The Pros and Cons of Soy Wax

What are the Pros and Cons of Soy Wax?

Soy wax is one of the fastest growing popular ingredients used in candle-making. Soy candles are now insanely popular choices among many candle users and enthusiasts because of a slew of benefits.

However, just like any other product, there are also a few drawbacks for soy wax candles. So, today, I'd like to talk, a little, about soy wax. 

Take a look at this infographic.

 

 

You can see that there are clear differences when soy wax is compared with paraffin. The infographic shows what I'll refer to as Consumer Opinion, that is, characteristics of both soy and paraffin by commonly discussed by consumers. Some of these listed benefits are debatable according to professionals in the candle industry, but knowing a few things about soy candles will help when seeking the best candle choice for you.

So on to it.

There are clear benefits of soy that are proven when matched up against paraffin.

 

The Benefits of Soy Wax

Here are some of the upsides of using soy wax for candle-making:

  • Natural – One of the many benefits of using soy as the primary ingredient for candles is its all-natural and healthy content. Soy candles are basically made from soybeans. Soybeans are renewable and natural sources local farmers grow in several regions. Using soy wax also means supporting local farmers and agriculture and boosting their operations.
  • Longer Lasting Soy wax candles are typically long lasting compared to other types such as paraffin. The longevity of soy wax candles is largely due to its slow and cooler burning temperature. Moreover, soy wax is biodegradable and makes an eco-friendly wax choice. Although the cost of purchasing soy candles is initially more, it’s actually a more economical choice because they’re going to burn much longer than their chemical counterpart, paraffin.

  

The Pros and Cons of Soy Wax Made Simple.

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Old Fashioned Chocolate Sundae Candle

 

  • Cleaner Burning – All candles produce soot, but candles made from soy wax produce cleaner with very little soot. Compared to other candle types, such as paraffin, soy candles could still accumulate black soot but in a much less amount. Soy candles are, likewise, non-toxic. 

 

  • Better Scents – Most soy candles retain essential oils when blended together. And, as I mentioned, soy candles burn much slower than paraffin so the scent is released in the air in a more gradual manner. Abrupt waves of strong smell are avoided, therefore creating a more pleasant ambiance.
  • Budget and Eco Friendly – One of the many reasons why more and more people prefer soy wax is because it is more cost effective and cheaper than other natural waxes. It’s an eco-friendly option for making fantastically scented candles that burn slower and last longer, without those harmful petrochemicals than many consumers are concerned about.

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With that, it’s only right to look at some of the disadvantages of soy wax, and there are certainly disadvantages. As a candle maker, myself, I can tell you that I’ve wrestled, time and again, with going completely soy, but due to the designs of our candles, the disadvantages have caused me to think twice about depending upon soy wax as a stand alone wax. Take a look at a few.

 

The Downsides of Soy Wax
  • Soy wax has the tendency to expand or contract. These are effects that are natural due to the changes of temperature and the natural characteristics of soy wax. While contracting and expanding are natural occurrences of this are mostly unavoidable, it helps to keep candles in a consistently warmer (above 60 degrees) temperature. Cooler temperatures will cause shrinkage.
  • Soy wax is not flexible with some types of fragrance oils. This could be remedied through testing scent oils and asking manufacturers how they work with soy wax.
  • Soy wax may create frost marks in the candle or tart. There are, however, soy additives that could reduce the production of soy frost.
  • Soy wax could become fussy due to humidity and temperature.


For more troubleshooting soy candles, see this chart.

Don’t get me wrong.

We love soy here, and we use it in just about every bakery candle we make. Soy wax is a great option for candle users and makers. It provides a wide range of benefits and perks for your budget with benefits that far surpass paraffin.

Although there are downsides, there are natural additives and remedies popping up all the time to help soy to become an even better alternative for candle making than it already is. 

I, personally, can't wait to see what great things are coming from soy for candle making. Definitely something to look forward to!

 

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5 commentaires

This was definitely helpful to me!

Nia K

It’s terrific that you mention that soy candles create a more pleasing aroma than regular paraffin ones. I’ve been looking for the perfect way to make my home smell good, so I’m thinking about buying some scented soy candles this week. I’m going to look for a reliable business in my area that can sell me some scented soy candles.
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Thomson Smith

Great read! I also like how soy candles are less prone to tunneling in jar candles!

BQ

You are so welcome, Kathy! :)

Dawn Mayo

Great information..thank you!!

Kathy Puchala

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