The Chic Ecologist

Eco Candles – Soy Candles vs Beeswax Candles

Nothing warms the dark of winter better than candles.  They are romantic, comforting, and even create those negative ions we love so much (negative ions pull dust from the air giving it that fresh ‘after a rainstorm smell). Candles are made primarily out of 3 different things: Paraffin, Bees wax, and more recently, soy. So whats the difference you say? Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum refining and produces soot while burning. It is the most common candle type and usually, unless otherwise stated, what most of the candles on the market are made of. Paraffin is also very common in food and cosmetics, from candy to lipstick.

Bees wax candles have been made for centuries and are enjoying somewhat of a renaissance due to a greater ecological awareness and the increasing popularity of natural products. They are a great choice if you have allergies or sensitivities as they do not contain any soot producing chemicals or toxins. Soy candles are made of hydrogenated soybean oil (think margarine) and are commonly combined with paraffin or beeswax in candle making. Soy candles work best in a jar as their low melting point causes them to deform easily in the sun or warm environments. They produce less soot than paraffin and their main draw is that they are natural and vegan.

Fragrances are another thing to watch for. Most fragrances we are used to smelling in household air fresheners contain formaldehyde and all kinds of toxins. Essential oils provide a more natural scent without chemicals. You can find a variety of scents from places like The Body Shop, Whole Foods, or your local natural store. Use essencial oils to brighten your home by adding them to burning candles, or heat them up in a jar above a candle. The scented oils will disperse when heated filling the room with that beautiful smell.

For those who have small children, or don’t like the idea of an open flame should check out these led flickering candles as an alternative.

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2. Clean Light Design – HONO Electric LED Flickering Candle
3. Aromatherapy Natural Cleaning Supplies
4. Remove Indoor Toxins with these Specializing House Plants

Tags: eco friendly, green home decor, Home

6 Comments to Eco Candles – Soy Candles vs Beeswax Candles

1. 

   There’s a very good reason to avoid soy in all its incarnations: it’s called Monsanto.

   There’s nothing green, natural or vegan about that.
Gina on December 12th, 2008
2. 

   Beeswax candles have been around for centuries and are well known for being all natural, dripless, soot free and very long burning. Recently, they have found that beeswax candles also are hypoallergenic and release negative ions (natural air purifiers). All of which add to their value and cost.
   Soy wax candles, on the other hand, are fairly new to the market and advertised as natural, long burning and less expensive to beeswax. One of the questions to ask yourself before purchasing soy wax candles is what pesticides have been applied to the crop of soy beans and what chemicals have been added to make the wax. Since they are new to the market, how safe is it to inhale soy wax? It has taken decades for warnings to appear about the toxicity of paraffin candles and their link to lung problems since they are made from petroleum sludge.
   Beeswax is safe, healthy and truly all natural!
Judy Bissonnette on December 13th, 2008
3. 

   I prefer beeswax candles, but I can see why some may be drawn to soy (being vegan and all). I guess I have a hard time deciding whats better for the both and earth. Soy or beeswax?
Carla on December 19th, 2008

4. [...] in green and natural off-white (with more color combination’s coming available), these candles are pretty green to the environment too. The design by Harry Allen is so complete, they even unscrew from their base. Light up your eco [...]
Green Lighting by Candle - Beeswax Lightbulb Design | The Chic Ecologist on February 11th, 2009
5. 

   This is really informative. I’ve always wondered what the difference is between the 2 since you normally assume they’re both a healthier alternative to paraffin. Now I wonder if organic soy candles exist.
Ana on November 13th, 2009

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