The main component of candles is wax. Candles can be made of paraffin wax, beeswax and soy wax. Paraffin is the wax that is usually used in most candles. The downside to paraffin wax is that when it burns it produces carcinogens that can cause cancer. It also produces soot which can mark containers and other surfaces, or ceilings where the candle is located. Beeswax, on the other hand, is a popular alternative to paraffin because it does not produce carcinogens and it is a natural component

read The Difference in the Natural Soy Wax Candles