You’ve probably heard about soy candles, but aren’t sure what makes soy candles safe. Are soy candles safe? We’re going to give you all the details on the non-toxic wax candle that should be your first choice when purchasing a candle for your home.

Are soy candles safe?

As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, we all start to reach for those cozy items that make the chill a little more bearable. And what’s more inviting than a scented candle? But when it comes to candles, you don’t want anything that will compromise your health or home. That’s why soy candles are the way to go! Let’s take a closer look at why soy candles are so much safer than their paraffin counterparts.

Clean burning

First, let’s see how soy candles compare in terms of clean burning. You have more than likely had paraffin candles in your home. You had no reason to think that these candles were made of toxic chemicals. It’s not as if they are advertised to be harmful to you, right?

Paraffin is derived from petroleum, which means it burns dirty with toxic byproducts like benzene and formaldehyde. Those chemicals are not conducive to human health, or any living being’s health for that matter.

Soy wax, on the other hand, is made from hydrogenated soybean oil—a renewable resource made from non-genetically modified plants—so you can feel good about using it in your home. Plus, since soy wax is biodegradable, cleanup is a breeze! Just be sure that the candle you are purchasing is not a soy blend. It needs to be 100% soy.

Longer life span

Soy wax also has a longer life span than paraffin wax. This means that you won’t have to worry about constantly buying new candles—a single soy candle should last up to 50% longer than its paraffin counterpart! Our candles tend to last approximately 40 hours. During testing, our 100% natural soy candle wax not only burned clean but are 100% non toxic to anything or anyone breathing around it.

Plus, since each candle burns more slowly and evenly than its paraffin counterpart (meaning there is less wasted wax), you can get more bang for your buck out of each individual purchase.

Safer scents

But perhaps most importantly, when it comes to scented candles, soy wax is much safer.  Soy is safe for your health as well as your home. Since it burns cooler than paraffin wax (at around 110 degrees Fahrenheit compared to 160 degrees Fahrenheit), this creates a safer environment.  There is much less risk of fire hazards or smoke damage.

Additionally, since paraffin releases toxins into the air when burned whereas soy does not (and actually helps reduce pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide due to its oxygenating properties), you can breathe easy knowing that your favorite scents will come without any harmful side effects nor health problems.

Do your research

At the end of the day, when shopping for scented candles it pays to know what kind of material they are made out of before making a purchase—especially if you have allergies, asthma, or sensitivities. Thankfully with Southern Oak Artisan’s soy candles, you can enjoy the inviting aromas without having to worry about compromising your health or home.

If a candle says that it is made with essential oils, don’t believe it is automatically a safe candle product. Burning essential oils runs the risk of damaging the helpful compounds in the oils. Essential oils should only be gently warmed. No one can guarantee that a candle gently warms the oils. Ask about the fragrances that the chandler uses in the product. We use clean fragrance oils that have no chemicals.

Does your chandler make their candles?

This makes a difference. Handmade 100% natural soy candles are safe when made by a chandler that has the information he/she needs to keep their products (and customers) safe. The chandler should know the safety regulations, labeling, and all that encompasses what makes a safe candle, as set by the National Candle Association.

Where are the candles made?

Again, handmade soy wax candles are usually better quality than paraffin or wax blends but ask questions. Look at the label of the candle, not just the price. A great price does not void safety issues. You want a candle free of toxicity, especially since you will be burning it in your home. You’ll be breathing in what it is made of.

So if you’re looking for something cozy and safe this winter season be sure to pick up some soy candles! You won’t regret it!