Over 5,000 years ago, the ancient Egyptians made candles out of reeds and melted animal fat. In other parts of the world, people made candles out of beeswax, rice paper, or the boiled fruit of the cinnamon tree.
Luckily, candlemaking has come a long way since then. Wax candles were the standard for many years, but now soy candles are surging in popularity.
What’s a soy candle? Are soy candles better than wax candles? We’ll answer those questions and more, so keep reading to learn some benefits of soy candles.
1. All-Natural & Safe
Traditional paraffin wax candles are made from petroleum. That’s right—it’s a refined by-product of the gasoline you put in your car.
Not only is this a nonrenewable resource, but it’s full of harmful carcinogens. When you burn a wax candle, you could potentially release some of these chemicals into your home.
Contrast that with soy candles, which are made from all-natural soybeans. Farmers grow soy in many parts of the world, so buying soy candles can help support local agriculture. It’s also a renewable source, making it a friendlier choice for the environment.
2. Non-Toxic & Less Soot
Paraffin wax candles have the toxic elements mentioned above, but that’s not their only drawback. They also tend to create a lot of black soot that stains the jar and (potentially) other surfaces inside your home.
When you burn your soy candle in a tin, you’ll notice significantly less soot collecting inside the tin or jar. They’re almost guaranteed not to leave soot on your walls or countertops. Because they’re all-natural, they also won’t release any harmful chemicals into the air as they burn.
3. Slower Burning Time
Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, meaning it burns cooler and lasts longer. In fact, if you have a wax candle and a soy candle of the same size, the soy candle will last 35%-50% longer.
This is important to consider if you’ve been put off by the higher price of soy candles. Because they last longer than paraffin candles, you actually get more bang for your buck with a soy candle. You won’t have to buy candles as often and—bonus—you’re doing your part to help the environment too.
4. Improved Scent Throw
Have you noticed some candles fill the whole room with their scent while others barely smell at all? This is called the candle’s “scent throw.” The more the fragrance fills the room, the better “throw” it has.
Soy candles typically throw scent very well. The lower burning temperature releases the essential oils gradually, creating a pleasant, long-lasting scent wherever you burn them.
Are Soy Candles Better? Now You Know
So, are soy candles better than traditional wax? As you can see, there are some clear benefits to making the switch to soy.
One final tip: Many candles that are advertised as “soy” actually contain a blend of other ingredients (including paraffin). Be sure to read the label carefully and choose candles that are 100% soy.
Now that you’re a candle expert, what’s next? Be sure to browse the rest of our site for more informative reads.
