Stearin vs. Paraffin — What's the Difference?

Known for its superior burning qualities, including minimal dripping.

Has a lower melting point, which can affect burn time and wax drip.

Offers a stable and consistent flame, ideal for ambiance lighting.

More affordable and accessible than many natural wax alternatives.

A hard, solid substance obtained from animal or vegetable fats, used in making candles.

Raises concerns regarding sustainability and air quality when burned.

Can be more expensive due to its natural origins.

Easily colored and scented, allowing for a variety of candle designs.

Stearin is renewable and considered more eco-friendly than synthetic waxes.

A colorless, odorless wax made from petroleum, used extensively in candle making.

Stearin , or tristearin, or glyceryl tristearate is an odourless, white powder. It is a triglyceride derived from three units of stearic acid.

A waxy white or colorless solid hydrocarbon mixture used to make candles, wax paper, lubricants, and sealing materials. Also called paraffin wax.

See tristearin.

(Chemistry) A member of the alkane series.

The solid form of fat.

Chiefly British Kerosene.

Solid fat.

To saturate, impregnate, or coat with paraffin.

(organic compound) A glyceride (especially the triglyceride) of stearic acid

(UK) A petroleum-based thin and colourless fuel oil.

One of the constituents of animal fats and also of some vegetable fats, as the butter of cacao. It is especially characterized by its solidity, so that when present in considerable quantity it materially increases the hardness, or raises the melting point, of the fat, as in mutton tallow. Chemically, it is a compound of glyceryl with three molecules of stearic acid, and hence is technically called tristearin, or glyceryl tristearate.

(chemistry) Any member of the alkane hydrocarbons.

An ester of glycerol and stearic acid

Paraffin wax.

To impregnate or treat with paraffin.

To embed in paraffin wax.

A white waxy substance, resembling spermaceti, tasteless and odorless, and obtained from coal tar, wood tar, petroleum, etc., by distillation. It is used in candles, as a sealing agent (such as in canning of preserves), as a waterproofing agent, as an illuminant and as a 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 gasoline, coal gas and kerosene consist largely of paraffins.

From crude petroleum; used for candles and for preservative or waterproof coatings

A non-aromatic saturated hydrocarbon with the general formula CnH(2n+2)

British usage

Generally, yes, due to the cost of sourcing natural ingredients.

No, paraffin wax is not biodegradable, as it is a petroleum byproduct.

People prefer stearin for its natural, renewable qualities and minimal environmental impact.

Yes, paraffin's clear, odorless nature allows easy addition of dyes and fragrances.

Stearin is made from the solid fraction of animal or vegetable fats.

Some studies suggest that burning paraffin candles may release harmful toxins, raising health concerns.

Yes, the wax type can influence how well a candle releases fragrance.

Yes, due to their higher melting point, stearin candles often have a longer burn time.

Alternatives include soy wax, beeswax, and palm wax, each with unique properties.

Yes, blends are common to balance cost, burning properties, and sustainability.

Stearin is renewable and sourced from sustainable agriculture, reducing environmental impact.

Stearin is also used in making soaps, cosmetics, and as a hardener in other products.

Yes, their slow-burning nature makes them suitable for outdoor use.

Consider factors like environmental impact, burn time, cost, and personal health concerns.

Yes, paraffin's low melting point and versatility make it popular among candle makers.