Soy Wax vs. Paraffin Wax

• Soy wax is a hydrogenated vegetable oil that turns to a solid at room temperature and is sustainable since we can grow more soybeans.

• As a vegetable-based wax, soy wax does not give off any harmful by-products that might cause damage.

• Soy wax is a healthier alternative to paraffin wax in that it does not release dangerous carcinogens into the air when melted.

• The chemical composition of soy wax allows it burn evenly, meaning less wax is left clinging to the sides of the glass as waste, soy wax will burn anywhere between 30 percent to 50 percent longer than a paraffin candle, depending on the height and width of the candle, the length of the wick and other factors.

• Because soy wax burns cleaner than paraffin wax, the scent from its fragrance oils is more pleasant and stronger-smelling than the chemical scents added to paraffin. 

• Paraffin comes from the sludge at the bottom of crude oil barrels. While it inherently contains a lot of toxins, it's further bleached to get its initial white color and treated with chemicals like benzene and toluene, which are known carcinogens. Paraffin candles are further treated with artificial colors and fragrances. As the final byproduct of petroleum, paraffin is a non-renewable resource that releases pollutants into the area.

• Paraffin wax, which gives off black soot when burned and produces a black soot that can potentially stain curtains, walls, and carpets inside the home.

• Burning and/or melting paraffin releases at least 11 known toxins—two of which are carcinogens proven to cause cancer—into the air. 

• Paraffin wax wastes wax because as the wax burns it clings to the sides of your wax warmer or candle. 

• The chemicals released by paraffin wax can interfere with the scent during burning, which kind of defeats the point of lighting a candle.