Abundant Flame Candle Company

Is there anything more relaxing than watching the flickering light of a candle? 

But candles add so much more than light to a space. They ooze charm and warmth to create a soothing, more welcoming environment. 

When shopping for candles, it's important to consider more than just the scent. Many candles also offer holistic benefits such as aromatherapy to promote health and well-being. But with so many different types of candles on the market, it can be an overwhelming decision. 

Have you considered a soy wax candle? 

There are many benefits of soy candles, some more surprising than others. Find out why soy wax candles are a great choice to add to your collection. 

Renewable Materials

Soy wax is a vegetable wax made from the oil of soybeans. Once the soybeans have been harvested from the soybean plant, they are: 

1. Cleaned
2. Cracked
3. De-hulled
4. Rolled into flakes

After that, the oil is then extracted from the flakes and undergoes hydrogenation.

Hydrogenation is a process where the unsaturated fatty acids in the soy oil are saturated. In other words, it creates soy wax by transforming soybean oil into solid wax. 

The final product is made from environmentally friendly, renewable resources. It is a better alternative to paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum and, therefore, non-renewable. 

Longer Burn

Soy wax does not burn as hot as paraffin wax because it doesn't take as much heat to melt. The melting point for soy wax is approximately 115°F compared to paraffin wax at 129°F. 

As a result, soy candles burn more slowly and evenly. In fact, soy candles can burn almost 50% longer than paraffin candles.

For example, a 9oz soy candle has a burn time of 65 hours or more, while a paraffin candle will burn for around 40 to 45 hours. 

To increase your candle's burn time, ensure you trim your wick. The longer a candle's wick, the bigger the flame and the faster it will burn. 

Clean Burning

Unlike paraffin wax, which releases black soot into the air, soy wax burns cleaner. Black soot, also known as candle soot, consists of unburned carbon atoms released from an incomplete chemical reaction. 

Since paraffin is petroleum-based, burning it will produce black soot that can stain anything close by. 

When you keep the wick trimmed, soy wax will produce far less black soot and cause less damage to your walls, ceiling, and hands. Some refer to the soot produced by soy wax as "gray" instead of "black" soot. 

If you notice the release of excess soot, it may be caused by the following:

• Additives added to the wax 
• Flame flicker
• Lack of oxygen
• Clogged wick 
• Wrong wick size 
• Type of wick 

Zinc core wicks are safe but can emit bad soot residue. On the other hand, 100% cotton wicks are relatively soot-free. 

Easy to Clean Up

If you have ever tried to clean up paraffin candle wax, you'll know it takes more than water and a cloth.

Solvents such as acetone and isopropyl can do the trick to break down and dissolve wax. However, isopropyl is a toxic chemical that is better left in rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizer. 

On the other hand, cleaning up soy wax doesn't require any harsh chemicals. That's because the low melting point of soy wax makes it very easy to clean wax left onto another surface. Simply wipe any surface with hot water and soap. 

If you're trying to remove soy wax from a candle, pour hot (not boiling) water into the jar and wait for the water to melt the wax and rise to the top. Once cooled, remove the wax. 

Zero chemicals and zero harm to yourself and the environment. 

Non-Toxic

If you're a candle aficionado, you're probably already aware of the dangers of paraffin. When paraffin burns, it emits toxic chemicals into the air – the air you breathe! 

While it's unlikely you will ever ingest paraffin, you may accidentally inhale too much of the stuff when it's burning in your home.

Inhaling paraffin wax can irritate the eyes and the respiratory tract. For some, it can also lead to nausea. Long-term exposure to paraffin wax can cause severe coughing, shortness of breath, and pulmonary damage. 

To avoid experiencing any of the above, consider choosing a soy candle. Soy wax is a natural product that is non-toxic, meaning it is not poisonous.

The wicks of soy candles are also non-toxic and safe to burn, as they contain no lead and are made from natural hemp or cotton. 

Less Likely to Burn Your Skin

Have you ever accidentally dripped piping hot candle wax on your hand? It hurts! Hot candle wax is a common cause of second-degree burns. 

In terms of safety, soy wax will not cause as much damage as paraffin wax because it has a lower melting point. Soy wax is actually safe to be poured onto your skin, and it's surprisingly beneficial, too! 

The moisture in soy wax provides the same moisturizing protection as lotions do. Dip your finger into the melted wax and rub the soy wax over your hands. Your hands will not only smell great but will also feel buttery smooth, and supple. 

Cost-Effective

Soy wax candles burn almost 50% longer than regular candles. While soy candles are more expensive, you're likely paying a similar price once you consider the longer burn time. This makes them more cost-effective. 

Better yet, you won't have to buy soy candles as often!

Another major benefit to soy candles is that they burn more evenly. When you pay for a candle, you expect it to burn all of the wax, but this isn't always the case. 

Paraffin candles often have an uneven melt, also known as candle tunneling. Tunneling occurs when the quality of the wax is poor, or the wick isn't large enough for the size of the candle. Either way, you're left with a buildup of leftover wax clinging to the sides of the glass. 

Place your soy candle in a draft-free area to ensure you get the best burn possible. After lighting it, check to make sure the first layer of wax has completely melted. 

Stronger Scent

One of the biggest reasons we buy candles is their scent. There's nothing nicer than walking into a room that smells of creamy vanilla or citrus orange. 

Soy candles often have stronger scents than paraffin ones because they have a cleaner burn. As a result, the scent from the oil is more pleasant and stronger-smelling. 

Paraffin candles, when burned, have an unnatural, artificial scent that is akin to a cheap air freshener. For some people, the mixture of the artificial fragrance and the petroleum soot emitted from the wax causes headaches and migraines. 

Soy candles also have a longer-lasting scent, even after the candle has stopped burning. That's because soy waxes tend to absorb oils better. 

Vegan

If you're vegan or limiting your consumption of animal products, soy candles are for you. Like other soy products, soy candles are 100% derived from soybeans and do not contain any animal by-products. 

Although most candles can be made without animal by-products, not all of them are. Beeswax candles are completely natural. However, they are made from wax that is produced by honeybees. 

The process of extracting beeswax may not be sustainable or ethical, depending on how it is harvested. 

Some companies also use goat's milk to bind with wax and give candles a smooth texture. Using goat's milk is also up for ethical debate because their bodies only produce it to nourish their newborn babies.

If you're avoiding consuming or purchasing animal products, soy candles are your best bet. 

Non-Petroleum Candle Choice

Paraffin wax is a byproduct of fossil fuels, a substance notorious for creating environmentally devastating consequences. When paraffin candles are burned, they release carcinogenic toxins into the air.

As a result, the toxins pollute the air we breathe and increase pollutants to dangerous levels. On the other hand, soy candles burn clean, produce a pleasant aroma, and do not pollute the environment when they burn. 

If your goal is to reduce your use of fossil fuels, you may wish to switch to soy candles. 

Like the Benefits of Soy Candles? 

The benefits of soy candles are second to none. Not only will you feel more relaxed around them, but they are better for the environment, as they burn without toxins, carcinogens, or pollutants. 

When shopping around for the best candle, it's always important to read the label. Not everyone makes soy candles the same way. Some consumers use a blend of soy wax and paraffin wax. 

At Abundant Flame, we specialize in custom soy wax candles that are crystal infused and provide holistic benefits. Our products are 100% vegan with 100% unbleached and lead-free cotton wicks.

If you haven't tried candles made from soy wax before, it's worth trying them out. 

Shop from our range of soy candles today.