Natural Soy Candles

Handcrafted natural soy candles scented with essential oils. Soy wax is a vegetable-based alternative to paraffin wax (which is petroleum-derived). Soy candles burn cleaner with less soot, melt at a lower temperature (creating safer, cooler liquid wax), and support agricultural rather than petroleum supply chains.

About Soy vs Paraffin Candles

Most commercial candles use paraffin wax - a petroleum byproduct that produces more soot and may release small amounts of various volatile compounds when burned. Soy wax is a vegetable-derived alternative produced from soybeans. Burn characteristics: Soy burns cooler and more slowly than paraffin (a soy candle of the same size will burn longer). Soot: Soy produces dramatically less soot than paraffin. Melting: Soy melts at a lower temperature, producing safer cooler liquid wax (safer if accidentally touched).

Key Facts

Wax type

Natural soy wax (vegetable-derived from soybeans)

Distinct from

Paraffin wax (petroleum-derived)

Scent

Essential oils (varies by candle - check label)

Burn characteristics

Cooler and slower than paraffin; cleaner burn with less soot

Vegan

Yes (unlike beeswax candles)

How to Use Soy Candles

Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before each lighting (long wicks produce more soot and faster burn). First burn: let the wax pool reach the edge of the container (typically 2-3 hours for a standard candle) - this prevents "tunneling" where the candle burns down the middle only. Burn for no more than 3-4 hours at a time. Keep away from drafts (drafts cause uneven burning and increased soot).

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between soy and paraffin candles?
Soy is vegetable-derived (soybeans); paraffin is petroleum-derived. Soy burns cleaner and cooler.

Are soy candles natural?
Soy wax is vegetable-derived; essential oil scenting (if used) is natural. Some soy candles use synthetic fragrance - check labels.

How long do they burn?
Soy burns slower than paraffin; a soy candle typically burns 25-50% longer than a paraffin candle of the same size.

Is soy wax better for indoor air quality?
Generally yes; soy produces less soot than paraffin.

Are they vegan?
Yes; soy wax is plant-based (unlike beeswax candles).

Why trim the wick?
Long wicks produce more soot and faster burn; trimmed wicks burn cleaner.