Soy Candles – A Healthier Alternative

In the past, most candles were made of paraffin. We burned them because that’s what was available to us with never a thought for how they were affecting our health or our families. Now there is a better, more natural, and healthier alternative. Soy.

To help you understand why the majority of candle users (95 percent of them women) are choosing soy over paraffin, let’s compare some of the differences below:

=> Paraffin wax is derived from left over petroleum sludge, which means when you burn a paraffin candle you are breathing in petroleum vapors.

===> Soy wax is derived from vegetables (soybeans).

=> Burning paraffin wax emits harmful vapors which may contain a variety of carcinogens.

===> Soy wax is 100 percent non-toxic and all natural.

=> Burning paraffin wax emits a heavy black soot.

===> Soy wax burns cleaner with no soot.

=> Paraffin wax is difficult to remove from cloth and fibers.

===> Soy wax cleans up with soap and hot water.

=> Burning paraffin can trigger allergies and asthma attacks.

===> Burning soy has no harmful health affects.

=> Paraffin candles may not burn completely or evenly.

===> Soy wax burns evenly and completely, and burns 25 to 50 percent longer than paraffin.

=> Paraffin must be blended with chemicals in order to release its fragrance.

===> Soy wax fragrances are released naturally, disperse more quickly and last longer.

=> Paraffin supports the oil industry.

===> Soy wax supports the American Farmer!

Information supporting the above statements about the dangers of petroleum-based paraffin wax can be found online at as well as other sources:

http://www.lifeholistic.com/articles/13/danger-from-everyday-candles/

http://web.ksl.com/dump/news/cc/series/candepa.htm

http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/2003/november5/rocketwax-115.html

In addition:

* A study released in January 2001 by Iowa University as to emissions of different waxes, stated that two known carcinogens – benzene and toluene – were found in paraffin.

* A report issued by the Agricultural Engineering Department at Purdue University stated that “Paraffin contains aromatic compounds which are released when candles are burned that are detrimental to health. Paraffin candles release carcinogens when they are burned.”

* According to an article entitled, “Gap Sued for Candle Soot,” which appeared on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, March 31, 1999, petro-soot is as harmful as second-hand tobacco smoke.

* The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) has been receiving numerous reports about black petroleum carbon soot deposits from paraffin candles. According to a research study by the consumer study group, Smith and Kline, seven out of ten homes burn paraffin candles on a regular basis. The NAHB states this practice has far reaching implications, effecting millions of homes and causing millions of dollars in home repainting costs. The NAHB considers this a potentially significant health problem.

* The American Lung Association has also warned consumers of unhealthy indoor air quality from burning candles containing petroleum byproducts.

So why choose soy? Soy candles are the healthy way to illuminate your life. Soy wax is natural, biodegradable and completely non-toxic. And soy wax burns up to 50 percent longer than paraffin. Ninety-eight percent of all candles sold today are made from paraffin. But that statistic is rapidly changing. Soy candles are the wave of the future.
In the past, most candles were made of paraffin. We burned them because that’s what was available to us with never a thought for how they were affecting our health or our families. Now there is a better, more natural, and healthier alternative. Soy.