5 Reasons To Use Soy Wax Over Paraffin Wax Candles

Lately, we have been stumbling across many local brands that sell handmade soy candles and decided it was time to do some research about why soy is all the rage over the alternative. So here are the five benefits of soy candles, or five reasons you should be switching out your paraffin candles for them. 

Watching candles burn can have such a calming effect on us. However, it’s not so beautiful when soot covers the walls and curtains, and we breathe it in. Soot contains 11 toxins, including toluene and benzene, chemicals that cause firefighter to have a higher risk of cancer (benzene is found in waxed furniture). Soy candles, on the other hand, burn clean.

Soy wax is made from soybeans, a natural vegetable oil and renewable source, whereas paraffin comes from petroleum. Its sourcing makes us less reliant on nonrenewable crude oil and, hence, is better for the environment.

Soy wax has a lower melting point and can burn anywhere from 35 per cent to over 50 per cent longer than paraffin candles, which means you don’t have to buy soy candles as often. Also, from a safety standpoint, soy is a better choice because it means less risk of burns should you accidentally spill any melted wax on your skin.

As soy candles burn cleaner, the scent from its essential oils is more pleasant and aromatic than the chemical scents of paraffin. People often complain of headaches when burning paraffin candles, and although they tend to blame the strong smell, headaches are due to the released toxins rather than the fragrance.

The chemical composition of soy wax allows the candle to burn evenly and more completely, whereas paraffin wastes wax as it burns, clinging to the sides of your wax warmer or glass. Therefore, comparing soy candles and paraffin candles of the same volume and price, you are always going to get more candle for your money with soy. 

Tatler Tip: Some candles are advertised as soy but are actually soy blends. If the label doesn’t state 100 per cent soy or list the ingredients, be sceptical.

See more: My First Year On A Plant-Based Diet