A comparison between soy wax and paraffin wax candles
If you are like I was, you probably have a combo of paraffin and soy wax candles in your house. As I turned my interest in candles into a business, I learned a lot about why soy wax is amazing and paraffin is pretty terrible. Here are the reasons I make sure all the candles in my house are soy wax:
1. Soy Wax is All Natural
Soy wax is completely derived from soybean plants. In fact, the wax in my candles was probably a soybean in the ground 12 months ago. Conversely, paraffin wax is derived from petroleum. Yes the same petroleum that gasoline and diesel are made from, complete with carcinogens and toxins (yuck!).
2. Soy Wax is Burns Clean
You’ve probably noticed that paraffin wax candles leave a lot of black soot on the container when they burn. This soot can pollute the air in your home, stain your walls, carpets, and release petroleum by-products. Soy candles burn much cleaner and are healthier for you and your loved ones. Since it’s cleaner burning there is less soot, and is less likely to trigger allergies.
3. Burns for Many More Hours
Soy wax is denser than paraffin and has a lower melt point. This means soy wax burns up to 50% longer than paraffin. Bottom line, soy wax is more efficient and a better value.
4. Stronger and Not Overpowering Scent
I specifically handcraft my candles to have strong, but not overpowering scents. Soy wax is the perfect base my candles as soy wax has a much cleaner smell than paraffin. When you light a paraffin candle it usually smacks you in the face with scent (and toxins) which cause headaches in many people. Conversely, soy candles will more gently release the scent and have a cleaner smell.
5. Soy is Extremely Sustainable
Soy wax is plant based, American grown, and 100% renewable. Soy wax is so sustainable that I could write an entire post dedicated to it... and I will, keep an eye out for it!
The candle I’m burning while writing this post: Rosemary + Mint (thinking spring!)
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