Candles: Soy vs. Paraffin Wax

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Jan 22, 2012 in Home & Beyond

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There's a debate whether or not using soy wax candles are the healthier alternative to paraffin wax candles. However, in my own research, I could find no scientific studies which proved this to be true.  According to the National Candle Association, "all types of quality candle waxes have been shown to burn cleanly, safely and in the same manner."

There are a few benefits to soy candles over paraffin candles, though. Soy wax is made from soybean oil, which is a renewable resource. Paraffin wax is a derivitive of crude oil, which is a limited resource.  Soy wax burns at a cooler temperature than paraffin wax, so soy candles last longer. Also, soy wax spills are easier to clean up than paraffin wax. (It usually takes just soap & water.)

Personally, I like using either paraffin or soy candles, as long as they're of good quality.  I don't really believe one is better for my health than the other.  All candles produce a miniscule amount of soot when burned.  When a flame spews visible dark smoke, it's usually because the wick is too long.  It should be trimmed down to 1/4" before every use.

Recommended candle sites: PartyLite.com (paraffin, a few soy), PureIntegrity.com (soy), YankeeCandle.com (paraffin) & ZionsvilleCandleCompany.com (soy).

What's your opinion on soy vs. paraffin wax candles? Which type do you use?

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Comments (19)

Most of mine have been paraffin, some mixed with bee's wax but really, it's none of your bee's wax... seriously good to know soy's benefits for candles and and the environment too, I just won't eat them. And now a true story. When I was a kid I used to sneak into my sister's room and take a bite out of a candle that was in a little ceramic donkey holder and I ate said wax. I have know idea why. Don't tell anyone. Report Spam Posted by markblemish at 2:14 PM on 01/22/12
Please don't tell anyone Cindy, if it gets out that I used to eat donkey candles, well my rep would be ruined. Report Spam Posted by markblemish at 2:15 PM on 01/22/12
I only buy Yankee Candles because the quality is superior to other brands I have tried. I always believed soy was a healthier option and I suppose they must be better for the environment as they are a renewable source. Report Spam Posted by x0xsharicex0x at 2:28 PM on 01/22/12
Don't worry, Chuck. I promise your secret's safe with me ;-) Report Spam Posted by cimino68 at 3:00 PM on 01/22/12
prefer soy and natural rolled beeswax candles...the soy burns cleaner IMO and lasts longer Report Spam Posted by artisangoods at 3:27 PM on 01/22/12
I love Yankee Candles, but they are so expensive! Report Spam Posted by sweans at 3:33 PM on 01/22/12
I love candles but never light then just have them as decor, but good info here for future reference :) Report Spam Posted by xjoliexgreenx at 10:09 PM on 01/22/12
I don't have any scientific evidence, but I trust something more that's derived from soybeans or vegetables than from crude oil. I believe that most of what was considered dangerous about candles had to do with lead wicks and synthetic fragrances though...one of which is rarely used anymore, and the other can be avoided by buying candles scented with essential oils. I prefer soy, palm or beeswax candles with lead-free wicks and non-synthetic fragrances...but that may mean nothing more than that the marketing was effective with me. Report Spam Posted by ftw at 10:10 PM on 01/22/12
I usually buy either Yankee candles or partylite candles as I like the selection of scents. very interesting & useful info! & chuck, yr secret's safe! Report Spam Posted by pinkone at 8:16 AM on 01/23/12
Good to know. I don't really worry about what they're made of as long as the scent doesn't give me a headache. Report Spam Posted by alicatstrut at 3:47 PM on 01/23/12
Interesting. Good to know! Sadly we don't light candles in my house. Report Spam Posted by happie2smile at 7:01 PM on 01/23/12
Didn't know paraffin wax was a derivitive of crude oil. I'm not a big shopper of candles, but I'll go with soy from now on. When there's any type of environmental impact, no matter how small, it makes my decision easy. Report Spam Posted by margareto at 5:55 AM on 01/24/12
PartyLite uses a mix of harder and softer parafin in their candles, so that's why they have that kind of soy-like consistency while still being firm enough to mold into pillars. But we do have some soy now too in the Natural Rituals collection. So there's something for everyone! Report Spam Posted by meganre at 1:14 PM on 01/24/12
but neither is good for asthma Report Spam Posted by lissln at 1:22 PM on 01/24/12
I have asthma so I would have to bo very careful of strong frangrances and If they were very mild to no fragrances then it wouldn't bother my asthma so I stay away from candles<3 Love ,Linda Report Spam Posted by hawklns1 at 8:13 AM on 01/25/12
I prefer the paraffin, like you say, as long as it's good quality. I do love PartyLite & Yankee Candle :) @markblemish the wax eater-When I was young and naive (a few years ago,kidding) a friend told me this piece of pink chalk tasted like strawberries. Yep, I ate some of it. GROSS Report Spam Posted by luv2kreate at 7:19 AM on 01/26/12
Thank you for the information I had no idea!!! : } Report Spam Posted by kelsjax at 9:28 PM on 01/26/12
Thanks for sharing! Report Spam Posted by her_arsenic_kiss at 10:36 PM on 01/27/12
thanks for sharing! I always wondered what the difference was with soy candles. Report Spam Posted by sweeetkristen at 10:37 AM on 01/30/12