In today’s world, human health has become a growing concern. This can be observed across all industries, including clothing, food, accessories of various kinds, and much more! Consumers make sure that whatever it is they are consuming or using does not pose a risk to their wellbeing in any way.
This concern is also widely evident in the candle industry. Consumers are more and more vigilant about the impact different types of candle waxes have on their respiratory systems as they breathe the smoke emitted from the wax.
In fact, consumers are not just concerned about the impact that products have on their own health, but how these products impact the environment.
You must be wondering, how are these concerns related to soy candles? Well, these concerns are what have led to the growing popularity of soy candles.
However, many people still don’t know much about soy candles- what they are, how they are made and what are the benefits of using soy candles. This article addresses just that and hence, provides an expansive overview of what soy candles are!
Table of Contents
What is a Soy Candle?
Soy candles are derived from soy wax, which is a natural wax derived from soybeans. Soy wax is a biodegradable substance and does not emit any substances which are harmful to human health or the environment.
The most popular use of soybeans is in the food industry. However, apart from being used in the candle industry, they have an array of other uses as well, including cosmetics. The use of soybeans in cosmetics and candles has grown in popularity owing to the veganism movement.
Soy candles are often bought by customers simply because they are vegan and environmentally friendly, unlike the other two popular candle waxes- beeswax and paraffin wax. The production of beeswax is not a cruelty free process for honey bees, which reduces their vegan-ness. Paraffin wax, on the other hand, emits harmful substances to the environment and hence is not considered to be good or cruelty free for the environment!
When Were Soy Candles First Made? History of Soy Candles
The origin of soy wax can be traced back to 1992. Soy wax was discovered by Michael Richards who was looking for a cheaper alternative to beeswax.
During the time he was striving to discover an alternative wax, he experimented with many natural plant waxes, including coconut oil, palm oil, as well as, soy oil. He was mainly motivated to discover a new candle wax after observing the growing demand for natural wax candles in the candle industry.
How are Soy Candles Made?
It is quite intriguing how soybeans are transformed into soy wax, from which soy candles are made. So, how does it happen?
Fun fact: Soybeans are a major agricultural produce of the US! Soybeans are first harvested and cleaned. Then, soybeans are cracked, de-hulled and rolled into flakes. Once these processes are completed, flakes are finally turned into soybean oil, through the process of hydrogenation.
Hydrogenation involves converting the unsaturated fatty acids present in soybean oil, into saturated fatty acids. This process is the reason oil, which is in liquid form is transformed into candle wax, which is in solid form.
Then, additives, such as essential oils, are added to the candle wax to give it fragrances and scents.
That’s how soy candles are made!
What are the Benefits of Soy Candles?
Let’s say you’re going to buy candles and have to pick between a paraffin and soy candle. Which one should you buy?
Below are the reasons which will help you make a choice!
1. Soy Candles are ‘Clean Burning Candles’
Unlike paraffin candles, soy wax candles do not emit any petro carbon soot. This ensures that soy candles aren’t hazardous for your health. For, petro carbon soot, which is emitted by paraffin candles, has been linked to the development of respiratory diseases, such as asthma and lung cancer.
2. Soy Candles Carry the Scent Better
A major reason why many people buy candles is to enjoy the scent that candles emit. So, if you’re one of them, soy candles should be your pick! Owing to soy wax’s lower melting point, a large pool of liquid wax is created around the flame. This helps the fragrances to be slowly released from the candle, allowing you to enjoy the scent for longer!
Since soy candles carry the scent so well, there is no need to add chemical amplifiers in them either!
Soy candles are a great choice whether you own a home or an apartment.
3. Soy Candles Last Longer
Soy candles are known to last around 30 to 50% longer than paraffin candles. This is due to their lower melting point, which allows them to burn more slowly. So, if you buy a soy candle, you will be getting more out of your buck!
4. Soy Candles are an Environmentally Friendly and Sustainable Choice
Paraffin candles are derived from non renewable resources, meaning your consumption choices will lead to the depletion of already limited resources. On the other hand, soybeans are renewable resources and your consumption choice will support the local US economy!
Moreover, paraffin wax contains a significantly high concentration of hydrocarbons. Meaning, when you burn your paraffin candles, it will lead to significant levels of carbon dioxide being emitted. This is especially harmful to the environment, since carbon dioxide gas contributes to global warming!
What is the Difference Between Soy Candles and Regular?
Regular candles usually refer to paraffin wax candles. While most of the stark differences between soy and paraffin candles have been highlighted in the previous section, there is one more! This difference is the main deciding factor for many consumers. The price difference!
Soy candles tend to cost more than regular candles, which puts off many customers who don’t know the many benefits soy candles have over regular candles! But since all of you now know them, pay the extra buck to enjoy the extra benefits.
Paying a little extra for soy candles ensures that you don’t develop any respiratory diseases, nor will you be harming the environment! To add to that, you will also make more of your purchase since the candle will last longer and it will carry the scent better! What more can you ask for?
My name is Candice and I have always loved candles since I was a kid. I continue to buy candles and try out new candle brands to this day! I started this blog to share my love of candles so I’m glad you’re here and hope that my content helps you out in some way!
