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Are soy candles really 'better'?

Vegetable-based soy wax isn’t 100 percent perfect, but it’s a heck of a lot better than 'gas wax.'

By Matt HickmanMon, Oct 19 2009 at 4:03 AM EST
 7

Q: I was reading your recent column that tackled exfoliant-obsessed Becky’s microbead quandary and it dawned on me that I also have an otherwise innocent addiction that may be bad for the Earth: scented candles. I love ’em — cranberry votives, cilantro lime pillars, pumpkin spice tapers, lavender floaters, you name it … every time I get within a 10-mile radius of Ye Olde Candle Shoppe, I get heart palpitations. I keep on seeing soy candles around and hearing about how they are “better,” but I’m not exactly sure why. Wax is wax, right? Care to fill me in?
 
Sayonara,
Ali, Reseda, Calif.
 
A: Put down those kitchen matches for a minute, get yourself into a Zen state of mind, and listen to the soy wax sensei. I, like you, have a thing for scented candles and will openly admit that I once bought one from a fancy French brand that starts with “D” and ends in “E” that cost me approximately $70. I must have been wearing my bad idea jeans that day …
 
Anyway, buying and burning candles isn’t the most eco-egregious thing you can do out there. They’re relaxing (especially with a little John Tesh on in the background), they smell good (most of the time), and they make for interesting interior décor items (especially when molded into the shape of animals). But yes, those rumors you’ve heard about soy wax candles are indeed correct. They are “better” and you should be buyin’ and burnin’ them instead of standard wax varieties.
 
Here’s why: Candle wax is made from the petroleum byproduct, paraffin. Burning a paraffin wax candle, even if it smells like scrumptious apple pie, is like inviting a diesel truck into your home to let off some exhaust … the soot from both diesel fuel and paraffin wax contains a noxious mix of carcinogenic petro-carbon nastiness that can mess with your health, blacken the inside of your home, and emit toxic chemicals like benzene and toluene. Gross. And as you probably know, petroleum isn’t exactly renewable.
 
Vegetable-based soy wax isn’t 100 percent perfect (as with many agricultural products) but it’s a heck of a lot better than “gas wax.” They’re longer burning (with none of that soot), come in just as many tantalizing scents, and often the companies who produce soy candles go all out by using recycled-content packaging and lead-free paper/cotton wicks. Most candle shops and home boutiques should carry soy candle lines and if they don’t, make a request. Just make sure they’re 100 percent soy wax.
 
In my own home, I’m burning hand-poured-in-Philly soy candles from Duross and Langel. They’re affordable and come in a ton of potent scents; I recommend pear, acai and monkey grass. And in my fantasy home, I’m burning spendy, stunningly packaged (in vintage tin) Le Labo soy candles.
 
You see, Ali-san, it’s pretty straightforward. Unless you dig indoor air pollution, choose soy — once an underdog but now a formidable opponent in the natural vs. chemical candle wax showdown. Go on and burn bright, my friend. My training here is done.
 
Got a question? Submit a question to Mother Nature and one of our many experts will track down the answer. Plus: Visit our advice archives to see if your question has already been tackled.
 
Photo: Courtesy Duross and Langel
MNN homepage photo: MentalArt/iStockphoto
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Related Topics: Pollution, Toxins & Chemicals

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anonymous
buy soy candles 02/07/2012 00:19 AM

I just came onto your post and found it quite interesting. I am also associated with soy candles and love to enjoy the stuff on the same as its rarely found on internet. Thanks

anonymous
Mr. Poet 09/13/2011 20:50 PM

Seriously, people should consider serious study into subjects instead of blogging your heart out. If paraffin "carcinogens" are that harmful, let's do this: toss out every toaster, gas stove, and electric heater we have, along with the ovens (except convection) also (if you study hard enough, you'll see they are as/more harmful). In addition, I think that every child who accidentally drops food on the stove so that it burns and emits carbon should be punished, for allowing such filthy air into.... More

anonymous
Alderfall 10/20/2009 12:06 PM

Hello there folks! I want to tout a wonderful alternative which is far greener and safe for all. Battery powered flameless candles. Yes, they are battery powered, which may sound bad at first, but think rechargeable NIMH batteries. Buy the new generation of NIMH batteries which are ready to use out of the package (make sure the package says this). They will hold a charge for months and months. Yes, they are maybe a bit less romantic compared to regular candles but no allergy issues and they are.... More

anonymous
Gordon 10/19/2009 16:03 PM

I have an intolerance to Soy in food, are Soy candles going to create a problem for me and others with like sensitivity?

mhickman
mhickman 10/19/2009 17:12 PM

Hi Gordon,

Great question and also an important one since soy candles are touted as a safe alternative for folks with sensitivities to regular paraffin wax candles. From what I understand, how you react to inhaling a soybean-based candle depends on the severity of your allergies. Some folks may experience slight irritation while others may experience none at all. I'd check in with your MD before trying one out. You also may want to look into beeswax candles, another more eco-friendly.... More

anonymous
Kirsten@Nexyoo 10/19/2009 12:20 PM

Beeswax candles are environmentally-friendly, and come in scented versions. I think they're a great alternative to regular candles.

anonymous
A. Beekeeper 10/28/2009 02:32 AM

I'm biased, being a beekeeper, but beeswax is the way to go... utterly renewable, if a bit pricey. And clean(er) burning. And they smell so subtly wonderful. Bees help feed us, as does soy, but beeswax is a byproduct of a larger need - sustainable agriculture. Palm wax, also clean burning is not a good choice due to the environmental destruction associated with it. Soy wax is a very reasonable choice, but... if you want the very best, unprocessed, nature wax to choose from, beeswax is without.... More

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