All natural candles have been around for literally thousands of years. Though, until recently, these all natural candles came only in the form of the very expensive beeswax candles. In the past, only the wealthiest could afford to buy beeswax candles. It wasn't until the 1990's, since the invention of soy wax, that people could actually afford to buy all natural candles on a regular basis.

Although beeswax candles are more affordable these days, if you buy them regularly, it can definitely become quite an expensive proposition that can be difficult to keep up. However, there are now other options out there besides beeswax candles: soy candles and palm wax candles.

Candles made with soy wax:

Concerning all natural candles, soy candles are most certainly the most popular option and this is because of some very good reasons. Soy candles burns much longer when you compare them to paraffin wax candles. Not only that, but it is said that they disperse fragrance into the air more efficiently and effectively. Although soy wax does not burn quite as long as beeswax, it is far more affordable.

When you burn a beeswax candles, you'll notice the natural scent of honey in the air. Many people buy beeswax candles for this reason. But what if you don't like the smell of honey? Or what if you simply want your candle to smell of another, completely different fragrance?
It is much easier to add any fragrance to soy wax since it burns almost completely odorless. Or perhaps you want a candle that doesn't smell like anything at all. Unscented soy candles are actually becoming very popular.

When you're talking about a pure soy wax candles, you are always talking about a container candle. The reason for this is because you cannot make pillar candles with pure soy wax alone. Soy pillar candles are made with soy wax and other botanical oils to help the pillar hold its shape. Another advantage to soy candles over any other candle at all is that soy beans are a major US crop, soy when you buy soy candles, you're supporting the US economy.

Candles made with palm wax:

Unknown to most, palm wax was actually invented before soy wax, but palm candles didn't really become widely known until soy candles came into being. Like soy wax, palm wax burns cleanly and odorless. In fact, some say it burn cleaner than soy wax. The burn time of palm wax is comparable to soy wax and perhaps even a bit longer.

Besides the fact that palm wax burns odorless and cleanly, this candle has the most unique appearance of any other candle, natural or not. Palm wax candles are usually described as having a feathered or crystalline appearance that actually reflects the light as you rotate the candle.

I feel I must mention that there is one potential downside to these natural palm wax candles. There are palm oil manufacturers in many parts of Asia that are supposedly cutting down rainforest to make room for palm oil plantations. The only thing you can do here is make sure you know where your palm wax is coming from, which can be tricky.

All natural candles are becoming more and more popular as people are becoming more aware of their carbon footprint as they buy non-sustainable products. One small step to make the world a better place as well as to keep honest companies in business is to switch to all natural candles. Whether your choice is soy wax, palm wax or beeswax, either of these options is better than the petroleum based paraffin candle.