Are 100% Soy Candles Safe?

The popularity and sales of soy candles have skyrocketed in recent years. The global candle market size was valued at USD 12.88 billion in 2022 and is expected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% from 2023 to 2030, according to Grand View Research.

100% soy candles are made from soy wax, which comes from soybeans. Soy wax is a vegetable-based alternative to paraffin wax candles. Many consumers choose soy candles because they are marketed as natural, non-toxic, clean-burning, and environmentally friendly.

In this article, we’ll explore if 100% soy candles live up to these claims. We’ll look at any toxicity concerns, allergen considerations, air quality impacts, environmental friendliness, quality, cost, common uses, and top brands of soy candles. By the end, you’ll know if these popular candles are truly safe and worth buying.

Toxicity Concerns

One of the main concerns with candles is the potential toxicity from inhaling the fumes produced when burning them. With soy candles, the soy wax itself does not release toxic chemicals when burned according to research. One study found that compared to paraffin candles, soy wax candles produced over 90% less soot (Al Khathlan, 2023).

However, other factors like the wick, fragrance oils, and additives can still produce potentially harmful emissions. Certain wicks contain heavy metals like lead that get released into the air when burned. Using cotton or paper wicks can help mitigate this. Essential oils and artificial fragrances also contain compounds like acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, and acrolein that may cause irritation or worsen respiratory issues when inhaled (Soybean Candles for Healthy Life and Well Being, n.d.).

Overall, 100% soy wax itself is considered relatively non-toxic. But other components like the wick and fragrances may still produce potentially harmful fumes, so ventilation and limited burning times are recommended.

Allergen Considerations

Soy is one of the eight most common food allergens, and some people can have allergic reactions to soy-based products like soy candles. According to Beeswax Blog from Honey Candles, burning soy wax candles could potentially cause problems for soy-sensitive individuals, even in small amounts.

The proteins in soy that trigger allergic reactions become airborne when burned in a soy wax candle. Even people without known soy allergies may develop sensitivity over time with repeated exposure. Allergic reactions from soy candles can include nasal congestion, itchy eyes, sore throat, and skin irritation.

Those with soy allergies should avoid soy-based candles or opt for beeswax or other natural wax candles instead. When buying candles, check ingredient lists and avoid fragrances as they often contain allergens too. Burn candles in well-ventilated areas and extinguish if any allergy symptoms develop. Consider soy-free candle alternatives such as beeswax or vegetable-based candles made without soy wax.

Air Quality

Studies have found that burning soy wax candles emits less soot and toxins into the air compared to paraffin wax candles. A research study conducted by candlelabs.org compared emissions from burning soy wax versus paraffin wax candles. The study found lower emissions of benzene and toluene from soy wax candles. Benzene and toluene are hazardous air pollutants that have been linked to cancer and other health effects (https://candles.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Summary-of-07-Okometric-study-on-candle-wax-emissions.pdf).

Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil, which contains no petroleum products. Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is derived from petroleum. When burned, paraffin wax releases compounds like benzene, toluene, acetaldehyde and formaldehyde into the air. These compounds have been associated with increased cancer risk and respiratory issues (https://portal.nifa.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/0206030-soybean-candles-for-healthy-life-and-well-being.html).

Switching to soy wax candles can greatly improve the air quality in your home or workspace. The natural soy wax burns cleaner and does not emit harmful fumes like those found in paraffin wax. Soy wax candles are the healthier choice when it comes to indoor air quality.

Environmental Impact

Soy wax has a more positive environmental impact than paraffin wax because it comes from a renewable, biodegradable resource. Soybeans used for candlemaking are grown annually, so the supply can be replenished each year. Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct, so it relies on finite fossil fuel reserves. According to Is Soy Wax Really Eco-Friendly?, “soy wax candles have a minor environmental impact and contribute less to indoor air pollution.”

However, some concerns exist around soy farming practices and sourcing. Large-scale soybean farming can involve clearing rainforests and other fragile ecosystems. Using soy from responsibly managed farms that don’t clear sensitive areas is an important consideration. According to Are Soy Candles Bad for the Environment?, “As a general rule soy candles are much less harmful to the environment than other candle types such as paraffin.” But checking for sustainably sourced soy can reduce the footprint further.

Quality

One of the key factors of candle quality is burn time. Soy wax candles tend to have a longer burn time compared to paraffin wax candles. This is because soy wax is denser and requires more energy to melt and burn. According to Lone Star Candle Supply, soy candles can burn up to 50% longer than a comparable paraffin candle. The dense nature and higher melting point of soy wax means it liquefies more slowly once lit, resulting in a slower and longer burn.

However, there are other factors that impact soy candle quality and burn time. Proper wick sizing is crucial to maximize burn time and prevent tunneling. Using dyes, fragrance oils, and additives in soy wax can also alter burn performance. Higher fragrance loads can accelerate wax pooling and shorten burn time. The candle vessel and ambient temperature also play a role. In general, when made well with the right wick and wax, soy candles offer excellent quality and burn time compared to paraffin.

Cost

When it comes to cost, soy wax tends to be more expensive than paraffin wax. According to Simpleness Collection, paraffin candles are generally cheaper than soy wax candles. However, premium paraffin candles made with things like beeswax can be more expensive.

There are a few reasons why soy wax costs more than paraffin wax:

• Soy wax is derived from soybeans which can fluctuate in price based on supply and demand. Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum refining so the supply is more consistent.
• Soy wax is considered a more natural, renewable resource. Paraffin is a petroleum-based product. Consumers are often willing to pay more for natural ingredients.



• The production process for soy wax is more complex compared to paraffin wax.
• Soy wax is grown and produced in the United States whereas a lot of paraffin wax is imported. Transportation costs factor into the price difference.

Uses

Soy candles are ideal for use in the bedroom, living room, bathroom, or really any room of the home. Unlike paraffin wax candles that give off black soot, soy wax produces very little soot so it won’t dirty walls or furniture. Some important candle safety tips to keep in mind (from https://tipsycandlecompany.com/tipsy-tips-safety/):

– Always keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Do not leave burning candles unattended.

– Place candles on a stable, heat resistant surface away from drafts. Make sure there is at least 12 inches of space above the flame.

– Extinguish candles when they get to within one inch of the container or holder. Don’t burn candles right to the end.

– Trim wicks to 1/4 inch before lighting to prevent smoking and excessive flame height.

– Be very careful if moving a burning candle. Wait for the wax to solidify before moving votives or container candles.

– Allow container candles to completely cool and harden before covering or storing to avoid heat damage.

Top Brands

When it comes to high quality soy candles, there are several top brands worth considering:

Yankee Candle (https://www.buzzfeed.com/claramcmahon/soy-candles) – Famous for their long burn times, Yankee Candle offers soy candles in a huge variety of scents. Their soy candles are cleanly burning and free of dyes.

Nest New York (https://reviewed.usatoday.com/home-outdoors/features/best-candle-brands-buy-online) – Nest New York specializes in soy candles with clean-burning natural fiber wicks. Their fragrances are complex and luxurious.

Boy Smells (https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-candles/) – This trendy brand offers soy wax candles with playful, sophisticated scents. Their candles have a cult following for their memorable fragrance profiles.

Capri Blue (https://www.buzzfeed.com/claramcmahon/soy-candles) – Best known for their Volcano scent, Capri Blue makes hand-poured soy candles praised for excellent throw and burn time. Their scents are unique and evocative.

Conclusion

In summary, 100% soy candles are generally considered safe and high quality if you don’t have soy allergies. Soy wax burns cleanly without releasing harmful chemicals into the air. Soy candles also have environmental benefits since soy is a renewable and biodegradable resource. The main downsides are potential allergy concerns for some and higher cost than paraffin candles. But overall, 100% soy wax candles are a good option that many people prefer over paraffin or other candle waxes.

For most households, 100% soy candles represent a safe, clean-burning, and environmentally-friendly candle choice. Their excellent scent throw and slow burn make them a quality investment for home use. Just be mindful of potential soy allergies and the higher price point. As long as those factors don’t deter you, 100% soy candles can be an excellent candle option.