What Kind of Wax Are Yankee Candles Made From?

I was an assistant manager at a Yankee Candle Company retail store at my local mall for several years, and it seemed like most people who stopped into our store thought that Yankee Candles were a high-quality product made only from the finest ingredients. A few individuals, however, had heard rumors about Yankee using inferior ingredients or actually being dangerous to their health. Consumers want to know about the candles they are purchasing, and one question I was frequently asked was what kind of wax Yankee Candles are made from.

The vast majority of Yankee Candles are made out of paraffin wax. This includes Housewarmer-brand jar candles, votive candles, tealights, and all of the wax tarts that are sold by Yankee Candle Company. Paraffin wax has been safely used in candles for hundreds of years, and is desirable because it allows for a wax that stays solid and has a consistent color. It is true that paraffin wax is a by-product of petroleum production, but it is highly refined, and it is by no means a "dirty" product. Some people and groups have claimed that paraffin wax causes cancer, but like cell phones, no cancer link has ever been proven. Paraffin wax is so safe that it is even used in food applications--like the candy "soda bottles" that you bite open to get to the fruit juice inside.

Because some consumers want to make a different wax choice, Yankee Candle also offers candle made out of a vegetable-wax blend. While these are not "soy candles," they contain no paraffin wax and are a completely vegetable-based product, including some soy wax. This vegetable wax tends to be softer and messier than paraffin wax, so these types candles must be handled with care. The Yankee Aromatherapy Spa line is an example of the kinds of candles made from this different wax.

Regardless of the kind of wax the candle is made from, customers can rest assured that Yankee Candles are always made from the finest, safest incredients available--from the wax to the wick. Yankee Candle Company never uses lead wicks, and most wicks are made from 100 percent cotton for a clean and even burning experience. Yankee Candles may cost more than some other candle brands, however, in my experience, you get what you pay for. I like the way that Yankee Candles burn and smell more than any other candle on the market, and many other consumers agree. Yankee Candle offers a 100% money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose by trying one of their candles to see the quality for yourself.