If you're familiar with the food industry shift towards healthier alternatives, you would know that soy has been enjoying its glory moment as an alternative to dairy. Surprisingly, another one has jumped on the soy bandwagon (and for all the right reasons): the fragrance industry.
If you noticed a sudden interest in soy candles within your circles, know that it's not just a random fad to change things up in the world of scented candles. There are apparently many benefits to switching out to soy candles - and some of the main ones are concerned with your health.
Fun fact: soy wax was developed by a group of students from Purdue University in 1996. They were tasked to develop a birthday candle from a renewable resource and ended up figuring out how to solidify soybean oil.
They are safer than your typical candles.
While candle fumes are not fatal in small sporadic doses, we can't deny the fact that cumulatively they may have unwanted effects on one's health. Paraffin wax, which is commonly used in most candles today, is made from leftover by-product from the petroleum refining process. Once burned, studies have shown that small doses of carcinogens are released into the air - and they are the same ones that your car exhumes when it burns petroleum.
On the other hand, soybean wax is completely carcinogenic compound-free. Just make sure that the oils used for fragrance are natural and not synthetic. Watch out for the wick material as well.
You will need to do less cleanup.
Unlike paraffin wax, soy wax does not create black soot when it burns. This makes it easier to clean up the surrounding areas (and your favorite candle holders too at that). This also gives you the ease of decorating your candle area without worrying about ruining any of your favorite fabrics.
Soy wax is a renewable resource.
Soy wax is a natural, renewable resource that is completely biodegradable. The production of soy candles also helps support soybean farmers without making nature groan even more than it already is doing now.
It's vegan.
For our vegan Seekers, you will be delighted to know that soy candles are completely plant-based. It's also good to read a bit about your source to make sure that no animals were used for testing during the process of product development.
It lasts longer.
Soy wax has a lower melting point compared to paraffin wax, which means that it will burn longer and slower. No need to feel anxious over your candles burning out too quickly. Also, a slower burn means a more gradual release of oils. Make sure that your soy candle is using essential oils for a healthier and fuller aroma session.
Japs Medina
Author