Joy of Soy

by Lesli of Ye Olde Chandler Hand Made Soy Candles

Soy!! It’s everywhere these days but what’s so great about it? I’m sure you’ve heard about the health benefits that adding soy to your diet can bring but did you know that soy is being used in candles? Soy candles are rapidly gaining in popularity due to the fact that they burn much cleaner than paraffin candles and therefore do not cause the respiratory problems in some people that paraffin candles can.

Interested in the Green movement for a better planet? Soy wax is made from soybeans grown right here in the USA and is the second largest grain crop we produce. As a renewable resource, the widening use of soybeans contributes to our society’s move away from fossil fuels and towards the reduction in greenhouse gases. Paraffin, on the other hand is a byproduct of petroleum. When crude oil is “mined” the paraffin is refined out as undesirable. After the refining process it is sold off to companies that use paraffin wax. The carbon in the paraffin is what leads to all that nasty black soot that you’ll see not only on your candle jars but also on the walls of your home. With soy you will have much less soot production and therefore much better air quality.

Soy candles not only burn cleaner than paraffin, they burn longer. 50% longer in fact! Soy burns slower and at a cooler temperature than paraffin creating a longer lasting product. This also aids in scent distribution which is why soy candles usually smell stronger than paraffin. The fact that it burns cooler also makes it safer for children and pets. I’m not suggesting pouring hot soy wax on yourself but in the event of an accident the consequences are less dire. Plus if you do spill liquid soy wax it cleans up easily with soap and water. Just try that with paraffin! Are you an animal lover or Vegan? Soy candles are also safe for you since soy wax is made exclusively from soybeans, no animal products are used.

So making the switch from paraffin to soy is a small step towards cleaner, healthier air in your home and a happier planet Earth!