What Is Soy Wax?

First, let’s start by defining soy wax.  Soy wax is a vegetable wax derived from - you guessed it - soybeans.  Most of the world’s soybeans are grown and harvested in the Midwestern United States - Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana.  After harvesting, the beans are made into flakes, at which point the oil is extracted and hydrogenated, altering the melting point which makes it solid at room temperature and suitable for candle use.

What is Paraffin Wax?

By contrast, paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale.  It is made by removing the waxy substance from crude oil, a non-renewable resource.  Paraffin wax is the most commonly used wax to make candles, largely because it is cheaper and more accessible than soy wax.  

Why Do We Choose Soy Wax?

While soy wax is made from environmentally friendly, renewable resources, paraffin is a by-product of petroleum and thus non-renewable.    

But the advantages are not simply environmental. Soy wax also burns slower than paraffin wax, meaning you’ll get a candle that lasts longer. And while all candles emit some black soot while burning, soy wax burns cleaner and results in less soot than paraffin.  Soy is also an excellent carrier of fragrance, without requiring chemical amplifiers to enhance the scent throw and ensuring a well-balanced, true-to-scent candle.

So congratulations! You’re making a great choice!  Now pop on over to our shop and check out our awesome fragrances...you know you want to! :)