Soy Wax vs. Paraffin Wax ( Which candles do you buy? )

These days there’s so much attention being paid to the environment and the well-being of our planet. In recent years, we've been taught about major issues such as climate change and how its affecting our oceans, rivers, land and atmosphere in potentially catastrophic proportion.

Scientists have identified that carbon and other toxic emissions released into our atmosphere on a daily basis can have a very negative yielding affect.  When it comes to candles, researchers have found toxins such as toluene and benzene are emitted from paraffin wax candles when burnt, whereas soy wax candles do not release harmful chemicals.

In addition to harm in our atmosphere paraffin can also have direct effects on our health.  It’s said that frequently lighting paraffin wax candles in non-ventilated spaces can lead to health problems such as aggravated asthma, irritate the respiratory tract and cause other allergy-like symptoms.

Paraffin wax candles are by far the most popular candle available on the shelf.  Luckily with awareness, there has been a shift from paraffin to soy wax candles and its happening more and more.  When purchasing candles from say Walmart or Target most of the candles they sell contain paraffin wax.  Other than the candle label itself showing “soy wax candle” or “beeswax candle” it’ll be hard to determine prior to purchase.  Most candle companies that produce paraffin wax know that consumers are getting more educated and are not labeling their candles as containing paraffin.  So as a consumer, you really want to read the label and look for the markings of soy wax in order to be sure.  

If you’ve already purchased candles, a good way to tell what type of wax your candle is, is by the side of the jar.  If you purchase a jar candle, you’ll notice the side of the jar had a thick black soot if it is in fact a paraffin wax candle.  Soy wax candles burn cleanly, leaving no black residue on the jar itself.

Some candle companies that manufacture 100% soy wax candles are Mason Jar Candles Inc. a San Francisco based company.  Paddy-wax, based out of Franklin, TN also makes soy wax candles.  Fragrant Elegance is a Massachusetts based company that also makes soy wax candles that are healthy for the environment.

So the next time you walk into a boutique shop, candle shop or big box store in search for a great candle… Do yourself, community and planet a solid and purchase soy wax candles, not paraffin!  These small changes can make a big difference.