What are soy candles?

Soy candles are made from soy wax, which is hydrogenated soybean oil. Soy wax was invented in 1992 by Michael Richards who was looking for a cheaper alternative to beeswax. As he entered the candle industry he realized there was a growing demand for natural wax candles. Soy wax is often mixed with fragrances to produces scented soy candles. They are available in supermarkets and specialized stores and can also be bought online. It is also easy and very rewarding making soy candles at home.

Advantages of soy candles

Soy candles have to following advantages compared to paraffin wax candles:

Soy candles are cheap - Beeswax is a great natural alternative to paraffin, but to get the same results as a soy-based candle, it is very expensive. Soy wax is a new alternative to paraffin wax that is cost effective. Soy wax is also made from a renewable source.

Soy wax is natural - Soy wax is a favorite of environmentally conscious people because it is made from a renewable source and is not made from petroleum. Burning soy candles does not increase the CO2 level in the atmosphere. However, some suppliers may add some synthetic wax or paraffin to their soy wax to adjust its physical characteristics.

Soy candles last longer - Some suppliers claim that soy candles can last up to 50% longer than paraffin candles. Our tests could not confirm this claim.

Wax spills are easy to clean - It's very difficult to remove paraffin wax from furniture or textiles. Soy wax spills can easily be cleaned up with hot soapy water.

Soy candles produce less soot - Soot should be avoided because it is very unhealthy and can eventually coat furniture and walls. Soy candles produce about 90% less soot than paraffin candles.

Scented soy candles distribute more flavour - The incorporation of soybean oil lowers the melting point of the candle, which translates into cooler burning candles and faster scent dispersion. The lower melting point of soy wax results in a larger size of the liquid wax pool around the candle wick. It is from this liquid wax pool that the essential oils evaporate into the atmosphere.