Why choose Soy wax versus Paraffin wax?

Soy candles are considered to be better than paraffin wax candles for a variety of reasons.

First, soy wax is a natural, renewable resource. It is made from soybeans, a sustainable crop that can be grown and harvested year after year. Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource that contributes to the pollution and environmental degradation associated with the oil industry.

Second, soy wax is biodegradable and non-toxic. Unlike paraffin wax, which releases harmful chemicals and toxins when burned, soy wax candles are clean-burning and do not release any harmful pollutants into the air. This makes them a safer choice for both the environment and human health.

Third, soy candles have a longer burn time than paraffin wax candles. Soy wax is denser and harder than paraffin wax, so it burns more slowly and evenly. This means that soy candles last longer and provide a more consistent source of light.

Fourth, soy candles are more versatile than paraffin wax candles. They can be used in a variety of different settings, from aromatherapy to home decoration, and they come in a wide range of colors and scents.

Finally, soy candles are often made by small, local businesses, which helps to support the local economy and promotes sustainable practices. While paraffin wax candles are often made by large, commercial manufacturers that can have negative environmental impacts and the production process is not as transparent.

In conclusion, soy candles are considered a better choice than paraffin wax candles due to their natural and renewable origins, biodegradable and non-toxic properties, longer burn time, versatility and often being made by small, local businesses that promote sustainable practices.

The Pros and Cons

Check out the pros and Cons for Soy Wax and Paraffin wax below.

There are several pros and cons to using soy wax to make candles:

Pros:

  1. Renewable resource: Soy wax is made from soybeans, which are a sustainable crop that can be grown and harvested year after year.

  2. Biodegradable and non-toxic: Unlike paraffin wax, which releases harmful chemicals and toxins when burned, soy wax candles are clean-burning and do not release any harmful pollutants into the air. This makes them a safer choice for both the environment and for human health.

  3. Longer burn time: Soy wax is denser and harder than paraffin wax, so it burns more slowly and evenly. This means that soy candles last longer and provide a more consistent source of light.

  4. Versatility: Soy candles can be used in a variety of different settings, from aromatherapy to home decoration, and they come in a wide range of colors and scents.

  5. Support local economy: Soy candles are often made by small, local businesses, which helps to support the local economy and promotes sustainable practices.

Cons:

  1. Cost: Soy wax is generally more expensive than paraffin wax, which can make soy candles more expensive to purchase.

  2. Allergies: Some people may have an allergic reaction to soy wax.

  3. Temperature: Soy wax has a low melting point which means that it might need to be heated to a higher temperature than other waxes, and this can affect the outcome of candle making process.

  4. Frosting: Soy wax can develop a white, frosted appearance over time. This is a natural characteristic of soy wax and does not affect the performance of the candle, but it can be unsightly.

  5. It's harder to achieve a consistent color and scent throw than other waxes.

In summary, soy wax has several benefits, including being a renewable and biodegradable resource, having a longer burn time and versatility, and supporting the local economy. However, it also has some downsides, including cost, potential allergic reactions, temperature sensitivity and frosting, and challenges in achieving consistent color and scent throw.

There are several pros and cons to using paraffin wax to make candles:

Pros:

  1. Cost: Paraffin wax is generally less expensive than soy wax, which can make paraffin candles more affordable to purchase.

  2. Consistency: Paraffin wax is a consistent product and it's easier to achieve a consistent color and scent throw than other waxes.

  3. Scent throw: The scent throw of paraffin wax candles is generally stronger than soy wax candles.

  4. Widely available: Paraffin wax is widely available and easily accessible to purchase.

Cons:

  1. Non-renewable resource: Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource that contributes to the pollution and environmental degradation associated with the oil industry.

  2. Harmful chemicals and toxins: Paraffin wax releases harmful chemicals and toxins when burned, which can be harmful to both the environment and human health.

  3. Shorter burn time: Paraffin wax burns faster than soy wax, which means that paraffin candles have a shorter burn time and provide a less consistent source of light.

  4. Not biodegradable: Paraffin wax is not biodegradable, which means it can take centuries to break down and can contribute to pollution and waste.

  5. Not versatile: Paraffin wax candles are not versatile and are usually used for lighting only.

In summary, paraffin wax has some advantages, such as cost, consistency, scent throw, and availability. However, it also has several downsides, including being a non-renewable resource, releasing harmful chemicals and toxins, having a shorter burn time, not being biodegradable, and not being versatile. It is important to weigh these factors before making a decision on which wax to use in candle making.