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Scented candles have become increasingly popular home decor items and gifts over the past few decades. Walk into any home goods store and you’ll find aisles filled with candles in every shape, size, scent, and color imaginable. While the range of options is exciting for consumers, it also raises questions about candle materials and safety. Traditional paraffin candles are now being passed over by many environmentally-conscious shoppers in favor of natural soy wax alternatives.
What is Paraffin Wax?
The paraffin wax used in most standard candles is a petroleum byproduct created when crude oil is refined into gasoline. The paraffin is extracted from the crude oil through a chemical process. While paraffin itself is odorless and harmless when untouched, the burning process releases compounds like toluene and benzene which have been linked to asthma and cancer risks. Paraffin wax also produces more soot than natural waxes, resulting in more residue and cleanup. The American Lung Association advises avoiding paraffin candles, especially for those with asthma or allergies.
Why Soy Wax is a Better Alternative?
Soy wax comes from soybean oil and is a renewable and sustainable resource. Producing soy wax does not create the same environmental concerns as paraffin wax production. Soy wax is also biodegradable and non-toxic, making it a safer choice. Since soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin, soy candles burn cleaner and emit less soot. Soy wax is also harder than paraffin, so soy candles hold their shape and last longer.
Soy wax allows candle fragrances to fully develop since the wax doesn’t have its own petroleum odor like paraffin does. Candles made from natural soy wax have excellent scent throw and full, rich fragrances. Soy also holds dye better, giving soy candles bolder, more vivid colors compared to paraffin candles. For candle makers, soy wax is easier to work with since it doesn’t require additives like paraffin does to make it hold a wick properly.
Making the Switch to Soy Candles
If you’re currently using paraffin candles, consider switching to soy alternatives for your home. Here are some tips for making the change:
- Look for 100% soy wax on the label when shopping for candles. Blended waxes may still contain paraffin.
- Try soy jar candles first. They have the same look and feel as traditional paraffin candles in glass but with all the soy benefits.
- Soy votive and pillar candles are also easy replacements for paraffin versions.
- For a cleaner burn, use cotton wicks in your soy candles instead of traditional wicks which can increase soot.
- Test out soy wax melts and tarts first if you’re used to paraffin wax melts. They have the same convenience but better performance.
- Explore the many natural scent options like essential oils. Soy wax perfectly showcases subtler scents.
- Make the switch gradually. Mix in a few soy candles first before completely replacing paraffin.
Discover Your New Favorite Candle
The world of scented candles keeps expanding as candle lovers try out new styles, shapes, and of course, scents. But with greater variety comes greater opportunity to improve our choices by selecting natural wax candles. Soy wax makes candles safer, cleaner, and better smelling. Next time you shop for candles, browse the soy wax options to find your new favorite.