History of the scented candle

Candle, vela, kerze, شمعة, kaars, mum, 蜡烛, свеча, κερί, Käerz, ljus, świeca, candela, stearinlys, lilin, svíčka, மெழுகுவர்த்தி

 The candle sees its first days more than 3000 BC under a name that was gradually replaced: the candle.

In the past, a rod of reed or a stick of reed was soaked in animal fat such as tallow or vegetable fat as fuel.

This method was used as a means of lighting a place since the light bulb nor even electricity did not exist yet.

 The tallow is substituted by the beeswax in the Middle Ages, both contents had the same characteristics. During this period, the candles were reserved for the lords and the clergy because of their expensive character, the society did not have the means to get such objects.

The candle that we all know emerged in the 19th century with the discovery of a substitute derived from petroleum which is the solid kerosene and stearin obtained from natural fats that facilitate the manufacture of quality candles and allow the diffusion of fragrance.

 

For a quality scented candle it is important to choose the right wax, wick and fragrance.

At Alizés, we select our components in a very precise way by choosing French suppliers of great reputation.

 

There are three types of waxes:

Mineral waxes

Macrocrystalline and microcrystalline waxes are composed of kerosene which is a component as mentioned above, derived from oil.

They allow a better diffusion of the fragrance, that's why they are used in the making of scented candles, but also in cosmetics or in food packaging.

Vegetable waxes

Here we are talking about rapeseed, palm and soy waxes.

As for mineral waxes, it is necessary to take into consideration the quality of the chosen raw material because it is essential.

A diffusion of perfume is better thanks to good raw materials than to the type of wax itself.

Animal waxes

Beeswax is the wax used by Alizés, it is naturally manufactured and allows the diffusion of fragrances.

It is noted that this type of wax is becoming increasingly rare given the fact that bees themselves are becoming extinct.

 

The mixture of wax in a scented candle is totally possible, several big Houses manufacture scented candles with assemblies being able to integrate various waxes.

 

Let us come to the choice of the wick.

The wick is one of the main components of the candle.

Indeed, its choice rests on a delicate decision because on the one hand, if the wick is too powerful, the flame will be too voluminous and would risk causing smoke.

And on the other hand, if the flame is too small, it will not melt the wax properly to allow the diffusion of the perfume.

 

 

It is possible to find scented candles with many wicks in a single candle.

There are several types of wicks, but we will present only the two most used types.

First of all, we have the braided wicks which are composed of a multitude of threads of cotton braided between them.

They generally have a metal base that allows them to remain in a fixed and straight position during combustion.

Then we have the wooden wicks which are distinguished by a small crackling sound during combustion.

 

Note the fact that following the European restrictions on the presence of lead in the wick frames, this practice has been prohibited for several years.

 

The perfume

 

Given the fact that in the XXI century, the primary function of the candle is slightly biased, some people use it as a decoration and others light candles to have a certain subdued atmosphere.

 

 

To these two practices, we added that of the perfume, we observed more and more scented candles. The perfume represents therefore a capital element relative to the choice of the candle.

The perfume incorporated in the candle can be natural or of synthesis.

The synthetic perfume is manufactured artificially and offers a wider olfactive range.

The natural perfume is resulting from essential oils of plants, the olfactive offer of this type of perfume is unfortunately rather limited compared to the synthetic perfume.

 

The manufacture of a scented candle

Before being able to be packed and consumed by the people, the scented candles are manufactured as follows:

The perfume and the hot wax thus in liquid state are mixed together and then transferred in a container in which a wick or wicks is/are.

Once this task is carried out, and after having let cool the candle, the surface will be thus flattened and the wicks cut to the adequate length.

 

The operation of a scented candle.

The process of diffusing the scent of the candle takes place once the candle is lit.

 A fusion bath is created following the melting of the wax which is around the wick which burns what allows the evaporation of the perfume in the room.

 

How to choose your scented candle?

If you are looking for a quality candle, choose a brand that has a know-how and that applies the current standards.

Dare to question the brand on the quality of its raw materials used and also on the manufacturing process of its scented candles.

Take the time to think before choosing your candle, be able to differentiate the real from the fake.

Beware of brands that belittle the processes of others to put themselves forward.

In its 2017 report, the Ecology Transition Agency (ADEME), which is a French subsidiary of the Ministry of Ecology, mentioned the fact that with traditional candle use, the candle is safe for your health.

Be aware that the use of the terms "natural" and "vegetable" are not the primary characteristics to consider when choosing a quality scented candle.

 

 

Rely on the quality of the raw material used to choose the wax.