Soy wax candles have many benefits which is why many candle makers have turned to making only soy wax for their creations. It is also the reason that many candle enthusiasts choose to buy and use soy over candles made from other types of wax. Soy can be a terrific medium to use for candles, however, it’s important to read the labels, or to purchase from a trusted brand, such as BWG Botanics, in order to understand exactly what you’re getting.

So what is soy wax?

Soy wax is made from soybeans. It is a solid form of hydrogenated soybean oil, which makes it a natural and renewable product. Awesome, right? Unlike paraffin, which is a by-product of crude oil refining, soy wax is a relatively pure compound with which to make candles.

What are the benefits of soy wax candles?

Although soy wax is more expensive than paraffin, the benefits of using soy to make candles, or purchasing candles made from soy wax far outweigh the cons.

Renewable Material

Since soybeans are grown extensively the world over, soy wax is readily available and renewable. Other natural candle waxes like beeswax or bayberry wax (an aromatic green vegetable wax removed from the surface of the fruit of the bayberry shrub) can be very expensive and their supply is also often limited. Soy, however, is a consistent and viable alternative for those who prefer candles made from natural and renewable sources.

Clean Burning

Candles made from soy wax will give you a cleaner burn meaning that they produce much less smoke than candles made from paraffin. This also means that anyone sensitive to candle smoke will have a far easier time with soy wax and the air will be cleaner and safer for everyone, including young children and the elderly. There is also less risk of smoke damage to nearby walls, ceilings and your furniture.

Easier to clean up

Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin, so the wax may become softer at lower temperatures. If you do happen to have a soy wax spill, it can be easily cleaned up with soap and hot water rather than harsh chemicals generally needed for other candle waxes. This is also a handy feature for candle makers since equipment can be cleaned in the sink under hot running water, or even in the dishwasher.

Longer lasting

Soy wax burns more slowly and evenly than paraffin, meaning that your candles will last longer, saving you money. Even though you may pay a little more for a soy candle, the fact that the candle burns longer offsets the extra expense. Many have also claimed that the lower heat of the soy candles also ensure that the scent lasts longer, however, this does depend on your supplier and the quality of the scented oil that they have used, rather than the heat of the wax. BWG Botanics only uses the highest quality essential oils, so you are guaranteed a longer-lasting scent if this were the case.

Adaptable and easy to work with

Most forms of candle wax are simple to work with for candle makers, and soy wax is no exception. It is almost as adaptable as paraffin, as you can easily scent and colour the wax, and shapes can be created and will hold as they would with any other wax. Soy can also be mixed with other types of waxes, such as beeswax in order to create other interesting blends. This makes it incredibly versatile.

Vegan soy wax candles

If you are practising a vegan lifestyle, a soy wax candle is a great choice for you. There are many soy wax candles made from 100% organic and non-GMO soy oil. These are generally 100% biodegradable as soybeans and thus soy wax candles are sustainable. In some cases, the natural essential oils used to scent the candles are organic as well.

Non-Petroleum candle choice

Another reason that many choose soy candles is the concern of the effect of petroleum from the paraffin wax candles, on the environment. If you wish to reduce your use of fossil fuels and swap this out for a greener candle, then a soy wax candle is ideal for you.  

Here are some additional facts for you to consider:

Soy candles release four times less fragrance than a paraffin candle. This is due to them having a lower melting point. Therefore, large amounts of fragrance or scent is often added throughout the wax to boost the scent. BWG Botanics uses only the highest quality and most potent essential oils and soy wax, therefore, aiding the release of fragrance without any harmful effects to the body or environment.  

A study conducted by Maastricht University in 2004 found that “potentially carcinogenic polycyclic hydrocarbon” levels were found in churches, assumed to be the result of burning low-quality candles made of paraffin wax over the course of many years. The soot and emissions from the candles seemed to be the culprit for the harmful toxins.

Tips for selecting healthy soy candles

When shopping for or purchasing soy wax candles, there are a few factors to consider. You need to ensure that you read the labels and website descriptions to fully understand what the ingredients entail. Also, you need to ensure that what you are buying, is in fact the genuine thing.

• Non-organic soy wax candles may contain pesticides and GMO soy oil.

• Some soy candles are made up of a blend of animal and other plant products.

• Try not to burn your candle for longer than four hours at a time, to ensure it burns evenly.

• A properly trimmed wick (½ cm long) should reduce or eliminate candle sooting. If sooting does occur, simply blow out the candle and trim the wick to ½cm once the wick is cool.

• Trim the wick before each use, to prevent sooting.

• Be wary if you find cheap soy candles. They may claim to be made of soy wax, but are in fact made with a paraffin/soy blend.

• Since soy wax is softer than paraffin, additives are often added to make the wax harder. If you are concerned about these additives, ask the manufacturer if it is indeed 100% natural.

• Other additives include colour and fragrance. Whilst these can be natural, they also may not be. When essential oils and vegetable-based dyes are used, these are often listed on the label, so be sure to check.

If you haven’t yet tried a soy candle, perhaps now is the time to try. Perhaps you will notice a difference, and knowing the benefits of making that switch, may just convince you even further.

At the end of the day -  you may even find that you prefer them!