Reasons Why Soy Candles Are a Great Option

Candles are a popular commodity, and you can find a dedicated candle aisle at almost any home goods store, including online ones such as ours. With so many candle options, it’s hard to decide what type of candle you want.

We always suggest starting your search with soy candles. There are many reasons why soy candles are a great option; follow along as we dive into those details below.

Introducing the Basics of Soy Candles

To understand the greatness of soy candles, you need to learn the basics about them. At their most basic level, soy candles are a superior choice to other fragrance options.

All-Natural

One of the first things you should know about soy candles is that soy wax is natural. While there are different types of soy wax that we’ll explain later, this natural composition is a significant reason people love this fragrance option.

Low Melting Point

In addition to being all-natural, soy wax has a lower melting point, which means that these candles tend to burn for a longer amount of time. Many people appreciate how long soy candles last and notice the difference between these candles and other options.

Exploring the Different Types of Soy Wax

Manufacturers create all soy wax using hydrogenated soybean oil. However, manufacturers can create different soy wax blends to better suit different candle containers.

Container Blend

One of the most common types of soy wax is the container blend. This wax type suits container candles because it has a lower melting point than other types of soy wax.

Pillar Blend

As the name suggests, this wax suits pillar candles, which are more challenging to make than container candles. The pillar blend wax is hard and does not need to be in a container, as it can hold its shape on its own. This wax boasts a higher melting point than the container blend, as the user doesn’t have to worry about heat damaging the container.

Tart Blend

Another type of soy wax is tart wax, which is a popular option for formulating wax melts. Wax melts are a great alternative to candles for those who prefer fragrance without the flame. Wax melts made with tart wax melt quickly, releasing the scent into the air. The downside of tart wax is that it’s much harder than other types of soy wax, making it more difficult to scrape off a wax warmer.

Understanding Common Soy Candles Ingredients

Understanding the common ingredients in soy candles will help you better appreciate this candle category, no matter which type of candle you prefer. While candles can have many ingredients, we’ll focus on the three most important ones you’ll find in almost every candle.

Soy Wax

As we mentioned above, all soy candles use soy wax. Soy wax is a natural and renewable resource derived from soybeans. It is biodegradable, and most soy wax doesn’t have any harmful additives.

Wick Materials

The wick is another essential ingredient in any candle, excluding wax melts. Popular wick materials for soy candles include cotton and paper. Cotton wicks are popular additions to soy candles due to their eco-friendliness and clean-burning qualities. Paper wicks are another option, and manufacturers typically make them using natural fibers such as hemp or flax. They are becoming increasingly popular due to their sustainability and ability to burn clean. Both options are lead-free.

Fragrances and Essential Oils

Candlemakers typically add fragrances and essential oils to soy wax via a process called “scenting.” Essential oils are natural plant extracts that offer therapeutic benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety. Fragrances are a synthetic alternative. Good soy candles use high-quality essential oils and fragrances that are free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates so that you can fully enjoy the scent. If you are extremely sensitive to all scents, you can find unscented soy candles as well.

Comparing Soy Candle Benefits to Other Wax Options

Soy candles feature mostly natural materials. While natural materials are good for the planet, many candle users wonder whether they’ll receive any benefits from burning a soy candle instead of another wax option. Thankfully, what’s good for the planet is often good for us. When you compare soy candles to their alternatives, you’ll see that soy candles always win.

Soy vs. Paraffin

One of the most significant benefits of soy candles compared to other candle wax options is that they are environmentally friendly. For example, another popular candle wax is paraffin wax, which manufacturers derive from petroleum. Petroleum is a fossil fuel, which means these candles have a high carbon footprint and may contain more volatile organic carbons. Volatile organic carbons can cause ear, nose, and throat irritation for some.

Soy vs. Beeswax

While beeswax is another natural candle option, soy offers a few distinct advantages. Soy wax burns slower and cooler than beeswax, allowing a soy candle to last longer. This long-lasting nature means that you can enjoy the soothing ambiance of a lit candle for a more extended period. Soy candles also retain their scent better than beeswax candles and offer better scent throw. The scent throw is the reach of a candle’s scent when it is lit.

Purchasing the Right Soy Candle for You

Now you know the various reasons why soy candles are a great option. You just need to find the right one to start your collection. We have some suggestions for narrowing down your search.

Look for Quality

You’re going to burn this candle for a long time, so you want to choose a high-quality candle. Check the ingredients of your desired candle to make sure most of the wax is soy. Look for the wick type as well, and only select a candle with a lead-free wick.

Consider the Fragrance

Once you find a company that creates high-quality soy candles, you can start considering what fragrance you want. If you’re a book lover, consider a scent that whisks you away to your favorite reading spot or book scene. For example, the scent of a bookstore candle may remind you of perusing the shelves of a local bookshop with coffee in hand. You can also search for a candle that smells like the old forest from your favorite fantasy adventure. Choose wisely!

Scented soy candles are among the best tools for filling your home with light and ambiance. Frostbeard Studio offers soy candles in various sizes with various scents that allow you to create the perfect environment. Whether you want to imagine you’re baking Christmas cookies with a witch or relaxing with an old tome, we can help you transport your mind to a different realm altogether!