Here's Why Natural Soy Candles Are The Best

It's true…natural soy candles are by far the best candle to make. Beeswax candles are also a good choice, but beeswax is very expensive. Paraffin is not a good choice at all, and I'll begin by talking a little bit about paraffin and you'll soon see why it is such an unhealthy choice.

Paraffin wax is actually made from the sludge at the bottom of oil barrels. That sludge is bleached and processed through chemicals to produce the paraffin wax that most commercial and handmade candles are made from.

Since the paraffin wax is actually made from oil, when it burns it causes a dark film of soot to form on the jar, and on your walls and ceiling near where the candle is burning. It's nearly impossible to remove this soot. What's worse is that the smoke from paraffin wax actually produces indoor air-pollution as these soot particles circulate in the air and can cause damage to your lungs. Yes it's true!

As consumers became increasingly concerned about the health issues involved with paraffin wax, many began replacing the paraffin wax with beeswax. Although beeswax is a natural alternative and burns clean, it is very expensive to produce candles with. There became a need for a more economical alternative that was natural and safe. Finally, a solution did become available.

In 1991 the first wax from a soy plant was developed. It was a completely natural wax that came from the soybean oil. So being that this wax is plant-based rather than oil-based, it is a wonderful alternative, and is increasingly growing in popularity, as it is harmless and completely biodegradable.

There really isn't much of a difference in the way soy candles look and burn. You can still add fragrance and coloring, just like paraffin candles. (Actually the fragrance seems to last longer and be stronger in natural soy candles). And you can still make soy candles as votives, taper, pillar candles, or in jars & other containers just like paraffin candles. Plus, soy wax is very inexpensive, and readily available. Most hobby stores and many online stores carry soy wax.

Natural soy candles are also safer to burn. They don't burn as hot as a paraffin candle, so your risk of being burned is much less. They also burn longer, and much more evenly and completely, leaving no waste.

Soy wax is very easy to clean up. Have you ever tipped over a burning paraffin candle? If so, you know how incredibly hard it is to clean up that wax! If you tip over a soy candle, it cleans up quick & easy with hot soapy water. No muss, no fuss!

So now you can see why natural soy candles are the best and safest choice, as there are no unhealthy carbon particles that could cause damage to your lungs, and your walls and ceilings will remain soot free, as you relax and enjoy the decor, the fragrance, and the flickering lights.