Are Soy Candles Better For You Than Wax?
Soy candles and wax candles are two popular types of candles. Soy candles are made from soy wax, which comes from soybeans. Wax candles can be made from paraffin wax, beeswax, or other types of wax. Both soy and wax candles have benefits and differences when it comes to burn time, wax dripping, scent throw, smoke and soot production, price, and environmental impact. This article provides an overview comparing soy candles versus wax candles in these key areas.
What are Soy Candles?
Soy candles are made from soybean oil. The soybean oil is hydrogenated to convert it into a solid wax that can be used for candle making (SOURCE). Soy candles often have essential oils added to provide fragrance. Compared to traditional paraffin wax candles, soy candles burn longer and produce less soot.
Soybean oil is a renewable resource that comes from soybean crops. The oils are extracted from the soybeans and then hydrogenated to create soy wax (SOURCE). The hydrogenation process converts the oils into a solid form that has a melting point suitable for container candles. Essential oils are then added for fragrance.
The natural properties of soy wax allow soy candles to burn slower and cooler compared to paraffin wax. This results in soy candles lasting around 50-100% longer than traditional candles. The lower burning temperature also produces very little soot (SOURCE). Soy wax does not release any toxic fumes while burning either.
What are Wax Candles Made From?
Wax candles can be made from a variety of different waxes. The most common types of wax used for candles are:
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum and is the most widely used candle wax. It is inexpensive and can hold high amounts of fragrance oil. However, paraffin wax produces more soot than other waxes when burned and is not environmentally friendly since it is made from non-renewable fossil fuels (source).
Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural wax made by honey bees. Beeswax candles burn brighter and cleaner than other types of wax. However, beeswax is expensive and difficult to work with compared to other waxes (source).
Vegetable-Based Waxes
Common vegetable-based waxes include soy, palm, and coconut wax. These waxes burn cleaner than paraffin and are environmentally friendly since they come from renewable resources. However, vegetable waxes do not hold fragrance as well as paraffin wax (source).
Burn Time
Soy candles tend to burn slower and have a longer burn time compared to traditional wax candles. According to House of Two Trees, depending on the size, a soy wax candle can burn for 20-85 hours in total. For example, a small 4 oz soy candle may burn for 20 hours while a large 22 oz one could burn for up to 85 hours.
On the other hand, wax candles, especially paraffin wax, burn faster and have a shorter lifespan. Frostbeard Studio recommends candles should only burn for 2-3 hours periods to avoid damaging the wick. Burning wax candles too long can cause the wax to pool unevenly and the wick to become engulfed in wax, leading to a shortened burn time.
As per Mountain City Candles, when properly wicked and burned, their soy wax candles can burn approximately 6 hours per ounce. The slower burn rate of soy allows the wax to melt more evenly and prevents issues like tunneling that shortens burn time.
Wax Dripping
One key difference between soy candles and traditional paraffin wax candles is the amount of wax dripping while burning. Soy wax has a higher melting point than paraffin wax, so it melts more slowly as the candle burns. This results in less wax pooling and dripping down the sides of soy candles compared to paraffin candles1.
The slower melt pool of soy wax makes for a cleaner, less messy experience than with paraffin candles. Paraffin wax melts quickly when lit and can drip profusely down the sides of the candle jar or holder. This can create waxy buildup that is difficult to remove from surfaces. The high amount of wax dripping can also damage surfaces like wood or fabric if the drips are not cleaned up promptly.
If reducing wax messes is a priority, soy wax candles are the better choice over paraffin. The slower melt and wick absorption helps contain the wax within the jar or holder. Just be sure to keep the wick trimmed to prevent excess drips and pooling.
Scent Throw
Soy wax allows essential oils to disperse scent very effectively compared to traditional wax candles. The natural soy wax doesn’t have much of its own scent, which allows the fragrance oils to shine. According to Lonestar Candle Supply, “If you want a wax that has a great scent throw, soy might be the way to go.”
Paraffin wax and other traditional candle waxes tend to hold onto scents rather than letting them disperse into the air. As Candle Salon explains, “Natural waxes such as soy, rapeseed, coconut, and beeswax are the greatest option for individuals looking for candles that burn cleanly and don’t retain scent.” The purity of soy wax gives it an advantage for letting the fragrance oils fully permeate the air.
Smoke and Soot
Soy wax candles produce less soot and smoke compared to paraffin wax candles. The natural soy wax has a lower melting point and burns cleaner than paraffin wax, resulting in less black smoke and carbon buildup on walls or ceilings.
Paraffin wax comes from petroleum and can produce more soot as it burns. The soot clings to surfaces, creating messy black stains over time. Tests show paraffin wax candles produce more than double the amount of soot compared to soy wax candles (https://lonestarcandlesupply.com/soy-vs-paraffin/).
The cleaner burn of natural soy wax makes it a better choice if you want to avoid black smoke rings and soot buildup from your candles. Soy wax does not release heavy particles into the air as it burns either, making it more pleasant to be around.
Price
When comparing soy candles versus wax candles, one of the biggest differences is the price. Soy wax tends to be more expensive than paraffin wax.[1] This is because soy wax is made from soybeans, which is a more expensive raw material than paraffin, a petroleum byproduct.
The average price for an 8 oz soy wax candle is around $15-$20, while a comparable paraffin wax candle may only cost $5-$10. Soy wax is a specialty, natural wax that costs more to manufacture, driving up the retail prices. Many consumers are willing to pay extra for soy candles because they are perceived as a cleaner burning, environmentally-friendly alternative to paraffin.
However, paraffin wax candles remain popular due to their low cost. Major big box retailers sell large paraffin wax pillars and jars at very affordable prices. For budget-conscious consumers, paraffin wax candles are an appealing option. The trade-off is that they may produce more soot and smoke compared to soy.
In summary, soy wax candles demand a higher retail price, while paraffin wax candles are cheaper and more affordable for the average consumer. The choice often depends on balancing factors like budget, performance, and environmental impact when selecting between the two candle types.
[1] https://simplenesscollection.com/en-us/blogs/news/soy-wax-candle-vs-paraffin-candle-whats-the-difference
Environmental Impact
Soy wax is generally considered more eco-friendly than paraffin wax. Soy wax is made from soybean oil, which is a renewable resource that can be replanted year after year. The crops used for soy wax absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, helping to reduce greenhouse gases. Soy wax is also biodegradable, meaning it will break down naturally over time without causing harm to the environment (VellaBox).
Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is derived from petroleum and natural gas – nonrenewable fossil fuels. The process of extracting and refining paraffin wax to make candles emits carbon dioxide and other pollutants. Paraffin wax is also not biodegradable, so discarded paraffin candles end up languishing in landfills. The non-biodegradable waste can leach toxins over time as well. Thus, paraffin wax has a greater negative impact on the environment compared to renewable, biodegradable soy wax (Stoney Creek Farm).
Conclusion
In summary, soy candles and traditional wax candles each have their pros and cons. Soy candles burn slower and cooler, produce less soot, and are often perceived as more environmentally friendly. However, soy wax can produce less scent throw than paraffin wax, and soy candles are generally more expensive.
Ultimately, choosing between soy and wax candles comes down to personal preference. Those concerned about indoor air quality, allergies, safety, and the environment may prefer soy. People focused on scent and cost may opt for paraffin or other wax varieties. With proper wick trimming, both candle types can burn cleanly and safely. Try testing soy and wax varieties to determine which you find most pleasing.
