Looking to understand the benefits of soy candles? Interested in making your own soy candles? Here’s all you should know!
Soy candles have gained popularity in recent years as a natural and eco-friendly alternative to traditional paraffin candles. Not only do they offer a cleaner and longer-lasting burn, but they also come with a range of other benefits.
In this article, I’ll discuss the advantages of soy candles and why they are a preferred choice for many candle enthusiasts.
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What Are Soy Candles?
Soy candles are candles made from soy wax, a natural wax derived from soybean oil. Unlike paraffin candles, which are made from petroleum-based wax, soy candles are renewable, biodegradable, and free from harmful toxins and pollutants.
Why Choose Soy Candles?
Renewable and Sustainable
Soy wax is a renewable resource, sourced from soybeans, which are a widely grown agricultural crop. This makes soy candles a sustainable option compared to paraffin candles, which rely on non-renewable petroleum.
Purchasing soy candles can support local farmers and the economy, particularly in regions where soybeans are grown. By choosing soy candles, consumers contribute to the demand for soy products, potentially boosting local agriculture and associated industries.
Biodegradable
Compared to paraffin wax, soy wax is biodegradable, meaning it can break down naturally over time without leaving harmful residues. Paraffin wax can persist in the environment for a period of time and contribute to pollution.
The biodegradable nature of soy candles makes them an environmentally responsible choice for both candle-makers and consumers.
Free from Harmful Toxins and Pollutants
This might be obvious but soy candles burn cleaner than paraffin candles. They release minimal soot and toxins into the air compared to paraffin candles that can emit potentially harmful chemicals such as toluene and benzene when burned.
Soy candles are preferred as a healthier option for maintaining an excellent indoor air quality. This reduces the risk of respiratory issues and allergies.
3 Soy Wax Properties for Candle-making
Soy wax has several properties that make it suitable for candle making.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Low Melting Point | Melts at a lower temperature, extending burn time of candles. |
| Smooth Finish | Provides a creamy, smooth finish to candles and looks aesthetic. |
| Good Scent Throw | Holds and releases fragrance effectively for a period of time. |
Read: Coconut wax vs soy wax for candle-making
5 Benefits of Soy Candles
1. Environmental Benefits
One of the primary benefits of soy candles is their environmental friendliness. Soy wax is made from soybeans, a renewable resource that can be grown sustainably without depleting the earth’s natural resources.
Additionally, soy candles produce less soot and emissions than paraffin candles, reducing air pollution and minimizing their carbon footprint.
Is Soy Wax Eco Friendly?
Soy wax is considered eco-friendly due to these three reasons.
| Eco-Friendly Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Biodegradable | Breaks down naturally. |
| Renewable | Made from soybeans that is a renewable resource. |
| Sustainable | Supports eco-friendly farming, lower carbon footprint. |
2. Health Benefits
Soy candles are also preferred by many health-conscious consumers due to their cleaner burning properties. Unlike paraffin candles, which may release toxins and carcinogens when burned, soy candles are non-toxic and produce minimal soot and pollutants, making them a safer option for indoor air quality.
4 Benefits of Soy Wax on Skin
Looking for other benefits of soy wax? Surprising, it’s beneficial for skin care, thanks to its moisturizing and healing properties!
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Moisturizing | Locks in moisture, rich in vitamin E. |
| Gentle | Suitable for sensitive skin types. |
| Anti-inflammatory | Soothes irritated skin. |
| Easy Absorption | Quickly absorbed, providing relief and nourishment. |
3. Clean Burning
Soy candles burn cleaner and more evenly than paraffin candles, resulting in a longer-lasting and more consistent burn. This means you can enjoy your soy candle for longer periods without worrying about soot buildup or uneven melting.
As it burns cleaner, soy candles are great to use indoors and in small areas. Supervision is still required and burning candles should not be left unattended.
4. Longer Lasting
Another advantage of soy candles is their longer burn time. Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, which means it burns more slowly and evenly, allowing soy candles to last up to 50% longer than traditional paraffin candles.
If you want to make your money’s worth, soy candles may be the one for you!
5. Aesthetic Appeal
Other than their environmental and health benefits, soy candles also offer aesthetic appeal. The soy wax used has a creamy texture and holds fragrance oils well, resulting in strong and long-lasting scents.
You can also make soy candles in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, resulting in a versatile home decor.
Read: Soy wax candles vs beeswax candles
Why is Soy Wax Better for the Environment?
Soy wax is more environmentally friendly than other waxes due to several factors.
| Environmental Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Renewable | Made from soybeans, a crop that can be replanted yearly. |
| Biodegradable | Breaks down naturally, minimizing environmental impact. |
| Sustainable Agriculture | Supports eco-friendly farming practices, reducing carbon footprint. |
Why are Soy Candles Bad?
While soy candles have many advantages, there are some downsides to consider.
| Downside | Description |
|---|---|
| Additives | May contain chemicals to enhance performance, reducing natural benefits. |
| Cost | Generally higher price compared to paraffin candles. |
| Softness | Lower melting point leads to softer candles that may not hold shape well. |
| Soot Production | Can produce soot if wick is not trimmed properly. |
3 Benefits of Soy Candles vs. Paraffin
Soy candles offer several advantages over paraffin candles. Here are the top comparisons!
| Benefit | Soy Candles | Paraffin Candles |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaner Burn | Less soot and smoke | More soot and potential toxins |
| Longer Burn Time | Burns longer due to lower melting point | Shorter burn time |
| Renewable Resource | Made from soybeans, renewable and biodegradable | Made from petroleum, non-renewable |
3 Benefits of Soy Wax Melts
Want to explore other products than the usual soy candles? Soy wax melts provide several benefits over traditional candles.
Here are some you should know!
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Safe | No open flame, reducing fire risk. |
| Long-lasting | Prolonged fragrance release. |
| Versatile | Easy to change and combine different scents. |
Read: How to turn candles into soy wax melts
Bottom Line
There are a ton of benefits to soy candles, when comparing them to traditional paraffin ones. The most prominent to an average user would be their clean burning and aesthetic appeal.
Whether you’re a candle user or a candle-maker, soy candles are an excellent choice to help preserve Earth’s natural resources and at the same time, enjoy a relaxing ambience at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Soy candles are better for you because they are made from natural soybeans, making them a healthier and more environmentally friendly option compared to paraffin candles. They burn cleaner, producing less soot and fewer pollutants, which improves indoor air quality. Additionally, soy candles are often free from synthetic additives and can be easily scented with natural essential oils, providing a pleasant fragrance without harmful chemicals.
The downsides of soy candles include a generally higher cost compared to paraffin candles and a lower melting point, which can result in softer candles that may not hold their shape well in warm conditions. Additionally, some soy candles may contain additives to improve their burn quality or scent throw, potentially reducing their natural and eco-friendly benefits.
100% soy wax candles offer several benefits, including a clean burn with minimal soot and smoke, which helps maintain better indoor air quality. They are made from renewable resources, making them an eco-friendly choice. Soy wax burns at a lower temperature, resulting in a longer-lasting candle. These candles are also biodegradable and can be easily cleaned up with soap and water if spilled.
Soy candles are often considered better than normal paraffin candles because they are made from natural, renewable resources and burn cleaner with less soot and fewer toxins. They are environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and tend to have a longer burn time. However, the preference for soy over other types of candles, such as beeswax, can depend on individual needs and values, such as scent preferences, burn time, and cost.
