Are soy candles better? If you’re making the switch to a healthier home, this is a crucial question. At Stān dle Aromatic, we believe the answer is a resounding yes.
But we also believe in transparency. While soy wax is our hero ingredient, it’s important to understand both its brilliant advantages and its few considerations. This definitive guide will give you everything you need to know about the benefits of soy candles, empowering you to make an informed choice for your well-being and your space.
What Are Soy Candles, Anyway?
First, let’s define our terms. A soy candle is simply a candle made from wax derived from soybean oil. The soybeans are harvested, cleaned, cracked, de-hulled, and rolled into flakes. The oil is then extracted from these flakes and hydrogenated, a process that converts the oil into a solid, stable wax.
This natural origin is the source of almost all its benefits, especially when compared to the most common alternative: paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum refining.
The Brilliant Benefits of Soy Candles: Why We Choose Them
We didn’t choose soy wax by accident. We chose it for its unparalleled performance and principles.
1. A Clean, Non-Toxic Burn for Your Health
This is our #1 priority. Unlike paraffin candles, which can release soot and harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene (known carcinogens) into your air, soy candles burn clean. They are non-toxic and produce negligible amounts of soot. This means cleaner air for you and your family, and no more black smoke stains on your walls or ceilings. It’s the single most important reason to make the switch.
2. Better for the Planet: Renewable & Biodegradable
Soy wax is a renewable resource—soybeans can be planted and harvested year after year. It’s also biodegradable, meaning any spillage or leftover wax breaks down naturally without harming the environment. By choosing a soy candle, you’re supporting sustainable agriculture and reducing reliance on non-renewable petroleum.
3. A Longer-Lasting Candle Experience
Who doesn’t love better value? Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin. This means it burns slower and more evenly, allowing you to enjoy your candle for up to 50% longer than a paraffin candle of the same size. You get more hours of beautiful fragrance and ambiance for your money.
4. Superior, Authentic Scent Throw
Natural soy wax is exceptional at holding and releasing fragrance oils. Because it burns cooler, it doesn’t burn off the scent notes as quickly. Instead, it releases the fragrance gradually, resulting in a more consistent and authentic cold throw (scent when unlit) and hot throw (scent when burning) without any chemical undertones.
-The key to a powerful scent is quality. Our best-selling Lavendure 21 candle is expertly wicked and crafted with a high concentration of premium fragrance oil to deliver a robust, true-to-scent aroma that fills any room.
5. Easy Cleanup with Soap and Water
Accidents happen. The great news? Any spilled soy wax can be cleaned up easily with just soap and warm water. No more scrubbing or worrying about ruining your favorite surfaces.
Considerations When Choosing Soy Candles
We believe an educated customer is our best customer. Here’s what to be aware of.
-
The Scent Throw Myth: The biggest misconception is that soy candles are weak. The truth is, quality is everything. Mass-produced, low-quality soy candles often do have a weak throw. However, a craft soy candle made with a high load of premium fragrance oils and a properly engineered wick will have a powerful, beautiful scent that fills a room perfectly.
-
A Natural, Creamy Appearance: Soy wax is opaque and has a matte, creamy texture. We love this—it’s a mark of its natural origin—but it’s different from the glossy, translucent look of paraffin.
-
Temperature Sensitive: Soy wax can be sensitive to heat and direct sunlight, which may cause frosting (a light, crystalline film on the wax) or slight softening. This is a natural characteristic of vegetable waxes and does not affect performance. Simply store your candles in a cool, dark place.
-
An Investment in Quality: Crafting a superior soy candle with clean ingredients costs more. When you choose soy, you are investing in a longer-lasting, healthier, and more ethically made product.
Soy Candle FAQs: Your Questions, Answered
Q: Are soy candles truly non-toxic?
A: Yes, 100% soy wax candles are non-toxic. They do not release the harmful chemicals associated with paraffin wax. Always ensure the candle uses pure soy wax and a natural wick (like cotton or wood) for the cleanest burn.
Q: What is the biggest disadvantage of a soy candle?
A: The primary drawback can be poor performance in low-quality versions. Cheap soy candles may have weak scent throws and can frost. This is solved by purchasing from reputable, artisan makers who prioritize quality ingredients and expert craftsmanship.
Q: Do soy candles last longer?
A: Yes, significantly. Due to their slower burn rate, a high-quality soy candle will last much longer than a paraffin candle of the same size, often providing 30-50% more burn time.
Q: How can I tell a high-quality soy candle from a low-quality one?
A: Look for candles that:
-
Say "100% Soy Wax" or "All-Natural Soy Wax" (not just "soy blend").
-
Use cotton, wood, or other natural wicks.
-
Are made with premium, phthalate-free fragrance oils or essential oils.
-
Come from transparent brands that clearly list their ingredients.
Experience the Stān dle Aromatic Difference
Don't just take our word for it. Experience the clean burn, captivating scent, and longer-lasting beauty of a premium, hand-poured soy candle. Our Candle embodies everything we've discussed: natural ingredients, a powerful throw, and a clean, healthy burn.
The Verdict: Are Soy Candles Better?
The evidence is clear. When you choose a high-quality soy candle, you are choosing:
-
A healthier home with cleaner air.
-
A sustainable choice for the planet.
-
A longer-lasting product that offers better value.
-
A powerful, authentic fragrance experience.
The considerations are easily mitigated by choosing an artisan brand dedicated to quality, like Stān dle Aromatic.
We have meticulously perfected our craft to ensure every candle we make delivers maximum fragrance, a perfectly clean burn, and beautiful ambiance. We invite you to experience the difference that truly clean, intentional craftsmanship can make.
