The Benefits of Soy Wax Candles
Top Reasons to Choose Natural Soy Candles Instead of Paraffin
Jul 13, 2009
So what are some of the benefits to candles made from soy wax?
Soy Candles are Clean Burning
Of course, nothing that burns is entirely smoke-free, but there is drastically less soot from a soy candle than from a paraffin candle. Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct. David Krause, a researcher of air quality, has presented evidence that the soot from paraffin candles has many of the same compounds - including as many as 11 carcinogens - as burning diesel fuel. In other words, it's like having a miniature 18-wheeler in your living room, or worse, your bedroom.
Kathleen O'Neil (E: The Environmental Magazine, Nov. 2000) wrote, "A recent study of residents in both rural and industrial areas confirmed this. It found high chemical levels in the subjects' bodies, indicating they had received doses of pollutants in their homes five to 70 times higher than the highest outdoor levels.". Burning candles are listed as one of the top contributors to indoor pollution.
Soy wax, on the other hand, has never been shown to give off any carcinogens at all. It also will not leave unpleasant soot-stains or discolor walls, ceilings, draperies, or furniture.
Soy Wax is Long Burning
Lighting a soy wax candle and an otherwise identical paraffin wax candle side by side is almost shocking in the difference of burn time. The soy wax candle is likely to last at least a third again as long, if not more, than the paraffin candle, some well over twice as long. Part of this is due to the fact that soy wax burns at a much cooler temperature than paraffin.
Soy Wax Candles are More Cost Effective
Because they are so much longer burning, soy candles end up much cheaper in the long run, even if they have a slightly higher initial price tag. As they gain in popularity, however, it is becoming increasingly easy to find them for low prices.
Soy Candles are Biodegradable, Non-Toxic, and Water Soluble
Because soy wax is just hydrogenated soybean oil, it is, naturally, biodegradable, non-toxic, and perfectly harmless to the environment, not to mention children and pets. Also, because it is water soluble, spills and stains can be cleaned up with soap and water.
Soy Holds and Throws Scent and Color Better than Paraffin
Because it is natural, and because it is cooler-burning, soy wax holds color, and both holds and throws scent better (this means that the candle fragrance stays strong longer, and gives off more scent when burned) than paraffin, and therefore make much superior scented candles and aromatherapy candles.
Made From a Renewable Resource that Helps Farmers
Soy is a highly renewable resource, unlike petroleum, and helps support agricultural growth. Within the United States, most soy wax is made from soybeans grown in the U.S., helping to support American farmers.
As a final note, there are very few subjects that so perfectly exemplify the 'Green Revolution', and all the hidden benefits of using more natural products, as comparing soy wax to paraffin wax. It is superior in almost every way; it is more effective at scenting your home, it lasts longer, and it is healthier for you and your family and environment. As the costs are not significantly different, especially given the longer burn-time, one had to wonder how paraffin is still used as much as it is.
So next time you want to give a candle as a gift - to a friend, a love one, or even just buy candles for yourself - make sure you buy a soy wax candle instead of paraffin!
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