What is Paraffin?

Paraffin wax is a wax derived from petroleum byproducts. Petroleum itself is made from crude oil, which is associated with devastating ecological and human health impacts. Petroleum waxes, including paraffin, can also be harmful to marine life when they’re disposed of improperly and end up in the natural environment. When paraffin ends up in our oceans, it can be ingested by our sea-dwelling friends and lead to mass beaching events (i.e. when marine animals wash up on shorelines). To add insult to injury, it can pose health risks to communities tasked with cleaning and disposing of the wax. Not to mention, by purchasing products made with paraffin (such as paraffin wax candles), we’re inadvertently supporting the crude oil industry – talk about unintended consequences.

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Is Paraffin “good”?

Paraffin is still one of the most commonly used waxes for candles, and many organizations and studies deem that it is safe for consumer use. However, don’t let that label fool you! 

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To begin with, paraffin is a petroleum-based material, meaning that purchasing a paraffin product directly supports the oil industry and their notorious, environmentally damaging practices. Not only is the harvesting process of paraffin harmful, but the process of using it for its actual purpose (burning it) also furthers this damage. Paraffin, as a petroleum product, releases high quantities of particulate pollution, and a study at South Carolina State University also showed that paraffin produces toxic chemicals like toluene (a known carcinogen) during combustion. Even when compared to stearin candles, paraffin is clearly an ecologically damaging option. In a study, paraffin candles emitted 50% higher concentrations of soot and combustion products in comparison to stearin candles. 

There are better alternatives out there, with soy-based and beeswax candles becoming increasingly popular. Soy is a plant material that is a more natural and renewable alternative, with longer and cleaner candle burns. However, soybean crops are known for being a huge contributor to deforestation, which leads to a plethora of other negative effects like erosion, pollution, and endangered water health. Instead, opt for beeswax, which is produced naturally, uses little to no land, and doesn’t require any special transportation. 

What kind of products are made with Paraffin?

Paraffin wax can be used in wax paper, polishes, cosmetics, and electrical insulators, but is most commonly found in candles. It also helps extract fragrances from flowers, forms bases for medical ointments, and aids in waterproof coating for wood. 

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Are there certifications I should look out for?

While there are no direct certifications regulating paraffin, you can look for paraffin-free labels on products. However, it is also important to note that there is no federal regulation or strict guideline on such wording.

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In addition to checking paraffin-free labels, you can look out for petroleum-regulating certifications. One of the most common certifications is the USDA BioPreferred program. This program gives a seal to products that use biobased petroleum alternatives, such as those derived from plants and other renewable agricultural, marine, and forestry materials. The goal of the BioPreferred program is to increase the development, purchase, and use of biobased products in order to reduce our reliance on petroleum. According to the USDA, biobased products displace around 300 million gallons of petroleum per year in the U.S., which is the equivalent of taking 200,000 cars off the road. 

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Still want to learn more? Check out some of our favorite references:

Candles: What do they emit when lit?

EPA Paraffin waxes and Hydrocarbon waxes

Britannica: Paraffin Wax

Science Direct: Paraffin

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