Discover 5 suggestions for soy candles and provide a cosy atmosphere in a safe atmosphere!
Burning candles in the home is a calming and relaxing ritual that introduces an atmosphere of cosiness and uniqueness. A meal by candlelight enhances the taste experience and creates a particularly charming and intimate atmosphere. And a relaxing bath surrounded by candles casting a warm glow can be a pleasant conclusion to a hard day. In addition, candles can be sophisticated decorative elements. Placed in beautiful and elegant containers, they add an original and warm feel to a room. In addition, they can smell like the most luxurious perfume. If you enjoy being surrounded by the flickering flames of candles, read the following article to find out why soy candles are the best choice.
Paraffin candles - why they are harmful
Still among the most commonly used candles are those made from paraffin. Paraffin is produced by distilling crude oil and is relatively cheap to obtain - which is why it is often used in the cosmetics industry and in candle production. The fact is that the combustion of paraffin produces a number of toxic compounds, such as toluene and benzene, which are harmful to health if inhaled.
Many people complain of coughs and headaches when lighting candles just once. This is because the chemical compounds released when burning paraffin have a strong allergic effect, which can manifest itself as eye irritation or itching of the skin. However, the most harmful substance released during paraffin burning is the carcinogen benzene, and its toxic effects are particularly felt by young children and animals.
Other harmful effects of burning paraffin candles include the risk of asthma and other respiratory diseases. The substance responsible for the warm, yellow flame is toluene, which greatly endangers the reproductive, nervous and immune systems.
People who regularly burn paraffin candles have to reckon with their negative effects on health and well-being. The situation is, of course, somewhat different with occasional use of candles, especially in rooms with very good ventilation. However, it is best to think carefully before buying which candles we will choose for our home.
Is paraffin the only harmful ingredient in candles?
Unfortunately, paraffin is not the only harmful ingredient in candles. Neither the fragrance nor the colouring additives are derived from natural substances. They are synthetic products, which further enhance the harmful effects of the smoke. The essential oils responsible for the strong fragrance of candles are unfortunately nothing more than artificial aromatic ingredients derived from petrochemicals. Adding them to paraffin candles simply costs less than using, for example, natural oils. However, it is worth knowing that even the more expensive essential oils are not intended to be burnt, as this releases volatile organic compounds which are also not good for health.
The material of the wick of a paraffin candle also leaves a lot to be desired. Most wicks have a metal core containing, among other things, lead, which is emitted into the air when the candle burns. These lead particles can irritate the lungs, which contributes to asthma or other respiratory diseases.
The good news for all lovers of the romantic atmosphere created by the flickering glow of candles is that there are healthy alternatives to paraffin candles.
Soy candles - a healthy and safe alternative
Soy candles are made from soy wax, which is a processed form of soybean oil extracted by pressing soybeans. Soy wax is plant-based, so it is perfect for anyone who values living in harmony with nature or is vegan. Burning soy candles is not hazardous to health and does not even negatively affect the health of children or people struggling with allergies, as no toxic substances are released during the burning process. Soy wax candles also do not melt and therefore do not raise carbon dioxide levels in the air.
In addition, soy wax candles burn more slowly than those derived from paraffin, so they are more economical. Interestingly, soy wax is not very hot, so the risk of burning is significantly reduced. Spilled soy wax is very easy to remove and does not leave greasy stains like its paraffin counterpart. It is safe for health and environmentally friendly.
Most often, the wicks of soy candles are made of natural materials like cotton or wood. This makes the whole end product natural, eco-friendly and, most importantly, safe for health.
Soy candles - for whom?
The safety of burning soy candles means that more and more people are turning to them than to paraffin candles. When burned properly, soy candles are very efficient. Compared to a paraffin candle, their burning time is usually several times longer. This is influenced, among other things, by the melting temperature. In the case of soy wax, this is lower than for paraffin wax.
Soy candles are biodegradable and non-toxic, which is why they are popular with people for whom environmental protection is important. Soy candles do not smoke and do not produce much soot. Even if they are not made of scented soy wax, they do not emit unpleasant odours when burning. Natural soy wax is virtually odourless and therefore does not cause any irritation. Consequently, soy candles are considered a safe product for allergy sufferers and even asthmatics.
Soy candles can be successfully used by people with pets and small children in their homes. The burning of soy wax is healthy and safe for these delicate creatures.
Advantages of using soy candles
The most important advantages of soy candles:
- They are natural and organic.
- They are safe for health.
- They do not emit poisonous substances.
- They do not increase CO2 levels in the air.
- They burn longer than paraffin candles.
- They are vegan.
- Removing stains from spilled soy wax is easy.
- The risk of burns is reduced.
- Soy wax is odourless.
Disadvantages of using soy candles
The disadvantages of soy candles can be considered as:
- Their price is higher than paraffin candles.
- Soy wax is softer than paraffin wax - it can deform.
- Less choice of fragrances.
How to burn soy candles properly?
Burning soy candles is, of course, nothing difficult. However, if you want your candle to burn for as long as possible, it is worth following a few rules:
1. when lighting a soy candle, wait until all the wax has dissolved each time. This is especially important during the first lighting, as it will prevent the so-called tunneling of the candle, which causes it to go out and prevents it from using all the wax.
(2) Soy candles should be burned for no more than 4 hours at a time in order to preserve their fragrance for as long as possible. Excessive burning will cause the oils in it to evaporate much faster.
Before lighting the candle, shorten the cotton wick by approx. 0.5 cm. This will ensure that the candle burns with a nice, steady, flicker-free flame and that the wick will not crumble.
Never burn a candle to the end, leave at least 0.5 cm of wax at the bottom of the jar for the last burning.
It is equally important to store the candle when you are not burning it. It should stand at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. High temperatures can cause deformation and discolouration of the wax.
When using soy candles, general safety rules should be followed:
* the candle should stand on a flat, heat-resistant surface, away from flammable objects;
* the candle should not be moved when the wax is liquid;
* when burning several candles, place them about 10 cm apart;
* keep the candle out of the reach of children and animals;
* do not leave a lit candle unattended;
* care should be taken whenever burning a candle to avoid burning.
What to look for when choosing a soy candle?
When choosing a soy candle, there are several factors to consider:
Ingredients: Make sure the candle is made of pure soy wax with no artificial additives.
Burning time: Choose candles with the longest possible burning time.
Fragrance: Check that the manufacturer uses high quality fragrance oils. You can read reviews from other people to find out about their experience with a particular fragrance.
Packaging: The packaging of the candle should be eco-friendly. Make sure the manufacturer cares about protecting the environment.
Manufacturer: Choose a candle from a trusted manufacturer that adheres to quality standards and produces eco-friendly products.
Meet the 5 best soy candles in 2026
When creating our product reviews, we consider the ingredients and research their safety. We analyse the opinions of industry experts and the experiences of product users. We obtain recommendations from authorised retailers and use available sources of knowledge on active ingredients and their effects. We personally verify the action, texture, scent and feel of the products, and assess value for money.
Below are detailed reviews by our editors with a description of each product indicated.
