· By Switch Support
Are Soy Candles Better?
That's a great question and we're here to help. Let's compare soy wax candles and Paraffin candles to see which one is better.
Let's get started!
Last Longer
You pay less for one candle when you use soy candles because the burn is slower. Why? Soy candles have a melting point of 120℉ or lower, whereas traditional paraffin candles have a melting point anywhere from 120℉ to 150℉. This makes the candle's burn time better or worse.
Healthier Burn
Soy wax, coconut wax and are among the healthiest candles to burn. "The chromatogram of Paraffin and soy-based candles' emission products were tested for hazardous emissions. The conclusion was that Paraffin released the toxic chemicals they tested, whereas the soybean candle was completely clean." (Massoudi, 2006) However, soy candles and other healthier candle variants do release fumes; they just don't release as many as Paraffin, so many experts would not recommend having a candle lit for more than four hours. Plus, your candle will start to smoke and release soot.
More Sustainable
Natural wax candles are a great alternative to traditional paraffin wax candles. Such as soy wax and beeswax, are biodegradable, produce less soot, and result in a cleaner burn, making them more sustainable. This means that not only are they better for the environment, but they also contribute to healthier indoor air quality.
Comparison between Soy and Paraffin
Table 1
|
Soy |
Paraffin |
|
|
Cost |
Moderate |
Low |
|
Burn Time |
Long |
Short |
|
Soot Level |
Low |
Moderate |
|
Natural |
Yes |
No |
|
Sustainability (Biodegradable) |
Good |
Not Good |
|
Composition |
SoyBean |
By-product of petroleum |
Source: Miller Kristy, “The Difference Between Soy and Paraffin Wax Candles” Oct 9. 2023, https://thescentedmarket.ca
FAQ
Natural Candles Near Me
Why is Supporting Local Artisans Important?
References:
Bairamova, Lilija. “Guide to Non Toxic Candles: the Best 16 Non Toxic Candle Brands.” Orbasics, 16 May 2024, https://orbasics.com/blogs/stories/guide-to-non-toxic-candles-the-best-10-non-toxic-candle-brands. Accessed 15 June 2024.
“The Benefits of Using Natural Candles.” Willow and Sage Magazine, https://willowandsage.com/the-benefits-of-using-natural-candles/. Accessed 15 June 2024.
“5 Reasons Why One Should Use Organic Candles?” PureCult, https://www.purecult.in/blogs/pure-living/5-reasons-why-one-should-use-organic-candles. Accessed 15 June 2024.
Massoudi, R. “Soybean Candles for Healthy Life and Well Being - SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY.” : NIFA Reporting Portal, https://portal.nifa.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/0206030-soybean-candles-for-healthy-life-and-well-being.html. Accessed 15 June 2024.
Noé, Nomad. “What Are the Healthiest Candle Waxes to Burn?” Maison Nomad Noé, 18 August 2023, https://nomadnoe.com/blogs/the-blog/what-are-the-healthiest-candle-waxes-to-burn. Accessed 15 June 2024.
“Your Foolproof Guide to Burning a Candle Correctly.” National Candle Association, https://candles.org/your-foolproof-guide-to-burning-a-candle-correctly/. Accessed 15 June 2024.
Gomez, Laura Garvin. “What Temperature Does Candle Wax Melt At?” Nikura, https://nikura.com/blogs/discover/what-temperature-does-wax-melt. Accessed 18 June 2024.
Table 1: “The Difference Between Soy and Paraffin Wax Candles.” The Scented Market, https://thescentedmarket.ca/blogs/the-scented-market-news/the-difference-between-soy-and-paraffin-wax-candles. Accessed 18 June 2024.
