Since soybeans are a vegetable, soy wax is naturally biodegradable. This makes accidental spills easier to clean up and the disposal of these products safe for the environment. Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax. This means that soy wax burns cooler and will last longer than paraffin candles.
Not only are there “green” advantages to choosing soy wax over a different type of candle wax, but soy wax also burns slower than paraffin wax, meaning you get a candle that lasts longer. While all candles emit some black soot while burning, candles made from soy wax burns cleaner and results in less soot.
Most mass-produced paraffin candles contain a wide range of potentially cancer-causing chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene and benzene. Soy candles are made from vegetable wax and won't release a ton of harmful toxins into the air.
Soy Wax is non-toxic and cleaner-burning being made with no toxins, carcinogens, or pollutants which means our candles are less likely to trigger allergies. As a vegetable-based wax, it does not give off any harmful byproducts or produce black soot that can stain walls and curtains like the other leading waxes.
Soy wax is a natural, renewable resource. Soy wax is biodegradable and cleans up with plain old soap and water. Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax and because of this, soy candles will burn slower or longer than paraffin candles. Soy wax burns with zero petro soot, creating petro soot free candles.
Beeswax. Beeswax candles are the healthiest choice in candles. Made from the caps of bee honeycombs, beeswax candles burn clean, are very long-burning, and give off a pleasant natural fragrance as they burn.
The Downsides of Soy Wax
While contracting and expanding are natural occurrences of this are mostly unavoidable, it helps to keep candles in a consistently warmer (above 60 degrees) temperature. Cooler temperatures will cause shrinkage. Soy wax is not flexible with some types of fragrance oils.
It is important to consider the pros and cons of each wax type before making a decision. Paraffin wax is cheaper and has a longer burn time, but it is not as eco-friendly as soy wax. Soy wax is more expensive and has a shorter burn time, but it is a renewable resource and burns cleanly.
There's no significant, scientifically backed evidence to prove that soy wax is in any way less harmful, or cleaner burning than other wax types. Soy grown on an industrial scale has a multitude of negative environmental and socio-economic impacts. Just being a plant doesn't make it Eco-friendly.
Soy candles produce zero petro-soot than traditional candles made from paraffin. Lower soot levels help maintain pure air quality and reduce home maintenance problems associated with soot deposits. Soy wax has given consumers the ability to burn clean burning candles from sustainable sources.
When compared to a paraffin (petroleum) candle, soy candles do indeed emit less toxic soot (visible black smoke). This is slightly better for our lungs, but when measured year-over-year this can have damaging affects on our (and especially baby!) lungs.
We think soy wax is an amazing eco ingredient that takes your candle-burning experience to the next level. As long as you are taking care of your candle, trimming the wick appropriately, and being sure to light it in a place free from drafts, soy wax is totally healthy and safe to burn in your house!
If you want to light a clean burning candle, select one of the best following some basic guidelines. Look for a candle that will affect your air quality the least. Soy candles, beeswax candles, and vegetable-wax based candles that are 100% (not blended with paraffin) are your best options.
Soy wax has a stronger fragrance.
Due to the lack of soot and toxins released into the air, soy wax candles have a stronger scent profile than paraffin wax candles. The chemicals released by paraffin wax can interfere with the scent during burning, which kind of defeats the point of lighting a candle.
Because natural soy candles don't give off the soot and toxins paraffin candles do, you'll find that they have a much stronger and more pleasant fragrance.
If you are looking for a scented candle, soy wax will produce a stronger, more consistent smell that will last the full burn time of the candle. Beeswax on the other hand is better suited as an unscented candle that allows for the natural oil scent to be released into the air.
As mentioned above, studies show that when soy and paraffin candles are burnt they release formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, toluene, benzene, and acetone, carcinogens that can lead to cancer and other health problems.
Eco-Friendly: Soy wax is a biodegradable and renewable resource, making it a much more environmentally friendly choice than paraffin wax. In addition, soy wax is made from a natural source and does not contain any harmful chemicals.
Most candles today are made of paraffin wax which creates highly toxic benzene and toluene when burned (both are known carcinogens). In fact, the toxins released from paraffin candles are the same as those found in diesel fuel fumes and are linked to asthma and lung cancer.
Soy wax is much better for the environment. Aside from the fact that it does not pollute the air when burning, it is also completely sustainable. There is no harm done to our planet as soy wax is plant based rather than extracted from oil.
When it comes to finding the strongest scented candles, the type of wax used has a lot to do with it. Paraffin wax candles have more capacity to hold fragrance than natural wax candles, such as soy or beeswax. These natural waxes also have a slower burn time which results in a less intense fragrance and throw.
On average soy candles last longer than candles made from paraffin, stearin and blended waxes but not as long as beeswax which burns longest. Burn times vary between soy candles due to candle shape, size and differences in wicks however on average an 8 ounce soy candle will burn for approx 48 hours.
Coconut wax burns cleaner and longer than other waxes and provides an excellent scent throw. The process of creating coconut wax removes the coconut scent. Candles made with coconut wax release a natural scent without distortion, cold (not lit) and hot (when lit).
Look for soy or beeswax candles
Many cheaper candles are made out of paraffin wax, a byproduct of the crude oil refining process.