What About Soy Candles?
Soy candles are everywhere—marketed as the eco-friendly, all-natural alternative to paraffin. But are they really as pure as they seem?
Let’s break it down and separate fact from marketing.
The Pros of Soy Candles
Soy candles do have advantages compared to paraffin:
- Renewable resource – Soy wax comes from soybeans, which are a plant-based, renewable source.
- Cleaner burn – They generally produce less soot than paraffin candles.
- Longer burn time – Soy wax burns slower than paraffin, making the candle last longer.
But while these benefits sound great, there’s another side to the story.
Despite its green reputation, soy wax is not as natural as people think. Here’s why:
Soy Wax Is Highly Processed. Soy wax doesn’t exist in nature—it’s a chemically processed byproduct of soybean oil.
To transform soybean oil into solid wax, it goes through hydrogenation—a process that alters its chemical structure so that it melts at higher temperatures. Hydrogenation by itself isn't a problem. But in many cases, bleaching agents and other additives are used to make the wax look smooth and uniform.
So, is it still natural if it requires heavy processing?
Also, most soybeans are genetically modified: Around 94% of soy crops are genetically modified (GMO) and grown with heavy pesticides like glyphosate, a herbicide linked to health and environmental concerns.
Soy farming is also a major contributor to deforestation, especially in regions like the Amazon. Even if the wax itself burns clean, its production doesn’t always align with the eco-friendly image it promotes.
Soy Candles Are Often Blended With Other Waxes
Many candles labeled as "soy" are actually blended with paraffin or other waxes to improve texture and burn performance.
The problem? Manufacturers aren’t required to disclose the exact percentage of soy vs. paraffin, so unless the candle is 100% soy-certified, there’s no way to know what you’re really burning.
Rosa | CocoBee