What’s all the buzz about burning soy candles?
For many reasons, burning soy candles is better than burning paraffin candles. What are these reasons? Let’s compare and contrast what is soy versus what is paraffin. We’ve put together a list of 8 reasons you should be burning soy candles. Key points you should take-away are that Soy candles are clean burning candles; they’re non-toxic candles; and they’re all-natural and burn longer. Read more about the benefits of soy or begin shopping now!
Soy candles carry a lot of key benefits compared to paraffin candles
Most candles are made from paraffin wax, but soy candles are gaining steam. Soy candles don’t seem very different than paraffin candles, but there are a number of distinctions that make soy candles advantageous.
Soy wax is the first wax innovation in the candle industry in over a century and is becoming increasingly popular. While we’re all for tradition, there are a lot of reasons why out with the old and in with the new should apply to candles.
What is soy wax?
In terms of aesthetics, soy candles have a softer texture than paraffin candles because of hydrogenation.
Soy candles’ wax is a vegetable wax made from fully hydrogenated soybean oil, forming a triglyceride. We usually think of hydrogenated oils and triglycerides as tasty treats to be avoided, but for making candles it’s perfect!
Soybeans are harvested, cleaned, cracked, de-hulled, and rolled into flakes. The oil is then extracted from the soybean flakes using solvent extraction or mechanical pressing. Then the oil is refined and bleached. What’s left over from the extraction process can be used for cattle feed.
Next the oil is hydrogenated. Hydrogenation changes the poly- and monounsaturated oils from unsaturated to saturated, increasing the viscosity to make the soy wax solid at room temperature. This reaction is achieved by increasing the temperature to about 140-225°C in the presence of a nickel catalyst.
Hydrogenation results in lowering the oil’s melting point.
About 60 kg of soybeans produces 10 kg of soybean oil.
Some candle manufacturers add paraffin or stearic acid to the soy wax. Kristen & Company’s candles are 100% soy.
Our top 8 reasons you should be burning soy candles
Paraffin candles are cheaper, smell good, and are what we’ve always burned. Why switch to soy candles?
Health
Natural
Eco-friendly, burn cleaner, Non-toxic
Easier clean up
Last longer
Smell better
Stronger scent
Support farmers
Health
Burning soy candles vs. paraffin is better for your health and home.
Candles are beautiful to watch burn and have a calming effect on us. However, it’s not so beautiful or calming when soot covers the walls and curtains, and we breathe it in. The soot also circulates through your air ducts. In other words, it gets on everything!
The soot contains 11 toxins, including two carcinogens: toluene and benzene. In fact, recent studies have found that firefighters have a higher rate of cancer because of harmful chemicals in products, such as benzene found in waxed furniture.
The carcinogens found in paraffin candles are typically labeled “toxic air agents” by environmental agencies. Soy candles don’t release toxins into the air.
Soot from candles is a solid particle resulting from the incomplete combustion of petroleum-based fuel. These carbon particles can cause respiratory problems. Soy wax doesn’t form this petro-carbon soot. This makes for a better air quality and no need to periodically clean soot left by paraffin candles.
Soot particles are small, allowing them an easier way into the lungs. Some researchers advise children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory diseases like asthma to avoid candle soot.
Soy candles, unlike traditional paraffin candles, burn clean.
Many people find that paraffin wax gives them a headache. If you are one of those people, soy wax is a good reason to give our candles a try!
Naturally soy
Soy candles are made from vegetable oil (soybeans), which are natural and renewable. Paraffin candles are made from petroleum oil, a nonrenewable source that contains carcinogens that get released into the air when burning. Soy wax candles do not release CO2. They don’t require chemicals to give them their scent either.
Good for the environment
Soy wax is a sustainable resource that is biodegradable; whereas paraffin is a refined gasoline by-product. Its sourcing makes us less reliant on nonrenewable crude oil and, hence, better for the environment.
Soy candles are non-toxic candles since they are made from vegetable oil. This makes soy candles a healthier choice for humans, pets, and the environment.
Longer lasting
Soy candles can burn anywhere from 35% to over 50% longer than paraffin candles because soy wax has a lower melting point, making it a cooler burning temperature than paraffin wax. So, while soy candles seem more expensive when you look at the size of the candle you’re getting for your money, it is actually about the same price since soy candles of the same size as their paraffin counterparts last longer. Plus, you don’t have to buy soy candles as often!
Soy candles are efficient and reduce waste. They also burn evenly, minimizing unburned wax left on the sides of the jar.
Stronger scent throw
When a candle’s scent “throws well” the scent fills the entire room. Soy candles throw well.
The lower melting point of soy wax results in a greater surface area of liquid wax pooling around the candlewick. The essential oils are released from the liquid wax pooling around the wick and from the wick itself.
Better Scent
As a matter of taste, many people prefer the scent of soy candles over paraffin.
Soy candles hold onto the scents from the essential oils that are often used to give soy candles their fragrance. Also, since the soy wax burns clean, you get a cleaner scent as a consequence. After all, why add a wonderful scent that’s expensive to add only to dampen its fragrance?
View our scent categories to find your perfect scent.
They clean up well
Candle spills from paraffin wax candles are difficult to clean, but you can clean soy wax spills up just with soap and water. No need to strategically place potted plants over the carpeting!
Burning soy candles supports farmers
Soy candles help American farmers. Unlike paraffin, soy is sourced from our soybean farmers, mostly in Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana. So, you’re also helping the U.S. economy.
A candle-buying tip
Many candle makers advertise their candles as being soy candles but are actually soy and a blend of other substances. If it doesn’t say 100% soy or list the ingredients, be skeptical. It might look like a better deal, but there’s a reason.
Ready to pick out your candle?
Tall Pine Candles provides 100% natural hand-crafted soy candles.
Tall Pine Candles expertise is in producing high-quality, hand-crafted soy candles in a variety of scents that will turn your home into a calming retreat. Visit our “On-Line Store” to choose candles in your favorite scents!
Thanks for reading…
