Most people buy candles without giving too much thought to the differences between paraffin and soy wax. Traditionally paraffin wax has been the most popular wax used in the creation of scented candles, however recent findings have raised questions over its safety. Read on to discover why soy wax candles are better for you, your family and the environment.
Soy wax is a vegetable wax made from the oil of soybeans. After harvesting, the beans are cleaned, cracked, de-hulled, and rolled into flakes. The oil is then extracted from the flakes and hydrogenated.
The hydrogenation process converts some of the fatty acids in the oil from unsaturated to saturated. This process dramatically alters the melting point of the oil, making it solid at room temperature. The leftover bean husks are commonly used as animal feed.
The U.S. grows the vast majority of the world's soybeans, primarily in Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana.
SO, WHY’S IT BETTER?
SOY CANDLES BURN CLEANER
When a candle burns a small amount of soot is released into the air. Soy candles have been shown to emit an estimated 10 times less soot into the air than a typical paraffin wax candle.
SOY CANDLES LAST LONGER
Soy wax burns slower with a much lower melting point than traditional paraffin wax candles. This means that the wax is able to create a larger melt pool and release more of the fragrance into the air for longer. A typical soy candle will burn for 30-50% longer than a paraffin alternative. Soy candles burn and continue to release fragrance for a very long time, one candle can last for many months even if used frequently.
SOY CANDLES ARE NON-TOXIC
As soy wax candles are completely natural, they don't contain any harmful toxins that could be released into the air. By comparison, paraffin wax is a byproduct of crude oil purification. A study by South Carolina State University in 2009, showed that paraffin wax candles emit microscopic toxic particles into the air when burning. These toxic particles are presumably due to paraffin wax being derived from crude oil which is known to emit huge amounts of pollution particles when burned. Whilst it is debatable whether the levels of fumes emitted by paraffin wax candles are harmful, the toxins they release are known carcinogens linked to asthma and lung cancer. As a result of the negative association with potential health risks and the environmental impact of extruding crude oil, the popularity of paraffin wax candles has waned in favour of cleaner, renewable resources.
SPILLS ARE EASY TO CLEAN
We've all done it, whether moving a candle or accidentally knocking one over, at some point we've all spilt candle wax onto a surface or fabric. Previously with paraffin wax candles, you might have reached for a clothes iron and tea towel to try and heat the wax and encourage it to set onto the tea towel fabric instead. With soy wax candles, even if there is a spill you don't need to worry. Spilt soy wax can easily be cleaned up with a little soap and hot water.
SOY WAX IS ALL-NATURAL, RENEWABLE, AND VEGAN
Derived from the soybean, soy wax is a hydrogenated vegetable oil that turns to a solid at room temperature. You can even make your own wax from soybeans at home. Most farmers rotate their soybean crops with corn production, and the husks are used as animal feed; it’s renewable and environmentally efficient. The majority of the world’s soybeans are produced in the U.S., so if you’re reading this in the U.S., soy wax is also a strong domestic source.
Since soy wax contains nothing artificial, it’s a much better alternative to old-fashioned paraffin wax, which is made from petroleum oil. Not surprising with what we know about petroleum, it produces harmful byproducts when burned or melted.
Another alternative to paraffin is beeswax, but beeswax harms bees and their future. Many bees die when their honeycombs are melted for beeswax.
IN CONCLUSION Premium quality soy wax candles have a strong fragrance throw, last longer and are made from renewable, all-natural resources. They provide a safe, environmentally responsible way for you and your family to enjoy the many benefits of lighting a scented candle in your home.