We are often asked why we only choose Soy Wax for our candles and melts instead of Paraffin Wax, and what the difference between the two is. There are many reasons why soy is the preferred choice but they all boil down to the fact that…

Soy Wax is simply better for your health (and the health of our planet).

Here are some of the main reasons why we use soy wax:

1. Soy wax is natural
Soy wax is a hydrogenated vegetable oil derived from the soybean, that becomes solid at room temperature. Soy wax contains nothing artificial, which makes it a better alternative to old-fashioned paraffin wax, which is made from petroleum oil and produces harmful by-products when burned or melted.

2. Soy wax does not release toxins
Soy wax is a much healthier alternative to paraffin wax as it doesn’t release dangerous toxins into the air when melted like paraffin wax does. Burning and/or melting paraffin releases numerous known toxins – two of which are carcinogens – into the air.

3. Soy wax burns cleaner
Paraffin wax gives off black soot when burned. Soy wax delivers a clean burn. Since paraffin wax is petroleum-based, burning it produces a black soot that can stain your furnishings, walls, and carpets. Soy wax, on the other hand, is a vegetable-based wax, and does not give off any harmful by-products that might cause damage.

4. Soy wax is better for the planet
As soy wax is made from soybeans, it is environmentally friendly because soybeans are a renewable resource. Paraffin wax comes from petroleum, which is not a renewable resource.

5. Soy wax has a lower melting point
Soy wax is also the better choice because it has a lower melting point than paraffin wax. This means less risk of burns should you accidentally spill any melted wax on your skin.

6. Soy wax burns for longer
As soy burns at a cooler temperature than paraffin wax, it results in a slower burn time and, therefore, better value for money for you!

7. Fragrances are stronger and the candle burning experience is better for you
At John Seagram we only use pure essential oils and the finest fragrance oils in our candles and wax melts. Because soy wax burns cleaner than paraffin wax, the scent from our oils is more pleasant and stronger-smelling than the chemical scents added to paraffin. It is common to hear people complain of headaches when paraffin candles burn, but in general, this isn’t due to the scent of the wax but rather the toxins it releases into the air.

And finally, a word of warning… Please ensure that you look for 100% Soy candles and melts. Some makers use the term ‘Soy Blend’ which usually means that the wax is a blend of soy AND paraffin waxes which, as you can now see from the above, is not the best choice.

So, there you have it! There are many reasons why you should choose soy wax for candles and melts, but once you do, we guarantee you will never look back. Enjoy!

You can read more about candle care and the benefits of fragrances in other articles in our BLOG.

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– John Seagram