Candles are now sold everywhere: at the supermarket, in homeware stores, in perfumeries, and in many online shops. But are they all truly the same? What are the differences between them, apart from the fragrance and scent? You've probably noticed that they can also have very different prices, but I want to warn you: a higher price doesn't always mean higher quality. In this article, I want to help you distinguish between non-toxic candles and those that are not so good for our health. In particular, I will talk about soy wax candles. Keep reading to learn more!

Types of wax on the market

As we mentioned in the introduction to this article, there is truly everything on the market. Let's now look at the most common types of wax.

Paraffin

This is by far the most common wax, used to make most candles, especially low-cost ones. Paraffin, in fact, is a petroleum derivative and, as you can well understand, does not fall into the category of non-toxic candles.

Beeswax

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honey bees and has been used for candle making since ancient times. It is a sustainable and non-toxic choice, boasting a natural honey scent and a beautiful golden color. Beeswax candles burn slowly, produce little soot, and have a bright, warm flame. However, beeswax is more expensive than other waxes and cannot hold a high fragrance load.

Palm wax

Known for its unique crystalline appearance, palm wax is derived from palm oil and is eco-friendly, renewable, and biodegradable. Palm wax candles hold fragrance well and burn slowly, producing little soot.

Coconut wax

Coconut wax is a 100% natural blend with added natural additives to improve burning performance and fragrance diffusion. Coconut wax is biodegradable and vegan. A typical characteristic of coconut wax is its bright white color and a smooth surface finish.

Soy wax

Soy wax is 100% natural, biodegradable, requires no additives, comes from sustainable sources, and is most often not tested on animals. Soy wax burns much more slowly than paraffin wax and can hold a higher fragrance load. Additionally, soy wax candles have a softer scent than paraffin candles.

What are the characteristics of non-toxic candles?

The characteristics of non-toxic candles are to be found in the origin of the materials used during their production. A natural candle is mainly composed of three elements: wax, wick, and fragrance.

A non-toxic candle must be made with a plant-based wax, such as beeswax, coconut wax, or soy wax. The wick must be suitable for the chosen vegetable wax, and wicks without a lead core, such as linen and cotton, paper, or wood wicks, are preferred. The fragrance used must not contain parabens and phthalates. Additionally, fragrances certified according to the IFRA standard are preferred.

Why choose soy wax?

Soy wax is an increasingly popular choice, both among candle manufacturers and consumers, for a number of reasons that make it an ecological, safe, and high-quality option. Here's why to choose it!

Natural and sustainable material

Soy wax is of vegetable origin, derived from soybeans, and therefore represents a more ecological choice compared to paraffin wax which, as we said before, is a petroleum derivative. It is a renewable, biodegradable resource with a reduced environmental impact, especially if the soy comes from sustainable cultivation.

Clean burn

Soy wax candles burn cleaner, producing less soot than paraffin candles. This means that the air in your home remains healthier and does not stain the surrounding environment, such as furniture and walls.

Longer lasting

Soy wax has a lower melting point, which means candles burn more slowly. This allows you to enjoy your candles for a longer time compared to paraffin ones.

Better fragrance diffusion

Soy wax has the ability to retain and gradually release essential oils or added fragrances, diffusing a uniform and delicate scent.

Safety

Soy wax is non-toxic, which makes it safer for home use, especially in environments with children or pets.

Natural look and versatility for handmade products

The finish of soy wax candles is smooth and pleasant, with a natural and matte appearance that lends itself to creating refined and artisanal products. Furthermore, it is easy to work with and easily adapts to different uses.

Choosing soy wax means opting for an eco-friendly, safer, and longer-lasting product, perfect for those seeking quality, respect for the environment, and a unique artisanal touch.

Discover all my handmade soy candles.