Debunking Scented Candle Wax Myths

Candles have been used for centuries to create ambiance, relaxation, and even ritualistic significance. But with their widespread use comes a variety of myths—especially about the wax.

At Candle and Crete, we believe in transparency and quality, so let's separate fact from fiction when it comes to scented candle wax.

Paraffin Wax is Toxic

Many believe that paraffin wax releases harmful toxins when burned. The truth is that high-quality paraffin wax is refined to remove impurities and is widely used in the candle industry. Studies have shown that paraffin candles burn cleanly when used correctly, just like other wax types.

Soy Wax is Always Better than Other Waxes

Soy wax is often marketed as the superior, "natural" choice. While it is plant-based and renewable, it doesn’t always mean a cleaner or longer burn. All waxes - whether soy, coconut, beeswax, or paraffin - have unique properties that determine burn time, scent throw, and aesthetics. The quality of the candle matters more than just the type of wax used. Soy is a much softer and pliable wax that melts at a much lower heat and provides a smooth almost vanilla-like look without any blemishes in the final product, and although all these possibilities seem more environmentally friendly, if you are looking for a stronger fragranced scented candle, best you start looking at other wax varieties.

Beeswax Candles Purify the Air

There’s a common claim that beeswax candles release negative ions that clean the air. While this sounds great, scientific evidence doesn’t strongly support it. However, beeswax is still a great choice for a long-lasting, natural candle with a mild honey aroma.

Colored or Scented Candles are More Toxic

Some people worry that adding color and fragrance to candles makes them toxic. Reputable scented candle makers (like Candle and Crete in the United Arab Emirates) use high-quality fragrance oils and non-toxic dyes. The key is ensuring the ingredients meet safety standards and do not contain harmful additives. Thus, debunking this scented candle wax myth.

A White, Smoky Flame Means Toxic Chemicals

At Candle and Crete, we spend a lot more time in testing our candles than at selling them.  From experience we noted that a smoking candle is usually a sign of an improperly trimmed wick or the incorrectly selected wick type for a specific candle jar or specific wax blend - not toxic wax. Although keeping your wick trimmed to about ¼ inch and burning your candle away from strong air currents will minimize smoke.

The Harder the Wax, the Longer it Lasts

A Candle’s burn time is more about the formulation of the candle than what it is from the wax itself. The wick size, the fragrance load and the candle jar are some factors that influence the longevity of your candle, thus de-bunking the myth that harder waxes burn longer.

The Truth About Candle Wax

No matter which wax type you prefer, the key to a great candle is quality ingredients and proper care. At Candle and Crete, we ensure that all our candles are crafted with high-quality waxes and safe, long-lasting fragrance oils - so you can enjoy a luxurious experience without worry.