Soy Candles
The natural soy candles are a great alternative to the normal paraffin wax candles.
They are made of natural soy wax extracted from the soybean. Despite being invented only in 1991, soy candles
are becoming increasingly popular as they are natural and long lasting, much cheaper than other natural candle
wax like beeswax, and produce far less soot than paraffin wax candles.
The Difference Between Paraffin and Soy Candles
- Traditional paraffin wax candles are made with petroleum
by-products and stearic acid, which helps with the hardening. Other chemicals, including those contained in
the dyes and scents used in the process of producing candles, are released into the atmosphere when
burning.
- Soy candles burn cleaner than paraffin candles that produce soot when they burn. Soot is caused by the toxin
and chemicals in the paraffin candles. Because Soy candles are natural, they do not contain any toxins and
hence they produce far less soot.
- Soy wax also burns at a lower temperature than paraffin wax, making it a longer-lasting candle. In fact soy
candles will last 30 to 50 percent longer than traditional paraffin wax candles. For example, a 14 oz soy
candle, similar to a Yankee candle large size, will last for about 75 hours!
- Soy candles are also a less-expensive option for those who have already discovered the qualities of
natural beeswax candles.
- Soy candles are available in every shape and size, from pillar
candles to votive candles, to jar
candles, and scented candles or authentic candles,
which still produces the mild aroma of soy.
- Soy jar candles may show signs of 'sweating' in warm temperatures. This is a natural build up of
moisture that develops as the candle burns at a lower temperature than paraffin, and should not show
up after the first burning. The moisture can simply be wiped away with a paper towel, or the candle
can be moved to a cooler place.
To go totally au natural on the soy candle you could also ensure that the
soy candle wick is made of cotton. However, the au natural
principle has to give way to practicality when it comes to soy candles in jars. Here the wick will have
to have a zinc or tin core to help it remain straight and rigid.
A Precautionary Note:
The candle wick should always be trimmed to a quarter of an inch before each burning. Do the same if the
soy candle starts smoking during burning.