SOY VS PARAFFIN CANDLES
WHAT IS PARAFFIN WAX?
Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum (the same petroleum used to make oil and gas). It’s been found to contain cancer-causing agents like Benzene. Traditional candles are usually made with paraffin wax. They are cheaper to make so many candle companies opt for this wax even with its harmful ingredients.
WHAT IS SOY WAX?
Soy wax is natural wax made from soybeans which gives you a 100% natural candle option. While paraffin wax is known to contain cancer-causing chemicals, soy wax (any other vegetable wax), and beeswax are sustainable, naturally sourced options.
THE BIGGEST DEBATE: IS PARAFFIN WAX TOXIC?
Both paraffin and soy wax are “not” toxic. Both waxes create soot depending on how the candle is made and how it’s burning. Candle flames, wood burning fire places, all have incomplete combustion which produces soot, but these are not the toxic black petroleum carbon soot that you find in paraffin wax candles. Soot isn’t good for your respiratory system but it’s also not really dangerous. Soot are chemicals that the candle emits and those chemicals may be hazardous to your health. HOWEVER, the amount of these chemicals being released into the air are so minimal that most people are not affected by it. If you burn your candle correctly in a well ventilated room and trim your wick, chances are you won’t see any negative effects on your health.
SO WHICH IS BETTER? SOY VS PARAFFIN
So is soy better than paraffin? At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference but here is what we think overall.
SOY WAX EMITS LESS SOOT. As mentioned above, both waxes emit some amount of soot. However, given the same conditions, a paraffin candle will emit more soot than soy candles. This soot can discolor the candle container and can also get on your walls and furniture.
SOY WAX RELEASES LESS TOXINS. Soy wax is derived from vegetables while paraffin is a refined gasoline by-product. Soy wax is biodegradable (paraffin is not) and does not contain toxins and carcinogens. Melting paraffin candles releases 11 known toxins (two which are cancer causing agents). Soy wax is better for the environment, better for you, your family and your pets.
SOY WAX BURNS LONGER. This depends on a few factors like the wick and size of the candle. But, soy wax will burn between 30%-50% longer than paraffin.
SOY WAX CANDLES HAVE A BETTER SCENT THROW. Scent throw is referred to the release of fragrance from a candle when it’s lit. Paraffin wax candles emit chemical scents when it’s lit because of the use of synthetic fragrances and chemicals. Soy candles are natural so it releases a purer and stronger scent than paraffin.
SOY WAX SUPPORTS AMERICAN FARMERS. Aside from the toxins paraffin candles emits, the mining of crude oil has an environmental impact. Crude oil production has destroyed the natural habitats of endangered animals and plants and has resulted in oil spills. United States is the world’s greatest producer of soybeans. Buying our soy candles helps support local farmers and workers and also strengthens the economy.
The overall healthy, safe and environmentally friendly option is soy wax (also any vegetable wax or beeswax) candles. It burns cleaner, has a better scent throw and is eco-friendly.
