What Are The Negatives For Using Soy Wax To Make Candles?
Higher Cost
Soy wax tends to be more expensive than paraffin wax. According to Simplenesscollection.com, “Paraffin candles are cheaper than soy wax, but they can be more expensive if you buy the premium kind that is made in France with beeswax.”
The reason soy wax costs more is because it is made from soybeans, which are a more expensive raw material than the petroleum used to make paraffin wax. Slatkinandco.com explains, “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.”
The higher cost of soy wax can be a disadvantage for some candle makers and consumers looking for a more budget-friendly option. However, proponents argue the higher price is justified by soy wax’s natural origins and biodegradable properties.
Scent Throw
One of the negatives of using soy wax for candles is that it tends to have a lighter scent throw compared to paraffin wax. This means that soy wax candles do not distribute fragrance as effectively throughout the room when burning (Lonestar Candle Supply). The scent molecules in fragrance oils can get trapped within the soy wax more easily than in paraffin. As a result, soy candle scents tend to stay closer to the candle’s surface rather than dispersing into the air. Some testing shows paraffin candles have a scent throw that is around twice as strong as soy (Harlem Candle Co). This lighter throw is one of the tradeoffs for using a natural wax like soy versus petroleum-based paraffin.
Burn Time
Soy candles tend to have a shorter burn time compared to paraffin wax candles. This is because soy wax is denser and requires more heat to melt and vaporize1. The higher density causes soy wax to melt and burn at a slower pace. As a result, soy candles may need to be burned longer to fully melt and release fragrance versus paraffin candles2. Some tests indicate paraffin candles can burn around 45 hours compared to 30-35 hours for soy3. The shorter burn time is a downside for soy wax candles.
Wax Softness
Soy wax is generally softer than paraffin wax. This can make shipping and storage more difficult with soy wax candles. According to https://lonestarcandlesupply.com/soy-vs-paraffin/, soy wax is more dense and requires more heat to burn compared to paraffin, meaning it is a softer wax. The softer texture of soy wax means candles made from it are more prone to issues like frosting and sweating during shipping and storage. Proper precautions need to be taken to avoid problems. The softness also means soy candles require a longer cure time after pouring compared to paraffin.
While the softness causes some difficulties, it also provides advantages like easier release from the mold and less risk of air pocket formation. Overall, crafters need to account for the softer wax when working with soy by allowing adequate cure time and taking steps to prevent issues during shipping.
Allergies
Some people have allergic reactions to soy, which means soy-based candles could trigger allergy symptoms for them. According to a comprehensive review published in https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24425446/, the prevalence of soy allergies in the general population is around 0.3-0.4%. The most common soy allergy symptoms are hives, itching, swelling, coughing, wheezing, and gastrointestinal distress. For people with soy allergies, soy wax candles could potentially cause reactions when inhaled or through skin contact. Severe soy allergies are more common in children than adults. People who are allergic to soy should avoid using soy candles and opt for an alternative like paraffin or beeswax.
Soybean Production
While soy wax is marketed as an eco-friendly, renewable resource, the mass production of soybeans on an industrial scale can have negative environmental impacts. Soybean farming utilizes huge swaths of land, with most production concentrated in the Americas, including Brazil, Argentina, and the United States. According to WWF, widespread soybean cultivation leads to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and water pollution from chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
The conversion of grasslands and forests into soybean fields releases stored carbon into the atmosphere and reduces carbon sequestration. The Earth.org reports that the land conversion process for soybean agriculture is responsible for 2.1% of global CO2 emissions. The environmental impacts of mass soybean farming should be considered when choosing soy wax over petroleum-based paraffin wax.
Wax Crystals
One of the main drawbacks of using soy wax is that it is prone to frosting and forming wax crystals on the surface of the candle. This happens because soy wax contains a higher wax content compared to paraffin wax. According to Armatage Candle Company, soy wax mixed with oils naturally form frosting, especially when subjected to temperature fluctuations[1]. Frosting occurs due to the different melting points within the wax blend and happens as the wax cools down[2].
The wax crystals form on the surface as the candle burns, which can be unsightly and reduce scent throw. There are some ways to reduce frosting like using a heat gun or avoiding temperature fluctuations, but it can be more difficult with soy wax compared to paraffin[3]. Overall, the tendency for frosting and wax crystals is a downside to keep in mind when using soy wax.
Cold Throw
Soy wax does not perform as well as paraffin wax when it comes to cold scent throw. Cold scent throw refers to the scent emitted by an unlit candle. According to Lonestar Candle Supply, soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin, which means it does not distribute fragrances and scents as effectively. The natural hardness of soy wax makes it more difficult for scent molecules to permeate through the wax when cold. In comparison, paraffin wax has a softer structure at room temperature that allows fragrance oils to move around more freely. As a result, soy candles tend to have a weaker cold throw than paraffin candles.
Hot Throw
Soy wax typically has a weaker hot throw compared to paraffin wax. Hot throw refers to a candle’s fragrance intensity when lit. According to Candlescience, soy wax’s maximum hot throw is around a 6-7 out of 10, while paraffin can reach a 9-101. The lower fragrance intensity with soy is due to its higher density and slower melt pool. Soy requires more heat to release its fragrance compared to the lighter paraffin molecules. While it is possible to boost soy’s hot throw through wick selection and adding fragrance, the maximum intensity may be inherently lower.
Conclusion
In summary, soy wax has several key disadvantages compared to paraffin wax when used for candle making. Soy wax tends to be more expensive, have a weaker scent throw, shorter burn times, and softer wax than paraffin. It also poses allergy risks for some people and its production raises some environmental concerns. The wax crystals tend to be coarser and it can have issues with cold throw as well as hot throw compared to paraffin.
While soy wax has benefits like being made from a renewable resource, for many candle makers, these negatives make it less desirable than paraffin wax. Paraffin remains the industry standard for candle making because it offers excellent scent throw, long burn times, hard wax crystals, and consistent performance. Soy wax works well for some applications, but its drawbacks lead many candle makers to prefer paraffin, especially for candles where performance is a priority.
