Chloe Adams
Candles are a great way to accessorise your home, but with so many options available, it can be hard to know which type to choose. Soy candles are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional paraffin candles, but which is better? Both types of candles have their pros and cons, from health and environmental concerns to fragrance and burn time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scent throw | Paraffin wax has a stronger scent throw than soy wax. |
| Health | Paraffin wax releases harmful substances when burnt, including benzene, a carcinogen. Soy wax is non-toxic and does not release benzene, making it a healthier option. |
| Burn time | Soy wax has a longer burn time than paraffin wax due to its denser composition. |
| Cost | Paraffin wax is more affordable and widely available compared to soy wax. |
| Colour | Paraffin candles are typically white or cream, while soy wax candles come in a variety of colours. |
| Smoke | Soy candles produce more smoke than paraffin candles. |
| Spill | Soy candles are more likely to spill or drip due to their thicker wicks. |
| Natural | Soy wax is derived from soybeans, a renewable resource, making it a more natural option than paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum. |
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What You'll Learn
Soy candles have a longer burn time
The longer burn time of soy candles can be attributed to the thickness of their wicks. Soy candle wicks are thicker and burn more slowly, resulting in a longer burn time. This slower burn rate also contributes to a more efficient release of fragrance, making soy candles ideal for scented candles with essential oils. The efficient burn of soy wax complements the fragrances and decorative styles of scented candles.
While paraffin wax is more widely available and affordable, soy wax offers a longer-lasting burn. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource. It is a by-product of crude oil refining, making it readily available at a lower cost. However, soy wax, with its denser composition and slower burn rate, provides a longer-lasting candle experience.
The type of wax used in a candle significantly impacts its burn time. Soy wax, with its dense nature and slower burning rate, offers a longer-lasting alternative to paraffin wax. The thicker wicks of soy candles contribute to their extended burn time, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice for those seeking a candle with a long-lasting flame.
In summary, soy candles offer a longer burn time compared to paraffin candles due to the denser nature of soy wax and the slower burning rate of their thicker wicks. This extended burn time, coupled with soy wax's renewable and non-toxic properties, makes soy candles a popular choice for those seeking a high-performing and environmentally friendly candle option.
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Paraffin candles have a stronger scent throw
Paraffin wax has long been a top ingredient choice for functional scented candles and is widely available at a lower cost. It is a by-product of crude oil refining, making it appealing to those producing large quantities of candles. However, paraffin wax has received a bad reputation in recent years, with some claiming that it releases harmful substances when burnt. For example, a 2009 study by South Carolina State University found that burning paraffin wax candles give off benzene, which the American Cancer Society classifies as a carcinogen.
On the other hand, soy wax is derived from soybeans, a renewable resource, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Soy wax is also non-toxic, making it a healthier choice than paraffin wax. Soy wax candles are perfect for those seeking high-performing alternatives for traditional waxes. They work well with added essential oils and have a longer burn time than paraffin candles. However, soy wax is more difficult to use with fragrance oils, and there are fewer fragrance oils that have an easily achievable strong hot throw.
While paraffin candles have a stronger scent throw, soy candles offer other benefits such as being more environmentally friendly, healthier, and having a longer burn time. Ultimately, the choice between soy and paraffin candles depends on the user's preferences for fragrance strength, burn time, and other factors.
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Soy candles are non-toxic and environmentally friendly
Soy candles are a great choice for those who want a long-lasting burn and more fragrance. Soy wax is a hydrogenated vegetable oil derived from soybeans, which turns solid at room temperature. It is a natural product, containing nothing artificial.
While soy wax can also emit chemicals into the air, this is due to the herbicides and pesticides used in soybean farming. However, some soy wax manufacturers process their soybean oil to remove these chemicals, ensuring a pure product. It is worth noting that both soy and paraffin waxes must pass rigorous tests and meet certain standards before being marketed as safe for use in candles.
Soy candles are also beneficial for those seeking a stronger scent. Soy wax works well with added essential oils, providing a great fragrance experience. The density of soy wax means it burns more slowly than paraffin wax, allowing for a longer-lasting aroma.
Overall, soy candles offer a natural, non-toxic, and environmentally-friendly option for those seeking a fragrant and long-lasting candle experience.
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Paraffin candles are more widely available
Paraffin candles are also said to have a stronger scent throw than soy candles. This is because soy wax is denser than paraffin, requiring more heat to burn up. As a result, paraffin candles are better at releasing fragrance more easily. Paraffin candles also have less smoke than soy candles, making them a better choice for those who want minimal odour in their homes.
Paraffin candles are usually white or cream-coloured, whereas soy wax candles come in a variety of colours like green and blue. Paraffin candles also have almost no scent, which is ideal for those with allergies or asthma.
However, it is important to note that paraffin wax has received some negative attention due to the belief that it releases harmful substances when burnt. A 2009 study by South Carolina State University found that burning paraffin wax candles give off benzene, which is classified as a carcinogen. On the other hand, soy wax is derived from soybeans, a renewable resource, and is considered more environmentally friendly.
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Soy candles are more likely to drip
Soy candles are denser than paraffin candles, and this density means that soy candles burn more slowly. However, this density has another effect: soy candles are more likely to drip. This is due to the thickness of the wick. While soy candles are more likely to drip, the wax can be easily wiped up with a cloth, and it won't cause any damage. Paraffin wax, on the other hand, will leave a black residue if it spills or drips, but this too can be easily wiped off and won't leave a stain.
Soy candles are made from soybean oil, which is a renewable resource, and they contain nothing artificial. They are non-toxic, making them a better alternative to paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum oil and produces harmful by-products when burned or melted. Soy wax is also more efficient, complementing fragrances and decorative styles.
Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is a widely available and affordable by-product of crude oil refining. It is a popular choice for candle makers as it is distributed to refineries that produce oil-based products. Paraffin wax candles also have a stronger scent throw than soy candles, as they burn up more easily, releasing fragrance more efficiently.
While soy candles are more likely to drip, they offer a longer burn time and a more natural alternative to paraffin wax. They are also better for your health, as paraffin wax releases harmful substances when burned, including benzene, which has been classified as a carcinogen by the American Cancer Society.
Ultimately, both types of candles have their pros and cons, and it's up to the consumer to decide which is best for their needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Soy candles are better than paraffin candles in some ways, but not in others. Soy candles are made from soybean oil, which is a renewable resource, and they do not produce harmful by-products when burned or melted. They also burn slowly and for longer, and are more fragrant. However, paraffin candles are more widely available and affordable, and have a stronger scent throw.
Soy wax is non-toxic. However, over 90% of soybean crops in the United States are genetically modified and grown using pesticides. Some soy wax manufacturers process their soybean oil to filter out any genetically modified material, herbicides, or pesticides, but not all do.
Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, which is not a renewable resource. It has been claimed that paraffin wax releases harmful substances when burnt, such as benzene, which has been classified as a carcinogen by the American Cancer Society. However, the amount of these chemicals being released into the air is so minimal that most people are not affected by them.
It depends on your needs and preferences. If you want a candle with a strong scent, paraffin is the better choice. If you want a candle that burns slowly and for a long time, soy is the better option. If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your candle, soy is also the better choice.
