beeswax is a renewable resource that doesn’t harm the bees or disrupt the hive’s delicate ecosystem. Once collected, the raw wax undergoes a simple filtration process to remove impurities, such as residual honey or debris. Unlike other waxes, beeswax requires no chemical refining, bleaching, or hydrogenation, preserving its natural properties and integrity.
Its warm golden hue and subtle honeyed aroma are shaped by the environment in which the bees forage. Flowers, nectar sources, and even the season all play a role in determining the wax’s unique colour and scent profile. This means every batch of beeswax tells a story of its origin—a connection to nature that cannot be replicated by synthetic or heavily processed alternatives.
As a candle wax, beeswax burns cleanly and efficiently, producing a steady, bright flame that purifies the air. Its purity and simplicity make it the ultimate choice for those seeking a truly natural candle.
2. Paraffin Wax: A Petroleum By-product
Paraffin is a synthetic wax derived from crude oil. The production process involves:
• Distillation: Crude oil is distilled to separate the waxy by-products.
• Refining: The wax is chemically treated to remove impurities, resulting in the white, odourless substance used in conventional candles.
• Bleaching: Often, paraffin is bleached to achieve its final appearance.
This process is energy-intensive and creates a product that emits toxic fumes, such as benzene and toluene, when burned.
3. Coconut and Rapeseed Wax: The Hidden Truths
While marketed as “natural,” coconut and rapeseed waxes are heavily processed:
• Hydrogenation: Both waxes undergo hydrogenation, where oils are exposed to high pressure and a catalyst (often nickel) to convert them into a solid state. This process fundamentally alters the natural structure of the oils.
• Blending: Coconut wax, in particular, is often blended with other waxes, such as soy or paraffin, for stability and performance.
• Industrial Farming: Rapeseed farming can involve pesticides and monoculture practices, further distancing it from the natural ethos.
4. Soy Wax: More Marketing than Nature
Soy wax follows a similar path to rapeseed and coconut waxes. Derived from soybeans, it undergoes hydrogenation, bleaching, and deodorising. Often, soy is sourced from genetically modified crops, raising concerns about sustainability and naturalness.
The Role of the Wick
The wick is the unseen spine of every candle, yet it holds immense importance in defining the quality of the burn. In a truly natural candle, the wick must meet the same standard of purity as the wax.
- Material Matters: Natural candles use wicks made from unbleached, non-GM cotton that have not been dependent on pesticides. Or sustainably sourced wooden wicks. These wicks ensure a clean, steady flame without the chemical residue often found in wicks treated with synthetic stiffeners or metal cores.
- The Problem with Bleached Wicks: Many conventional candles use wicks that are bleached or chemically treated to appear bright white. As well as an unnatural intervention, these wicks can release harmful chemicals when burned, compromising the air quality.
Why Choose a Natural Candle?
A natural candle is more than a source of light. It is an expression of care—for yourself, your home, and the planet. Here’s why it matters:
- Clean Burn: Beeswax candles emit no toxins, soot, or pollutants. They even produce negative ions, which can help purify the air.
- Sustainability: Natural candles are made from renewable resources, unlike paraffin, which depletes finite fossil fuels.
- Authenticity: Every aspect of a natural candle—its material, its scent, its burn—reflects a commitment to simplicity and integrity.
Illuminating the Future
As the market becomes crowded with claims of “natural” and “eco-friendly,” choosing a truly natural candle requires discernment. Look beyond the label. Ask questions about the wax, the wick, and the processes behind them.
This is where organic certification is important. A truly natural candle is a certified organic candle.
At Skar Organics, we believe that a candle should be more than just a product—it should be a reflection of the world we want to see: a world where purity, sustainability, and craftsmanship are of utmost importance.
When you light a natural candle, you’re not just igniting a flame. You’re embracing & telling a story. A story of dominion or domination.