The technical definition for paraffin is: paraffin \Par"af*fin\, Paraffine \Par"af*fine\, n. [F. paraffine, fr. L. parum too little + affinis akin. So named in allusion to its chemical inactivity.] (Chem) A white waxy substance, resembling spermaceti, tasteless and odorless, and obtained from coal tar, wood tar, petroleum, ect., by distillation. It is used as an illuminant and lubricant. It is very inert, not being acted upon by most of the strong chemical reagents. It was formerly regarded as a definite compound, but is now known to be a complex mixture of several higher hydrocarbons of the methane or marsh-gas series; hence, by extension, any substance, whether solid, liquid, or gaseous, of the same chemical series, thus coal gas and kerosene consist largely of paraffins. 

Basically it is an inexpensive kerosene by-product produced from petroleum which is used in about 99% of all candles made today. It contains 11 documented toxins, two of which, toluene and benzene, are known to be carcinogenic. So when you burn paraffin wax, it produces some very unhealthy soot emissions.


Soy wax is a natural, renewable, healthy alternative to paraffin. Soybean oil is combined with other vegetable oils to produce a 100% all natural wax which can be used in candle making. It is clean, non-toxic, biodegradable, water-soluble and affordable. It also burns more uniformly, so every candle has an even burn pool. Not to mention the fact that soybeans are grown and processed right in the United States. This helps to create sustainable agricultural and economic development. Each Country Boy Soy Candles is hand poured for greater quality and all wicks are lead free.

Nature gave us cleaner alternative to paraffin wax. So let's all start using it!