Chloe Adams
Candles are a popular way to create a relaxing atmosphere, but are all candles safe? The two most common types of candles are soy wax and paraffin wax, and there is an ongoing debate about which is the better option. Both types of wax have their advantages and disadvantages, but the key distinction between the two is that soy wax is a natural, renewable resource, whereas paraffin wax is a refined gasoline by-product. This article will explore the differences between soy and paraffin candles and discuss whether soy candles are less toxic than paraffin candles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clean-burning | Soy wax is considered to be clean-burning and does not produce petro-carbon soot. Paraffin wax is also considered clean-burning and meets federal regulations, but it does produce soot. |
| Scent throw | Paraffin candles have a stronger scent throw due to soy wax's denser composition, which requires more heat to release fragrance. |
| Burn time | Soy wax candles have a longer burn time due to their denser composition, which takes longer to burn. |
| Melting point | Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, making it less of a fire hazard. |
| Ease of use | Paraffin wax is considered easier to work with for DIY projects and candle-making due to its higher melting point, allowing for more complex shapes and sizes. |
| Cost | Paraffin wax is more affordable than soy wax. |
| Safety | Both waxes are considered safe for use and must pass a series of tests and meet standards monitored by the US government. However, paraffin wax releases toxic fumes and harmful chemicals linked to cancer and respiratory issues. |
| Eco-friendliness | Soy wax is derived from natural vegetables and is biodegradable, renewable, and eco-friendly. Paraffin wax is a refined gasoline byproduct and is not biodegradable. |
| Clean-up | Soy wax spills are easier to clean up with soap and water, while paraffin wax spills are time-consuming and difficult to clean. |
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What You'll Learn
Soy candles produce less soot and toxic chemicals
Soy candles are made from soybeans, a renewable resource, and do not contain the toxins or pollutants that are found in paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is a refined gasoline byproduct, derived from crude oil, and is not biodegradable. Soy wax, on the other hand, is 100% biodegradable and can be easily cleaned up with soap and water.
Soy wax candles produce less soot and toxic chemicals than paraffin candles. Soot is the solid particle that results from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, primarily petroleum-based fuels. This is called petro-carbon soot, which is not found in soy wax. Soy wax is petro-carbon soot-free, and lower soot levels help maintain pure air quality and reduce home maintenance issues associated with soot deposits.
The European Candle Association recommends some best practices for handling candles to minimize the production of soot. These include avoiding burning candles in drafty areas, trimming wicks to a length of 5-10mm, using a candle snuffer or dipping the wick in wax instead of blowing out the candle, and ventilating the room after extinguishing.
It is important to note that both types of wax must pass a series of tests and meet certain standards monitored by governing bodies before being marketed as safe for use in candles. Burning any type of candle releases chemicals, and it is always a good idea to minimize your intake of any type of smoke. However, soy wax candles are a cleaner-burning option compared to paraffin, making them better for the environment and your health.
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Paraffin candles have a stronger scent throw
Soy wax is denser than paraffin wax, requiring more heat to burn. This means that soy candles take longer to release their fragrance, resulting in a weaker scent throw compared to paraffin candles.
Paraffin wax has a higher melting point, which allows candle-makers to create more complex shapes and sizes. It also holds scents well, enabling the addition of more fragrance. Paraffin's higher melting point means it burns up more easily, facilitating the release of fragrance and resulting in a stronger scent throw.
While soy wax is derived from natural vegetables, paraffin wax is a refined gasoline by-product. Paraffin is non-toxic and does not react to certain stimuli during lab tests. It is also an excellent water barrier, repelling water and other liquids.
Both types of wax must pass a series of tests and meet certain standards monitored by the US government to be marketed as safe for use in candles. Burning any type of candle releases chemicals, and it is recommended to minimise the intake of any type of smoke. However, soy candles produce less soot and toxic chemicals than paraffin candles, making them a popular choice for those seeking a clean-burning, eco-friendly option.
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Soy wax is derived from natural vegetables
Soy wax is a vegetable wax made from hydrogenated soybean oil. Soybeans are first harvested, cleaned, cracked, de-hulled, and rolled into flakes. Then, the oil is extracted and hydrogenated, which converts some of the fatty acids from unsaturated to saturated. This process changes the melting point of the oil, making it solid at room temperature.
Soy wax is a popular choice for candle-makers due to its clean-burning properties and ability to hold scent and colour well. It is also a renewable and sustainable resource, making it a more eco-friendly choice than many other types of wax. Soy wax is biodegradable, and any spills can be easily cleaned up with soap and water. Soy wax candles typically burn longer than paraffin candles and have a lower melting point, making them less likely to cause fire hazards.
Soy wax is also known for its versatility in candle-making. It can be used on its own or blended with other natural oils. It is also commonly mixed with paraffin wax to create a parasoy wax. Soy wax is an excellent option for eco-conscious consumers as it is natural, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly.
While soy wax has many advantages, there are some considerations as well. Soy wax is denser than paraffin, which requires more heat to burn. This means that soy wax may take longer to release fragrances compared to paraffin wax. Additionally, paraffin wax is more affordable and has a higher melting point, allowing for more complex candle shapes and sizes.
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Paraffin is a refined gasoline by-product
Paraffin wax, also known as petroleum wax, is a soft, odourless, and colourless solid derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale. It consists of a mixture of saturated hydrocarbon molecules, specifically those with the formula CnH2n+2, where C represents a carbon atom and H a hydrogen atom. Paraffin wax is a by-product of the refining of lubricating oil, specifically the dewaxing of light lubricating oil stocks. The process involves heating and cooling the oil to separate the wax, which is then further processed to remove colours and odours. The final product is sold in either liquid or solid form and has a wide range of applications, including in candles, cosmetics, food packaging, crayons, and lubricants.
Paraffin wax was first created by German chemist Carl Reichenbach in 1830, revolutionising candle-making technology. Its clean and consistent burn, coupled with its low cost, made it a popular alternative to tallow candles. Paraffin wax has a higher melting point than soy wax, enabling the creation of candles with complex shapes and sizes. It also holds fragrances well, making it suitable for scented candles.
Despite its advantages, paraffin wax has faced scrutiny due to the release of soot during combustion. This petro-carbon soot, resulting from incomplete combustion, is considered a toxic air pollutant. In contrast, soy wax, derived from soybeans, offers a cleaner burn and is biodegradable. However, it is important to note that both soy and paraffin waxes must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they are safe for use in candles, as mandated by the US government.
The choice between soy and paraffin wax ultimately comes down to personal preference. While paraffin wax offers affordability, ease of use, and strong scent retention, soy wax provides a longer burn time, clean-burning properties, and sustainability.
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Soy candles burn longer
Soy candles are claimed to burn longer than paraffin candles. This is because soy wax is denser than paraffin wax and requires more heat to burn. The melting point of soy wax is around 120 degrees Fahrenheit, which is lower than that of paraffin wax, meaning it takes less heat to melt soy wax. As a result, the wick of a soy candle does not need to work as hard as the wick of a paraffin candle, leading to a slower burn.
The type of wax used in a candle is not the only factor that affects its burn time. The size of the wick, additives in the wax, size of the candle, and melting temperature of the wax can also influence how long a candle burns for. For example, a larger container requires a bigger wick to ensure that the melt pool extends to the edges of the container. Conversely, a smaller container needs a smaller wick to keep the melt pool shallow.
To increase the burn time of a candle, it is recommended to trim the wick to about a quarter of an inch before lighting it. This helps prevent soot buildup and ensures a cleaner burn. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the candle is burned in an area free from drafts, as air currents can cause uneven burning and faster wax consumption.
Soy wax is derived from natural vegetables and is 100% biodegradable, making it a more eco-friendly option than paraffin wax, which is a refined gasoline by-product. Soy wax is also easier to clean up than paraffin wax and can be washed out with soap and water.
While soy candles may burn longer and be more environmentally friendly, paraffin wax has its own advantages. It is more affordable, has a higher melting point, and holds scents better, allowing for more fragrance to be added to the candle. Paraffin wax is also non-toxic and has been used for centuries in candle-making, making it a traditional choice.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, soy candles are less toxic than paraffin candles. Soy candles are made from soybeans and are a natural, renewable, and eco-friendly resource. They produce less soot and toxic chemicals than paraffin candles.
Soot is the solid particle that results from incomplete combustion. It is called petro-carbon soot and is found in traditional paraffin candles. Soot can cause home maintenance problems and deposit residue on walls, drapes, and furnishings.
Soy candles are clean-burning, have a longer burn time, are biodegradable, and are easier to clean up. They are also less likely to cause a fire hazard.
Paraffin wax is more affordable, has a higher melting point, and holds scent and colour well. It is also non-toxic and meets federal regulations for clean-burning.
Yes, there are several alternatives to soy and paraffin candles, including beeswax, palm wax, and other plant-based waxes.
