There are many reasons why soy pillar candles are becoming the preferred choice when it comes to candles. Besides the obvious ecological reason that soy wax is a "greener" alternative, soy candles actually burn better than paraffin. There are many reasons for this and I will talk about 3 of those reasons: they burn cleaner, cooler and longer.
Soy candles are cleaner burning.
Most people that buy soy candles consider this to be the most important reason why they are an improvement over paraffin. Paraffin wax comes from petroleum which causes paraffin candles to produce petro-carbon soot which contains carcinogens. Soy wax is derived from soy bean oil which when burned produces very little soot and the soot that it does release does not contain carcinogens like paraffin wax.
Have you ever burned a paraffin jar candle and seen the entire interior of the jar covered in a nasty black residue? Although you should burn all candles in well ventilated areas, you can see why that is much more important for paraffin candles. If you want cleaner lungs, you might want to consider switching to soy.
Soy candles burn much cooler.
Soy wax has a much lower melting point than paraffin. Pure soy wax melts at about 110 F to 115 F. Soy pillar candles are actually made from a blend that generally consists of approximately 90% (or more) soy wax. The remaining 5 to 10% usually consists of beeswax or other vegetable based additives such as vegetable stearic acid and other botanical oils that serve to help the wax hold its shape. The melting point of soy pillar blends can range between 130 and 140 F.
The melting point of paraffin pillar blends can be 20-40 F higher. Another factor when you consider the lower temperature at which soy wax burns is the ambient temperature of the room. Paraffin candles tend to increase the temperature of the room considerably.
All of these factors are very important and worth consideration. As far as safety is concerned, liquid soy wax is cooler and therefore safer. The cooler temperature prevents it from being as damaging to carpets and clothing. Obviously, again regarding safety, it is much less likely to give you a serious burn if you spill it on your skin.
This 30 to 40 F difference in temperature can easily make the difference between a minor burn that will heal overnight and a scar that will be with you for life. Logically, since the candle burns cooler and less heat is produced, it also burns longer because of this.
Soy candles are longer burning.
Perhaps the most popular reason why many people prefer burning soy pillar candles is because they last longer. Soy wax can be a bit more expensive than paraffin candles, but in the long run, they are more economical. Soy wax burns up to 50% longer than paraffin wax, and some say even more. if a soy candle costs $12 as opposed to a paraffin candle that costs $10, which one would you buy? You do the math. Personally, I would opt for soy, but in the end, it's really a matter of personal preference.
Soy candles are cleaner burning.
Most people that buy soy candles consider this to be the most important reason why they are an improvement over paraffin. Paraffin wax comes from petroleum which causes paraffin candles to produce petro-carbon soot which contains carcinogens. Soy wax is derived from soy bean oil which when burned produces very little soot and the soot that it does release does not contain carcinogens like paraffin wax.
Have you ever burned a paraffin jar candle and seen the entire interior of the jar covered in a nasty black residue? Although you should burn all candles in well ventilated areas, you can see why that is much more important for paraffin candles. If you want cleaner lungs, you might want to consider switching to soy.
Soy candles burn much cooler.
Soy wax has a much lower melting point than paraffin. Pure soy wax melts at about 110 F to 115 F. Soy pillar candles are actually made from a blend that generally consists of approximately 90% (or more) soy wax. The remaining 5 to 10% usually consists of beeswax or other vegetable based additives such as vegetable stearic acid and other botanical oils that serve to help the wax hold its shape. The melting point of soy pillar blends can range between 130 and 140 F.
The melting point of paraffin pillar blends can be 20-40 F higher. Another factor when you consider the lower temperature at which soy wax burns is the ambient temperature of the room. Paraffin candles tend to increase the temperature of the room considerably.
All of these factors are very important and worth consideration. As far as safety is concerned, liquid soy wax is cooler and therefore safer. The cooler temperature prevents it from being as damaging to carpets and clothing. Obviously, again regarding safety, it is much less likely to give you a serious burn if you spill it on your skin.
This 30 to 40 F difference in temperature can easily make the difference between a minor burn that will heal overnight and a scar that will be with you for life. Logically, since the candle burns cooler and less heat is produced, it also burns longer because of this.
Soy candles are longer burning.
Perhaps the most popular reason why many people prefer burning soy pillar candles is because they last longer. Soy wax can be a bit more expensive than paraffin candles, but in the long run, they are more economical. Soy wax burns up to 50% longer than paraffin wax, and some say even more. if a soy candle costs $12 as opposed to a paraffin candle that costs $10, which one would you buy? You do the math. Personally, I would opt for soy, but in the end, it's really a matter of personal preference.
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