When you're on the hunt for scented candles, remember that scent shouldn't be your only detail to consider. Modern day candles are crafted from various waxes, each with distinct properties impacting their performance, safety, and environmental impact. The two main players in candle wax on the market today are traditional paraffin wax candles and soy wax candles. While you might be accustomed to the convenience and low price point of paraffin candles, let's delve into why opting for soy wax is a healthier and wiser choice. Discover the benefits of soy candles that make them the preferred option for candle lovers and their homes.

What is soy wax?

Soy wax - the sustainable star behind our candlelight - comes from soybeans, a renewable resource. After soy beans are harvested they are cleaned, de-hulled, cracked and rolled into flakes. Now, here comes the magic: the oil is extracted from these flakes and undergoes a process called hydrogenation. Think of it like giving the oil a makeover, turning some of its unsaturated fats into saturated ones. Why the makeover, you ask? To make the oil's melting point higher, so it can stay solid even when you're chilling at room temperature. And voilà, you've got yourself soy wax – the eco-friendly, renewable champion that lights up your life in more ways than one.

Fun Fact: Did you know that the U.S. takes the crown for growing most of the world's soybeans? Now that's some soybean superstar status right there! So next time you cozy up to the warm embrace of a soy wax candle, remember – it's not just a flicker; it's a sustainable, soybean-powered vote for a brighter world.

What is paraffin wax?

Brace yourself: paraffin is a petroleum by-product that's often chosen for candle-making due to its wallet-friendly production costs. But here's where things take a not-so-rosy turn: before paraffin wax finds its way into your favorite candle, it undergoes an intense refinement process. And what's lurking in its pre-refined form? A bunch of unsavory characters, like toluene and benzene, that you'd rather keep out of your living space.

Now, let's talk sustainability: paraffin isn't one to wear the "biodegradable" badge, and that's a red flag for our eco-conscious minds. Sustainable living calls for materials that bow gracefully to the earth, but paraffin isn't a part of that graceful dance.

So, what's the bottom line? Paraffin wax may be cheap in production, but the consequences it brings to your cherished spaces aren't worth the savings. It's a bit like having a coin with two faces – the bright side of affordability versus the not-so-pleasant side of toxins and environmental impact. Your living space deserves better than a compromise, and with paraffin wax, that's exactly what you're getting. Let's swap out cheap for cherished, and make room for candles that light up our lives while respecting the planet we hold dear.

Benefits of Soy Candles

Natural and Eco-Friendly: Soy candles are a beacon of responsible living. Crafted from renewable soybean oil, they embrace eco-consciousness by reducing your carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. What's more, the biodegradable nature of soy wax aligns with your commitment to reducing waste, making each candle a responsible choice that contributes to a greener world.

Paired with phthalate-free fragrance oils, soy candles are not only delightful to the senses but also safer for your indoor environment, emitting no harmful chemicals that could affect your respiratory health or hormone balance.

Clean Burning, Less Soot, More Serenity: Here's the scoop: soy candles burn cleaner and release way less soot compared to their paraffin cousins. That means you can enjoy your candlelit evenings without worrying about black soot staining your walls or affecting your air quality. Breathe easy – it's like inviting a breath of fresh air into your home, one soy candle at a time.

Slow, Even Burn: Experience the luxury of time with our soy candles. They burn with a gentle, even glow, ensuring that every moment is savored and every fragrance note is relished. Revel in the comfort of knowing that your candle's captivating aroma will linger, creating an ambiance that truly feels everlasting.

Pro tip: The first time you light your soy candle, let it burn long enough to melt the wax evenly to the edges. This sets the stage for a consistent burn every time you light it. It's like giving your candle a pep talk for longevity.

Supports U.S. Farmers: Let's zoom in on the importance of supporting U.S. farmers. When you opt for soy candles, you're casting a vote for sustainability and supporting local farmers. Your choice promotes a healthier agricultural ecosystem, boosts local economies, and fosters a more resilient and self-sufficient farming community. So, as you light that soy candle, know that you're playing a part in nurturing both the earth and the American farming landscape.

If there’s one thing that we pride ourselves on here at Vacant Wheel, it’s the fact that our candles are made with all-natural 100% soy wax, free of parabens, phthalates, and paraffins, and are known for being a non-toxic, sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paraffin products. 

Shop Vacant Wheel home fragrance options today to find your new favorite aromas you can feel confident using in your home or office.