Are Soy Candles Safer Than Regular Candles?

The purpose of this article is to explore whether soy candles are safer and healthier than regular candles made from paraffin wax or other materials. We’ll examine key differences between the two candle types when it comes to flammability, toxins released, allergies, fragrance oils, smoke residue, and wick materials. By the end, you’ll understand the main safety considerations for both soy and regular candles.

Many people assume soy candles are the healthier, more natural option compared to regular candles. However, the reality is more nuanced. While soy candles have some advantages, they also have drawbacks. Likewise, regular candles vary in their ingredients and safety issues. This article provides an unbiased look at the evidence on both sides.

The main thesis is that soy candles are sometimes, but not always, a safer choice than regular candles. Safety depends largely on the specific candle’s ingredients and how it is used. With care, both types can be reasonably safe options for home use.

What Are Soy Candles?

Soy candles are made from hydrogenated soybean oil. Soy wax is a clean-burning, renewable resource that comes from American-grown soybeans (source: https://www.candlescience.com/learning/what-is-soy-wax/). The beans are cleaned, cracked, de-hulled, and rolled into flakes to extract the oil. The oil then goes through a chemical process called hydrogenation that converts the soybean oil into a solid wax.

The main ingredients in soy candles are soy wax, fragrance oils, and cotton or paper wicks. Additional ingredients like coloring dyes and additives may also be included. Soy wax has a lower melting point compared to paraffin wax, so soy candles must be contained in glass, tin, or other heat-safe vessels (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soy_candle). The wax, fragrance, and wick are combined and poured into the container to produce the finished soy candle product.

What Are Regular Candles Made Of?

Regular candles are typically made from paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum. According to Candles.org, paraffin wax makes up the majority of candle wax used today. It is a byproduct of the petroleum refining process and is odorless and colorless. Paraffin wax has a melting point of around 130-170°F which allows it to hold its shape at room temperature.

Other ingredients commonly found in regular candles include:

• Dyes – Added for color
• Fragrances – For scent
• Stabilizers – To help harden the wax and prevent it from bending

While paraffin is the primary component, additives like dyes, fragrances, and stabilizers make up around 1-2% of a typical candle’s composition. The other main ingredient is the wick, usually made from cotton, to allow the melted wax to travel up and create a flame.

Flammability

One key difference between soy candles and paraffin candles is their flammability and burning temperature. Paraffin wax has a very low flash point around 150-170°F, while soy wax has a much higher flash point between 400-460°F (1). This makes soy wax significantly less flammable and safer than paraffin.

In regards to burning temperature, paraffin candles burn at around 211°F. Soy candles burn cooler, with a temperature between 150-170°F (2). The lower burning temperature of soy makes these candles safer to use around kids and pets. It also means soy candles are less likely to cause burns or be a fire hazard if tipped over.

Overall, soy wax is much less flammable and burns cooler than paraffin wax. This is an important safety consideration, making soy the safer choice for candle wax.

Sources:

(1) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-difference-between-soy-wax-paraffin-raymond-dai

(2) https://lonestarcandlesupply.com/soy-vs-paraffin/

Toxins Released

One of the biggest differences between soy candles and regular candles is the toxins released when burned. Regular candles made from paraffin wax produce a lot more soot and release concerning chemicals like benzene when lit.

According to Soy Wax vs. Paraffin Wax, paraffin candles generate heavy, black soot that stains walls and furniture. The soot contains carcinogenic compounds like benzene and toluene. Benzene is a known human carcinogen that can cause cancer with long-term exposure.

In comparison, soy wax candles produce very little soot when burned, as the wax has a low sulfur content. The lack of petrochemicals in soy also means fewer volatile organic compounds released into the air. This results in a cleaner burn that doesn’t leave behind as much residue or release potentially toxic fumes.

Overall, soy candles are considered much less toxic than regular paraffin varieties. The clean burn helps maintain better indoor air quality.

Soy Allergies

While soy allergies are relatively uncommon, affecting less than 0.5% of children and 0.4% of adults, according to some estimates [1], exposure to soy proteins through burning a soy candle could potentially trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. However, research suggests this is very unlikely.

During the soy wax production process for candles, the proteins that trigger soy allergies are removed, so there is minimal soy allergen present in the final candle product [1]. Studies show that soy proteins have to be ingested to cause an allergic response, rather than inhaled [2]. Overall, soy candle use poses very little risk of allergic reactions except potentially in those with severe soy allergies.

Fragrance Oils

Most scented candles, whether soy or regular paraffin wax, contain artificial fragrances known as fragrance oils. These synthetic fragrances are created in a lab to mimic natural scents like lemon, lavender, vanilla, etc. Though they provide pleasing aromas, research shows fragrance oils can release potentially hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned (1).

Studies have detected chemicals like acetone, benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde emanating from fragranced candles. Exposure to these VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, and aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma. There’s also evidence linking artificial fragrances to headaches, dizziness, rashes and hormone disruption when inhaled (2).

Since both soy and paraffin candles contain artificial fragrances, they share similar health risks from fragrance off-gassing. Individual sensitivity can vary, but in general no scented candle, regardless of wax type, can be considered 100% safe due to the chemical nature of lab-created fragrances.

(1) https://fontanacandlecompany.com/blogs/bee-well-blog/the-problem-with-fragrance-oils

(2) https://www.maleeonline.com/2020/04/24/are-fragrance-oils-safe/

Smoke Residue

One of the biggest differences between soy and paraffin candles is the amount of soot they produce when burning. Paraffin wax produces a lot more soot or black smoke residue than soy wax.

The reason for this is that paraffin wax contains petroleum and creates more soot because it doesn’t burn as cleanly. The soot given off by paraffin candles contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that can stain walls and surfaces over time (Lone Star Candle Supply).

Soy wax, on the other hand, comes from soybeans so it has a more natural makeup and burns much cleaner. Soy candles produce very little soot so they don’t leave behind smoke stains on walls or furniture (Harlem Candle Company). This makes soy candles a better choice for indoor use.

Wick Materials

The wick material used in candles can impact safety. Most regular paraffin candles use a cotton wick, which is prone to bending and mushrooming at the tip as the candle burns. This can create thick smoke and an uneven flame. Cotton also has a higher chance of triggering carbon build up known as “sooting” (source).

Soy candles often use metal core wicks that are designed to resist mushrooming and bending. Popular metal core wicks like zinc and tin create a cooler flame and produce less soot and smoke. They also self-trim, which helps maintain an even burn and prevents carbon build up (source). This makes metal-core wicks a safer option in soy candles.

However, cotton wicks can be used safely in soy candles if trimmed to the proper length before each use. But metal-core wicks eliminate the need for wick trimming and are generally regarded as more reliable in soy wax.

Conclusion

The key differences between regular and soy candles come down to one central factor – the wax. Soy wax burns cleaner and cooler than the paraffin wax in most traditional candles. It produces less soot, meaning less messy residue. Soy wax also releases fewer toxins into the air when burned. However, soy candles still produce some toxins and smoke, so should be used in moderation. They are unlikely to trigger soy allergies as long as fragrance oils are avoided. In terms of flammability and wick safety, there are no major differences. Ultimately, soy candles are marginally safer for your health and home decor. However, regular paraffin candles remain popular for their affordability and strong scent throw. For those concerned with safety and minimizing smoke, soy candles make a somewhat safer alternative.

In summary, soy candles have slight safety advantages due to their cleaner-burning soy wax. But paraffin candles remain inexpensive and effective. Consider soy candles if reducing smoke and residue is your top priority.