About Soy

Soybean wax, often referred to simply as "soy wax," is hydrogenated soybean oil. It was created by inventor Michael Richards in 1993, who was looking for a cheaper alternative to beeswax, thus becoming the first wax innovation in the candle industry for over a hundred years. It can be used as a replacement for paraffin wax in the candle, packaging, and medical fiber industries.

As a vegetable wax, it offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional paraffin wax, which is a petroleum product. It provides a boost to agricultural economies, and is generally thought to release fewer toxins into the air when burned as a candle. Unlike paraffin, it is biodegradable. An indirect environmental benefit of the use of soy wax is its ability to be dissolved with soap and water, thus eliminating the need for toxic solvents.

Its main disadvantage is lower melting point, resulting in candles which deform easily in hot weather and drip more when burning.

Candles have been used for thousands of years to create ambiance, light, warmth, and fragrance. Most candles are made of paraffin wax due to their cost effectiveness in using a petroleum by-product.

The main health concern with traditional paraffin wax candles is that the properties of paraffin wax, a derivative of crude oil, as well as the metal core wicks traditionally used are polluting our homes. The EPA states that indoor air quality is 3 times more polluted than outdoor air quality. Paraffin contributes substantially to the decline in indoor air quality and begs for a healthier alternative.

Choosing Soy

Soy has become the healthier alternative! In recent years, soy and vegetable wax has been culminated and implemented in candle development. Soy wax components are completely non-toxic, unlike its competitor, paraffin wax, which emits 11 toxins documented by the American Lung Association, 2 of which are known carcinogens–toluene and benzene.

Additionally, paraffin candles release petrol-carbon soot, which emanates from a burning candle damaging walls and furnishings. This soot penetrates not only furnishings, but air ducts as well, spreading fine particles of soot throughout the home. Tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage have been reported due to this petrol-carbon soot. Homeowner’s insurance companies are now investigating whether to cover the damage from soot produced by paraffin candles as mentioned on www.insure.com.

Soy / Beeswax / Paraffin

• Soy wax is made from soybeans and vegetables, both renewable resources.
• Soy wax is biodegradable leading to reduced landfills.
• Soy wax residue can be washed away with warm water and soap. Soy candles spills are easy to clean.
• Soy candles are cheap and are a new alternative to paraffin wax that is cost effective.
• Beeswax is a great natural alternative to paraffin, but to get the same results as a soy-based candle, it is very expensive.
• Soy wax is all-natural - Soy wax is a favorite of environmentally conscious people because it is not made from petroleum, like paraffin candles. Burning of soy candles does not increase the CO2 level in the atmosphere because it is non-toxic, and non-hazardous.
• Soy candles last longer - They last 50% longer than paraffin candles.
• Soy candles produce less soot - Soot should be avoided because it is very unhealthy and can eventually coat furniture and walls. Soy candles produce about 90% less soot than paraffin candles and burn much cleaner and purer.
• Scented Soy candles distribute more flavour - The incorporation of soybean oil lowers the melting point of the candle, which translates into cooler burning candles and faster scent dispersion.
• Purchasing Soy products supports the Soy farmers of America, which stimulates our economy and lessens dependence on international resources.
• Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, a limited resource.
• Paraffin wax contributes to indoor air contamination by emitting petro-chemicals causing soot deposits and carcinogenic particulate matter.
• Paraffin wax contains petroleum by-products and additives that inhibit biodegradability.
• Paraffin wax residue is quite troublesome, often impossible, to remove and it is very difficult to remove from furniture or textiles.
• Purchasing paraffin products not only supports our dependence on crude oil but also supports an industry riddled with environmental faux pas.

Buy Soy Candles, they are better and healthier and smell just as nice, if not better, than other types of candles!