Why Soy Candles Are Safer Than Big-Box Brands
At Sweet Vale, we carefully consider every aspect to create safe and comforting scents. It was easy to develop our product from soy wax derived from soybeans. Being a Midwest girl all my life, I wanted something that would help tie in my Iowa roots while having a quality candle. I genuinely enjoy being able to educate people on the importance of a good quality candle and how ours can be a better option than other major retailers. If you ever attend a candle-making class, that is one of the topics we discuss, and I am passionate about sharing. Coming from getting headaches frequently with Yankee Candles or Bath and Body candles, I can contest that our candles have yet to give me one. While I know that everyone is different and reacts in various ways to scents, it becomes a situation where you never know if you don't try. Education and research are the best ways to start when finding quality products. You'll see all the education you need to make the switch here!
Why Soy Candles Are Safer Than Major Retailer Candles (Like Bath & Body Works)
When creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in your home, candles are often the go-to choice. However, not all candles are created equal. While major retailers such as Bath & Body Works offer a wide range of enticing scents, their candles may pose potential safety risks that soy candles can avoid. Understanding the differences in ingredients, burn quality, and environmental impact highlights why soy candles are a safer, healthier alternative for your home and family.
1. Cleaner Burning with Fewer Toxins
One of the biggest concerns with paraffin-based candles (commonly used by major retailers) is the release of harmful toxins when burned. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, a byproduct of the crude oil refining process. When paraffin candles burn, they release chemicals such as toluene and benzene — known carcinogens. Exposure to these toxins can contribute to indoor air pollution, which may aggravate allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions.
In contrast, soy candles are made from natural soy wax derived from soybean oil. Because soy wax is plant-based and free from petroleum byproducts, it burns cleaner with minimal soot and no toxic chemicals. This makes soy candles a healthier choice for your household's air quality.
2. Reduced Soot Production
Soot is a common concern for candle lovers. Paraffin candles produce more black soot, which can discolor walls, ceilings, and furniture. Worse yet, airborne soot particles can be inhaled, posing potential health risks.
Soy candles, however, burn at a cooler temperature and produce significantly less soot. This cleaner burn keeps your home cleaner and reduces the risk of inhaling harmful particulates.
3. Longer Burn Time
Soy candles generally burn slower than paraffin candles, meaning you get more enjoyment from each candle. The lower burn temperature of soy wax allows the candle to melt evenly, extending its lifespan. While major retailer candles may seem cost-effective upfront, soy candles often provide better value in the long run due to their extended burn time.
4. Natural Ingredients and Essential Oils
When it comes to candle making, using fragrance oils instead of essential oils is safer and more practical. Essential oils have low flash points, which can evaporate quickly or pose a fire risk when exposed to high heat. Some essential oils become toxic, especially for animals, when they are burned. This makes them less stable and unreliable in candles. Additionally, essential oils often struggle to maintain a strong scent throw when burned, resulting in a weak or inconsistent fragrance. Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are specifically designed for candle making. Our candles' oils are safe and free from harmful chemicals like phthalates. They are formulated to withstand high temperatures, ensuring a consistent, long-lasting scent that fills the room. For both safety and performance, fragrance oils are the ideal option for creating beautifully scented candles.
5. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Soy wax is a renewable resource made from soybeans, which are biodegradable and sustainable. The cultivation of soybeans supports local farmers and encourages environmentally conscious practices.
On the other hand, paraffin wax is derived from non-renewable petroleum. Burning paraffin candles contribute to carbon emissions and environmental harm. By choosing soy candles, you're making an eco-conscious choice that aligns with sustainable living practices.
6. Better for Pets and Children
Families with pets and small children must be especially mindful of indoor air quality. Since soy candles emit fewer toxins and less soot, they create a safer environment for loved ones. Pets, in particular, are sensitive to airborne chemicals, making soy candles a healthier alternative for homes with furry companions. Bath & Body Works candles may smell amazing but can harm your children’s health. These candles are often made with paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct that releases harmful toxins like benzene and toluene when burned. These chemicals are known irritants that can worsen allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues — especially in young children with developing lungs. Additionally, synthetic fragrances used in these candles may contain phthalates linked to hormonal disruptions. For a safer home environment, consider switching to natural soy candles made with clean-burning wax and non-toxic fragrances to protect your family’s well-being.
7. Improved Scent Throw Without Overpowering
Soy wax has an excellent scent throw that releases fragrance evenly throughout the room without being overwhelming. Because soy candles burn cleaner, their scent tends to be more natural and pleasant. Paraffin candles may release synthetic fragrance compounds that cause headaches or irritation in sensitive individuals.
8. Safer Candle Ingredients for Allergy Sufferers
People with allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivities may find soy candles more suitable than paraffin alternatives. The absence of petroleum-based toxins and reduced soot make soy candles a gentler choice for those with respiratory concerns.
9. Better Container Safety
Due to their cooler burn temperature, soy candles are less likely to overheat their containers. This reduces the risk of cracked glass or container damage — a common concern with paraffin candles that burn hotter.
10. Avoid Glitter and Flowers in Soy Candles
While adding glitter or dried flowers to candles may create a visually appealing design, these materials pose serious safety risks. Glitter, often made from plastic or metallic particles, can ignite and produce harmful fumes when exposed to flame. Dried flowers and other organic materials can also catch fire, posing a potential hazard. This is a big reason why we keep our candles clean and natural. We want to keep everyone safe and enjoy the relaxation of burning candles. While they look pretty, they can become dangerous fast.
11. Supporting Small Businesses
Why You Should Choose Our Soy Candles
When you buy soy candles from our small business, you're not just purchasing a product but investing in quality, safety, and thoughtful craftsmanship. Our soy candles are hand-poured using 100% natural soy wax, ensuring a clean, long-lasting burn that’s safer for your home and loved ones. Unlike paraffin candles, which can release harmful toxins, our soy candles burn without producing excessive soot or air pollutants, making them ideal for families, pets, and those with allergies.
We take pride in creating candles offering beautiful, natural scents designed to enhance your space without overpowering. Each fragrance is thoughtfully chosen to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere, whether you're unwinding after a long day or setting the mood for a cozy evening at home.
By choosing our small business, you also support a passionate creator who values quality over mass production. Every candle is made carefully, ensuring attention to detail from the wick to the wax. We use eco-friendly materials and sustainable packaging and prioritize environmentally conscious practices.
Your purchase directly supports a dream — allowing us to continue creating products we love while giving you candles that are safe, beautiful, and made with heart. Thank you for choosing our small business to fill your home with warmth, comfort, and delightful scents. You may think that prices are higher and the candles aren't as good as those of a major retailer, but when you think about it, the quality is much better for you and your family. The higher prices give you a better quality product because we care about your well-being. By supporting small businesses, you are helping support our families and to make a living. While I can't say this for every small business you come in contact with, I would say that most want to give you the best products that are the safest quality.
Conclusion
While major retailers like Bath & Body Works may offer appealing scents and eye-catching designs, their paraffin-based candles have potential health risks and environmental concerns. Soy candles provide a safer, cleaner-burning alternative with natural ingredients, reduced toxins, and improved air quality. By choosing soy candles, you can enjoy a cozy ambiance in your home without compromising the well-being of your family, pets, and the planet.
If you want to create a healthier environment while enjoying delightful scents, soy candles are the choice for your candle needs. Safer for your loved ones and kinder to the Earth, they offer peace of mind with every flicker of their flame.
We strive to incorporate education within our business and love to answer any questions thrown our way. So please ask us questions!