How does Ember & Ashe promote sustainability?

We prioritize low-waste packaging, responsible sourcing, and environmentally friendly production methods to ensure our products are as kind to the planet as they are to you. For instance, our solid body wash bars, shampoo bars, and conditioner bars are zero-waste. This means they not only replace up to 10 X their weight in liquid product, but at the end of their life, there is no plastic bottle to end up in a landfill, with the estimated 1.6 billion bottles going to landfills in America each year.

The Comprehensive History and Chemistry of Paraffin: From Origins to Health Implications and Alternatives

Gene Martin
May 3
5 min read

Paraffin is a common material found in many households, especially in candles and cosmetics. Yet, many people do not know its full history, chemical nature, or the health concerns linked to its use. This post explores paraffin’s origins, chemical makeup, how it burns, and why many eco-friendly families prefer soy or beeswax candles as healthier alternatives.

Close-up view of a paraffin candle flame burning steadily

The Origin and Name of Paraffin

The word "paraffin" comes from the Latin words parum meaning "little" and affinis meaning "affinity." This name reflects paraffin’s chemical property of being relatively inert or having little chemical affinity for other substances. Paraffin is a mixture of saturated hydrocarbons, primarily alkanes, derived from petroleum, coal tar, or shale.

Paraffin wax was first isolated in the early 19th century by German chemist Karl von Reichenbach. He discovered it while experimenting with crude oil distillation. Before paraffin wax, people used animal fats and tallow for candles, which produced unpleasant odors and smoke.

Chemical Makeup of Paraffin

Paraffin wax consists mainly of straight-chain hydrocarbons with carbon atoms ranging from about 20 to 40. These hydrocarbons are saturated, meaning they contain only single bonds between carbon atoms. This structure makes paraffin solid at room temperature but melt easily when heated.

The chemical formula of paraffin wax can be generalized as C_nH_2n+2, where n is the number of carbon atoms. This wax is odorless, colorless, and has a melting point between 46°C and 68°C (115°F to 154°F), depending on the exact composition. Paraffin seems ideal for candles, but today we know better.

What Does Rapid Oxidation of Paraffin Mean?

When paraffin burns, it undergoes rapid oxidation—a chemical reaction where hydrocarbons react with oxygen to produce heat, light, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. This process is what powers the flame of a candle.

However, incomplete combustion can occur if the flame lacks enough oxygen or the wick is too long. This incomplete burning produces soot, a black powdery substance made of tiny carbon particles.

Chemicals in Paraffin Soot

Paraffin soot contains several chemicals, including:

Carbon particles: The main component giving soot its black color.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): Some of these are known carcinogens.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): These can irritate the respiratory system.
Benzene and toluene: Toxic compounds found in small amounts.

Studies have shown that burning paraffin candles indoors can release these chemicals into the air, potentially affecting indoor air quality and health.

Differences Between Paraffin, Soy, and Beeswax Candles

When choosing a candle, the wax matters more than most people realize. It influences everything—from how cleanly the candle burns to how it scents a room and even its environmental footprint. The three most common wax types—paraffin, soy, and beeswax—each offer a distinctly different experience.

Paraffin wax is the most widely used and also the most traditional. It’s derived from petroleum, making it a non-renewable resource. One of its biggest advantages is performance: paraffin holds fragrance exceptionally well and throws scent strongly, which is why it’s often used in highly fragranced candles. However, it tends to produce more soot and releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned, which can impact indoor air quality over time.

Soy wax, on the other hand, is a plant-based alternative made from soybean oil. It has gained popularity as a more natural and eco-conscious option. Soy burns cleaner than paraffin, producing significantly less soot, and it’s biodegradable and renewable. Its scent throw is typically softer and more subtle, creating a gentler, more ambient fragrance experience. Because soy wax has a lower melting point, it also tends to burn slower, though it can be softer and more sensitive to temperature changes.

Beeswax sits at the premium end of the spectrum. It’s a natural wax produced by bees and requires minimal processing. Beeswax candles burn the cleanest of the three, with little to no soot, and are often noted for releasing negative ions that may help reduce airborne pollutants. They have a naturally warm, honey-like aroma even without added fragrance. Beeswax is also the hardest wax, giving it the longest burn time and excellent structural stability.

In the end, the right candle depends on what you value most. If you’re after strong fragrance and affordability, paraffin delivers. If sustainability and a cleaner burn matter more, soy is a solid choice. And if you’re looking for the most natural, longest-lasting option with a subtle, inherent scent, beeswax stands apart.

Why Ember & Ashe blends soy and beeswax for a superior candle.

Soy and beeswax candles are considered the healthiest alternatives because they produce fewer harmful emissions and are more eco-friendly. Beeswax candles also release negative ions, which some studies suggest may improve air quality by reducing airborne pollutants. For many years, smoking was considered safe, even indoors. Today, we know better, and keeping children and their tender lungs safe should not only be done by limiting exposure to cigarette smoke; perhaps it is time to make the change to natural candles as well. We think so.

Eye-level view of natural beeswax and soy candles on a wooden table — Eye-level view of an Ember & Ashe soy and beeswax blend candle in use.

Timeline and Origin of Paraffin Use

Ancient Oil Lamps: Before paraffin, people used oil lamps fueled by olive oil, animal fats, or whale oil. These lamps date back thousands of years and were common in ancient civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Early 1800s: Karl von Reichenbach isolated paraffin wax from crude oil.
Mid-1800s: Paraffin began to be used for candles, replacing tallow and beeswax in many places due to its affordability.
20th Century: Paraffin wax became widespread in candle making, cosmetics, and even as a sealing agent in food packaging.
Present Day: Paraffin remains common but faces criticism for environmental and health reasons, leading to increased interest in soy and beeswax.

Other Uses of Paraffin

Besides candles, paraffin has many applications:

Cosmetics: Used in lotions and creams for moisturizing.
Food Industry: Coating for cheese and fruits to preserve freshness.
Medical: Paraffin baths for physical therapy to relieve joint pain.
Industrial: Lubricants, electrical insulation, and waterproof coatings.

Health Concerns Linked to Paraffin

Research indicates that burning paraffin candles indoors can release harmful substances. A study published in Environmental Science & Technology (2012) found that paraffin candles emit VOCs and fine particulate matter that can worsen respiratory conditions like asthma.

Another study in Indoor Air (2018) linked frequent exposure to paraffin candle emissions with increased risk of respiratory irritation and allergic reactions, especially in children.

While occasional use is unlikely to cause serious harm, long-term exposure in poorly ventilated spaces raises health concerns. This is why many eco-friendly families and parents seek healthier candle options.

Why Choose Soy and Beeswax for Stability and Health

Soy and beeswax candles offer several benefits:

Stability: Beeswax has a higher melting point, making candles more durable and less prone to dripping. Soy wax provides a smooth, even burn.
Cleaner Burn: Both produce less soot and fewer harmful chemicals.
Eco-Friendly: Derived from renewable resources, they reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Healthier Indoor Air: Lower emissions mean less risk of respiratory irritation.
Negative Ion Emission: Beeswax candles emit negative ions that may help neutralize airborne pollutants.

For families concerned about indoor air quality and environmental impact, soy and beeswax represent the healthiest alternatives to paraffin.

Choosing candles made from natural waxes like soy or beeswax supports a cleaner home environment and aligns with eco-friendly values. Understanding paraffin’s history and chemistry helps us make informed choices that protect our health and the planet.

If you want to create a safer, more natural atmosphere in your home, consider switching to soy or beeswax candles. They provide beautiful, aromatherapy solutions without the negative side effects of paraffin.