Soy candles, made from soybean oil, are a popular alternative to traditional options, often promoted for their health benefits. Evaluating a candle’s health impact requires examining the wax, the emissions produced during burning, and how those factors compare to other materials. This article explores soy wax composition and emissions compared to paraffin wax, detailing the health impact of non-wax ingredients like wicks and fragrances.
Understanding Soy Wax Composition
Soy wax is a vegetable-based wax derived from soybean oil, a renewable resource. After harvesting, the oil is extracted and processed using hydrogenation. This chemical reaction converts unsaturated fatty acids into saturated ones, transforming the liquid oil into a solid wax stable at room temperature. This process makes the wax suitable for candle production and provides a non-toxic base material before combustion.
Emissions Comparison to Paraffin Wax
The primary health advantage of soy wax relates to its cleaner combustion emissions compared to paraffin wax. Paraffin is a petroleum refining byproduct consisting of saturated hydrocarbons. When burned, paraffin can release trace amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and toluene. Benzene is a known human carcinogen, and toluene exposure can affect the central nervous system, causing headaches and dizziness.
Soy wax burns cleaner, producing significantly less soot and fewer petrochemical-based VOCs. Soot, which is ultrafine particulate matter, can penetrate deep into the lungs and poses a respiratory health concern. Paraffin soot can chemically resemble diesel exhaust, containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). While all candles release some hydrocarbons, the plant-based nature of soy wax results in generally less harmful emissions, contributing to better indoor air quality.
Non-Wax Components That Impact Health
The overall health profile of any candle is heavily influenced by non-wax components, which often introduce the most significant risks.
Wicks
Historically, metal-cored wicks posed a serious health concern because some contained lead to help the wick stand upright. Although the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned lead-cored wicks in 2003, imported candles may still occasionally contain them. Lead exposure from burning wicks can vaporize and become airborne, posing a risk of lead poisoning, particularly to children. Consumers should seek safer alternatives, such as wicks made from cotton, paper, or wood, to avoid this hazard.
Fragrances and Dyes
The second major health factor involves the fragrances and dyes used to scent and color the candle. Many synthetic fragrances contain phthalates, chemicals used to stabilize and extend the scent throw. When burned, phthalates are released and can act as endocrine disruptors, potentially exacerbating asthma or allergies. Even “natural” essential oils can be irritants to sensitive individuals, and the quality of the oil matters greatly. Dyes used for coloration can also contribute to soot and other airborne particulates, negating the clean-burning benefit of the soy wax base.
Selecting the Healthiest Candle Option
To ensure the healthiest candle choice, consumers must look for specific labeling details beyond just the word “soy.” Select candles explicitly labeled as 100% soy wax, as many products are blends that include paraffin wax to reduce costs. The wick material should be clearly stated as cotton, wood, or paper to avoid hidden metal cores.
The best option for fragrance is to choose unscented candles, which eliminate the primary source of VOCs and phthalates. If a scent is desired, look for candles that use only natural essential oils and are clearly labeled as phthalate-free and dye-free. Regardless of the candle type, always ensure the burning area is properly ventilated to prevent the accumulation of combustion byproducts.