Benefits of Soy Candles
When choosing a candle, scent and aesthetics shouldn’t be the only factor you consider. Most candles are made from paraffin wax. However, there are safer alternatives available, such as soy wax. A wax derived from soybeans, soy wax is 100% natural and, therefore, more environmentally friendly and safer for use. Jennifer Cleveland from Farmed Flame, a handmade candle and craft store, recently hosted a soy candle make-and-take class with Hungry for Truth and joined us in this blog, answering some common questions about soy wax candles.
What are the main benefits of soy candles?
Soy candles are a renewable, natural option for candle wax produced by American farmers. It offers consumers a longer-lasting, cleaner-burning, and better-scented candle without using harsh chemicals or petroleum.
What are the main differences between soy candles and paraffin candles?
The soy wax used in these long-lasting candles comes from the soybean oil. It's actually just a different form of the vegetable oil we all have in our pantry. It's non-toxic and clean burning. Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is made from petroleum and is not clean burning. It causes black soot and can lead to smoke stains around where your candle is burned.
Soy also provides a longer burn, on average 5-7 hours per ounce, compared to petroleum, which is about 2-4 hours per ounce.
Soy wax also holds its fragrance better over time and has great cold and hot throw. Throw is how the fragrance fills the room when burning (hot) or not burning (cold).
Do soy candles have a different scent than paraffin ones?
The soy wax itself doesn't have a different scent than any other wax – the fragrance added to the candle is what gives it its scent. There are both natural and synthetic fragrances that can be used and those often vary based on their ingredients and how they are mixed into the candle.
What are some common misconceptions about soy candles?
Many people don't realize that soy candles actually come from soybeans and that those soybeans can often come from right here in South Dakota. I source all my wax from Iowa, and the beans used come specifically from Midwest farms. It's always so fulfilling to talk about what soybeans are, where they are grown, and how many everyday products soy is used in.
Many people also don't realize that a candle labeled soy at a store doesn't always mean it's 100% soy. Many brands and companies mix soy and paraffin wax and label the candles as soy or soy blend candles. Since soy is a natural product, it can be trickier and more expensive for candle makers to work with, so many use a blend for ease and lower costs.
Do soy candles last as long as paraffin candles?
Soy candles burn longer, 5-7 hours per ounce, compared to petroleum, which burn about 2-4 hours per ounce.
What are some of the dangers of paraffin candles?
Paraffin candles are a petroleum based product meaning they can contain carcinogens. They also create thicker black smoke when burning which can stain walls, cabinets, etc.
When and why did you get interested in soy candles?
I've been pouring candles for over three years. At that time, I was making candles for myself for fun and for gifts with paraffin wax. I've always had a passion for supporting agriculture and believe we can all make easy switches to support farmers. When I realized that the candles I was making were another way I could do that, I started pouring natural soy candles and sourcing from American farmers. I sold at a local market when I first started with soy and had awesome feedback. I have been pouring candles and doing craft shows ever since.
Why did you start the Farmed Flame brand?
Farmed Flame aims to create candles as close to the farm as possible. I source Midwest-grown soy for the wax, use natural wicks that are made from USA-grown cotton, and use natural USA-grown fragrances. The candles are also hand poured in small batches at our farm place.
What else do we need to know about soy wax candles?
Candle care is so important! The first time you burn a candle, make sure to allow the melted wax to reach the edges of the container (typically 3-4 hours) before extinguishing it. This makes sure your candle will burn properly throughout its life. Trim your candle wicks to .25 inches before every burn to keep the flame consistent. Most importantly, keep your burning candle away from drafts and never leave burning candles unattended!
Now that you’re aware of the many benefits of soy wax candles, we encourage you to consider using them in your home. Check out Farmed Flame for a variety of options in their online shop. And for a limited time, Farmed Flame will also be giving away a free Hungry for Truth collaboration candle at upcoming events and craft shows.
Interested in learning more about the over 1,000 known uses for soybeans? Check out other uses for soy here!
