In 1992, Michael Richards invented soy wax. Since then it has grown in popularity more than anyone could have imagined. Soy wax has become the natural alternative to its counterpart, paraffin, which is a petroleum byproduct. Before soy wax, the only natural alternative wax beeswax.
Soy wax is a much cheaper (up to ten times) alternative to beeswax and is also considered to perform better when it comes to pillar candles. Let it be known, however, that pure soy pillar candles, (pillar candles that contain only 100% soy wax) do not exist. Pure soy wax is much too soft to be used to make pillar candles.
Since soy pillar candles have gained popularity as a green alternative, most companies stopped putting petroleum based additives in soy wax and now use natural botanical oils. Still, you should take care that your coy pillars do not contain paraffin additives.
A good example of a soy wax that performs well when used to make soy pillar candles is EcoSoya PB. This wax contains a vast majority of soy wax and other carefully chosen botanical oils so the wax will keep its shape.
If you are concerned for your health, then you should be concerned with the health benefits of using soy. Unlike paraffin candles, soy candles do not produce petro-carbon soot which can be seen as a black residue that gets all over everything. If you’ve ever burned a paraffin jar candle, you know what I’m talking about.
A warning label comes on the bottoms of all candles telling you to burn it in a well ventilated area. This is mandated by law. That black soot will indeed be deposited on the walls, ceiling and in your lungs if the air is not circulated.
It is thought by most health professionals that burning petroleum based products will release carcinogens into the air which can be very harmful to humans. Soy wax is not petroleum based and therefore does not release petro-carbon soot into the air. Though some people will argue against the nasty rumors about paraffin, it’s irrefutable that soy wax is indeed a healthier alternative.
If burned improperly, soy candles can produce soot, but it is not carbon soot and so does not contain carcinogens. However, whether you are burning a soy or paraffin candles, you should always burn your candles in well ventilated areas.
Evidence can be sited both for and against soy and paraffin based candles, and obviously this article is meant to point out possible health benefits of soy. There is a plethora of information making cases for either side. If health is a primary concern for you, I suggest that you do your own research and come to your own conclusions to determine the possible health benefits of soy as opposed to the possible harmful effects of paraffin.
For more information on pillar candles, natural handmade candles and many other natural products, come visit our Promethean Candle Boutique online shop.