10 Reasons To Love Soy Wax Candles: The Ultimate Guide
It's important to know that the candle you bring into your home is safe to burn. We use natural wax, and today you'll discover why we love making candles using wax from soybean oil, the benefits this wax has on our environment, and why it is the best choice for container candles.
Soy wax candles are preferable to traditional paraffin wax because they burn cleaner and are more extended. A soy candle emits less soot, which means there is less mess and no black smoke stains on your walls or ceilings!
Why I Switched To Soy Over 13 Years Ago
It was a spring day in our first home; I was washing the walls, and when I pulled the rag back to rinse it in the bucket, and saw black soot from the petroleum-based candles I was using. That was the day I first researched all the reasons to love soy wax candles and made the switch.
Reason No. 1: Soy Wax Is NON-GMO!
Soy wax is NON-GMO, making it a healthier option for you, your family, and your four-legged friends.
What Does NON-GMO Mean?
GMO stands for a genetically modified organism, and some companies modify plants and animals genetically to optimize their production and make more money faster. There is growing concern around consuming GMO products in our homes; therefore, many prefer products, like our candles, that are NON-GMO.
Reason No. 2: Soy Wax Candles Are Special
Soy wax is unique for several reasons. First, it is made from a natural, sustainable crop. Finished candles burn for what seems like forever without releasing harmful toxins into the air.
The combinations of colors, scents, and vessels give you endless options to create the right amount of ambiance for your space, pick out the perfect gift, or a home decor piece.
Lower Melting Point
In addition, soy candle wax has a lower melting point, which means it melts at a lower temperature than other types of candle wax, so it burns slower and longer. Soy wax is also easy to work with and requires no special additives to make a candle. This allows soy candles to stay pure because chemicals are not needed tp make a strong smelling candle.
What Are Additives?
Some waxes require chemicals added to the resin to hold a higher fragrance load to make container candles. Without the additive, the wax will not bind with the extra oil, and the candle will not be fragrant enough.
Reason No. 3: Soy Wax Candles Are Environmentally Friendly
Soy wax candles are environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and made from renewable resources. And because they are made of hydrogenated vegetable oils, natural and sustainable, they are win-win.
Other Natural Candle Waxes
Besides soy there are other natural waxes, such as coconut and apricot wax. Coconut wax is an excellent choice because it burns for a long time. Apricot wax, which has a fragrant smell and also produces a beautiful candle has a rich and creamy texture.
Reason No. 4: Soy Wax Candles Smell Amazing
Soy wax is an excellent choice for scented candles. The wax comes in flake form, and it absorbs the scent compounds from the fragrance oils quickly, resulting in a candle that smells stronger and lasts longer than one made with other types of candle wax.
Soy wax flakes can be scented with essential oils that promote relaxation, such as lavender and jasmine, or the most refined fragrance oils that invigorate your senses like juicy citrus and bergamot.
Reason No. 5: A Variety Of Wicks To Choose From
The lower melting point allows a soy wax candle to be made using a variety of wicks, including wicks with paper or zinc cores. The most popular choice amongst candle makers is a cotton wick.
You'll find fancy chandlers that make wooden wick candles, some have a booster strip on the wooden wick. This booster gives a slight crackle while it burns and sounds divine.
Reason No. 6: Soy Burns 50 Percent Longer
A soy candle can last up to 50 percent longer than paraffin wax and beeswax candles, so they are a great option if you want your candle to last a long time. A soy-blend candle doesn't burn as long because the blended wax is not pure soy wax.
What Does Mean If The Candle Is Soy-Blend?
The candle is made using some soy wax and is blended with, most likely, paraffin wax. A soy-blend candle is less expensive to make; however, soy-bend candles don't offer all the benefits of burning pure soy wax.
Not All Waxes Are The Same
It's important to note that not all candles are of the same quality, especially since some manufacturers add other ingredients such as paraffin to their products to cut costs. Soy-blend candles may look like soy wax candles, but they don't offer all of the same benefits. When shopping for a soy wax candle, look at the label carefully to see if it says 100 percent soy wax or if it says soy-blend.
How Many Hours Does Soy Wax Burn Per Ounce Of Wax?
Soy wax typically burns at a rate of .06 to .08 ounces per hour, so an eight-ounce candle should last for approximately 48 to 64 hours. There are variables such as wick type, how hot the candle is burning, types of oils; however, this gives you a rough estimate.
Reason No. 7: Soy Is Natural And Petroleum Free!
Soy candles are made out of 100 percent soybeans, which is why they burn so well and don't release toxins into the air. Paraffin wax is made from crude oil, making soy a better option for environmentally conscious users. Soy wax does a beautiful job releasing the scent into your room and keeps your home smelling fresh for extended periods.
Reason No. 8: No Black Soot On Your Walls
One of the best reasons to buy soy is it release little to no black smoke. If you see a little smoke from your candle, it can mean one of two things. First, you burned your candle too long, and the wax is too hot. Or the candlemaker used a type of wick that mushrooms at the top and the smoke is carbon burning.
Reason No. 9: A Hand-Poured Soy Candle Makes The Best Gift
Soy candles make great gifts because they are unique, safe, and environmentally friendly. They also come in various scents so that you can find the perfect candle for everyone on your list.
Reason No. 10: Soy Wax Candles Support American Farmers
When you buy a soy wax candle, you are supporting American farmers. Soybeans are a major crop in the United States, and by buying candles, you are helping to keep this vital industry alive.
It is such a beautiful process. Soy wax is a natural product made from harvested domestically grown soybeans.
Once the beans are harvested, they are cleaned, hulled, and made into flakes. After the soy wax flakes form, oil can be extracted, and the fatty acids are turned into saturated fatty acids. The hydrogenation process of the fatty acids lowers the melting point of the wax, allowing it to be solid at room temperature.
The soybean byproducts are fed to local livestock, leaving zero to minimal waste. Isn't this amazing?!
Now You Love Soy Wax Just As Much As Me!
If you were on the fence before you joined me today, now I know you love soy wax candles just as much.
Soy is an environmentally friendly, natural product that can be used in so many ways around your home for both decoration and scent. These benefits make it superior to other candle waxes, often containing harmful chemicals or materials like paraffin wax candles. I hope this article has helped you decide whether soy wax is suitable for you! If you found this helpful, don't keep it all to yourself; share it with a friend!
