Soy Pillar Candles Burn Cleaner, Cooler & Longer

There are many reasons why soy pillar candles are becoming the preferred choice when it comes to candles. Besides the obvious ecological reason that soy wax is a “green” alternative, soy candles actually burn better than paraffin. There are 3 reasons: they burn cleaner, cooler and longer.

Soy pillar candles burn cleaner:

Perhaps the most important reason here is that soy candles burn cleaner. Paraffin candles can produce soot when they are burned because paraffin is derived from petroleum. When you burn soy wax, you produce no soot. Therefore, the air is cleaner, the walls are cleaner (paraffin candles can leave black residue on the walls and ceiling), and you are cleaner! Have you ever burned a paraffin jar candle and seen the entire interior of the jar covered in a nasty black residue? Although you should burn all candles in well ventilated areas, you can see why that is much more important for paraffin candles. If you want cleaner lungs, you might want to consider switching to soy.

Soy pillar candles burn cooler:

Soy wax has a much lower melting point than paraffin. Pure soy wax melts at about 110 to 115 degrees F. Soy pillar candles are actually made from a blend that generally consists of approximately 90% (or more) soy wax. The remaining 5% usually consists of beeswax or other vegetable based additives such as vegetable stearic acid. The melting point of soy pillar blends can range between 130 and 140 degrees F. The melting point of paraffin pillar blends can be 20-40 degrees F higher. Another factor when you consider the lower temperature at which soy wax burns is the ambient temperature of the room. Paraffin candles tend to increase the temperature of the room considerably.

So what does this mean? Firstly, the melted wax is cooler, and therefore safer. Since the wax is cooler, it is less likely to permanently stain carpets and clothing. There are many other reasons for this, but we’ll stay on topic here. Another thing to consider is that it is much less painful if you happen to spill the wax pool directly on your skin. That extra 20 or more degrees can be the difference between a red mark and a scar. Lastly, since the wax burns at a cooler temperature, it burns longer.

Soy pillar candles burn longer:

Perhaps the most popular reason why many people prefer burning soy pillar candles is because they last longer. Soy wax can be a bit more expensive than paraffin candles, but in the long run, they are more economical. Soy wax burns up to 50% longer than paraffin wax, and some say even more. Now if a soy candle costs $12 as opposed to a paraffin candle that costs $10, which one would you buy? Personally, I would opt for soy, but in the end, it’s really a matter of personal preference.