"Mineral Wax " Is Just a Pretty Name for Something Ugly By Bryluen Botanicals
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When shopping for candles, it’s easy to be drawn in by words like “luxury,” “clean,” or “natural.” But behind the marketing, many popular candle brands are still using one of the most harmful ingredients in the candle industry: paraffin wax.
At Bryluen Botanicals, we believe you deserve honesty. That’s why we use only clean-burning soy wax — and never paraffin wax in any form. Here's why that matters, and what other brands don’t want you to know.
What Is Paraffin Wax — Really?
Paraffin wax is a by-product of the petroleum industry.
It’s created by refining crude oil into gasoline. What’s left behind , the sludge at the bottom of the barrel which is then processed and bleached into paraffin wax.
It’s cheap, widely available, and holds scent well.
That’s why it’s used in most commercial candles, especially big-name brands.
But here’s the truth: burning paraffin wax releases toxic compounds into the air, including:
Toluene – a known neurotoxin
Benzene – a known carcinogen
Formaldehyde – an irritant to the lungs and skin
Acetaldehyde and other VOCs – which lower indoor air quality and can contribute to respiratory issues
Paraffin wax is literally a petrochemical product, and when burned in your home, it contributes to the same kind of air pollution you’d expect from a diesel engine.
“Mineral Wax”: A Clever Disguise for Paraffin
Some luxury candle brands — including The White Company — use a term you might have seen: “mineral wax.”
Mineral wax is just a rebranded term for paraffin wax.
There is no difference — except the name.
This is an example of greenwashing: when companies use misleading language to make harmful ingredients sound safe or natural.
It’s clever marketing, but it’s not honesty. And it’s not healthy.
At Bryluen Botanicals, we believe what’s inside the candle matters more than what’s printed on the label.
What Is Soy Wax?
Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil, a renewable, plant-based ingredient. It’s biodegradable, vegan, and non-toxic. At Bryluen, we use 464 European soy wax — a clean, consistent, high-quality wax known for its excellent performance without compromising safety or sustainability.
Benefits of Soy Wax:
Clean-burning – No toxic byproducts or petrochemicals
Longer burn time – Soy candles last up to 50% longer than paraffin
Better scent throw with essential oils – Ideal for aromatherapy
Biodegradable and renewable – Better for the environment
Safer for your home, your family, and your pets
Paraffin vs. Soy: Indoor Air Quality Matters
If you’ve ever noticed black soot collecting around candle jars, walls, or ceilings — that’s paraffin wax at work. And that soot isn’t just a stain. It’s made of carbon particles and toxins that you are breathing into your lungs.
That's one of the reasons why you get headaches when burning candles.
Indoor air pollution is a growing concern. According to the EPA, indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air — especially when you're burning toxic candles, using synthetic air fresheners, or cleaning with chemical-laden products.
Candles should enhance your home, not harm it.
That’s why Bryluen candles are:
Free from paraffin, phthalates, and petrochemicals
Made with pure soy wax and essential oils only
Safe for babies, pets, pregnancy, and people with sensitivities
Why Don’t More Brands Use Soy Wax?
It’s simple: paraffin is cheap.
Soy wax costs more to produce, and it’s trickier to work with, especially when blending with essential oils instead of artificial fragrance oils. Many big brands — even so-called “natural” or “luxury” ones — stick to paraffin (or “mineral wax”) because it boosts their profit margins.
At Bryluen Botanicals, we don’t cut corners. We put your health and wellbeing first, every time.
What You Can Do as a Consumer
Not sure what’s in your candle? Here’s how to spot the truth:
Read the label — and between the lines:
Mineral wax” = paraffin wax
Fragrance” or “parfum” = undisclosed synthetic chemicals
Soy blend” = likely a mix of soy and paraffin
No ingredient list at all? That’s a red flag.
Ask questions:
If a brand isn’t clear about their wax or fragrance source, ask. And if they won’t answer — that says everything.
At Bryluen, we tell you exactly what’s in every candle:
464 soy wax + essential oils. That’s it.
In Summary
We use soy wax because:
It’s plant-based, renewable, and non-toxic
It burns cleanly and safely
It works beautifully with essential oils
It protects your lungs, your home, and our planet
We don’t use paraffin wax — under any name — because:
It’s derived from crude oil
It releases toxic pollutants into your home
It’s hidden behind misleading labels like “mineral wax”
It has no place in a product meant to promote wellbeing
At Bryluen Botanicals, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between a beautiful candle and a safe one.
Our promise is simple: No paraffin. No toxins. No compromise.