Soy and paraffin candles are everywhere—from craft fairs to big box stores. If you’re like me and trying to be more mindful about what you burn at home, you might’ve wondered which type is better for the environment. I’ve spent some time checking out this question, weighing up production impacts, chemical releases, and even how they perform when you light them up. Here’s my take on how soy and paraffin candles compare in terms of the environment, along with answers to some popular questions I hear a lot about candle safety and sustainability.
The Basics: What Are Soy and Paraffin Candles?
Soy candles are made from soy wax, which comes from soybean oil. Since soybeans are grown and harvested, soy wax is considered a plantbased, renewable resource. Paraffin candles are made from paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum, a nonrenewable fossil fuel. Both kinds of candles can look and smell amazing, but what goes into making them and how they burn are pretty different stories.
Sourcing and Production: Where the Impact Starts
Everything starts at the source, so I spent some time reading up on how each type of wax is produced and what environmental effects that can have.
- Soy Wax: Farmers grow soybeans, which are pressed to extract oil and then hydrogenated into soy wax. Growing soybeans can help fix nitrogen in the soil, which is a positive step, but large scale farming usually relies on fertilizers and machinery that can affect the land and air. Most soybeans worldwide are grown in the United States, but sometimes farming practices lead to deforestation, especially in places like Brazil. If you choose organic or sustainably grown soy, that can help cut down on environmental problems.
- Paraffin Wax: Paraffin is produced as a byproduct when petroleum is refined. This process involves drilling, extracting, and chemical treatment, using up oil reserves and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Once extracted, paraffin can’t be replaced since it’s a fossil fuel.
From a renewable resources perspective, soy comes out ahead since it’s plantbased, while paraffin relies on fossil fuels. Choosing soy also supports agricultural sectors rather than mining industries.
Burning the Candle: Emissions and Indoor Air Quality
Now let’s talk about how these candles actually behave in your living room. All candles release some particles and gases when burned, but soy and paraffin act a little differently.
- Soy Candles: Soy wax tends to burn more cleanly. It produces less soot and generally fewer airborne particles. This makes a real difference if you burn candles a lot or have allergies. The cleaner burn also means your walls, ceilings, and candle jars won’t end up stained quite as quickly.
- Paraffin Candles: Paraffin can create more soot, which looks like that little black ring often left around the edge of a jar. It also releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene and benzene, which are linked to indoor air pollution. While the levels from one candle are low, regular use in small or poorly ventilated spaces could build up over time and may bother people with sensitivities.
Switching to soy won’t solve all indoor air issues, but it’s a positive move if you want a cleaner, less polluting candle experience.
Disposal and Biodegradability
After enjoying your candle, there’s the question of what happens to the remaining wax and jar. Soy wax is biodegradable and will break down over time—no special handling needed. If it ends up in landfill, it’ll eventually return to the earth. Paraffin, in contrast, takes much longer to break down and is essentially a form of plastic. That nonbiodegradable quality leaves a longer impact in landfills and can be part of the plastic waste problem that keeps growing. Even a seemingly small choice like soy over paraffin can make a difference when multiplied by millions of candles burned each year.
Additives, Fragrances, and Wicks: The Other Stuff in Candles
Neither soy nor paraffin candles are just pure wax—you’re also getting fragrances, dyes, and wicks. Many companies use essential oils or phthalatefree scents, but some paraffin candles include synthetic additives that raise their chemical load. A few decades back, some candles in both categories used wicks with metal cores, but most trusted brands now use cotton or paper wicks. Doublechecking labels helps you make better picks for yourself and the planet. And keep in mind, fragrances and dyes, no matter the wax base, can affect indoor air in different ways depending on your sensitivities.
Performance: Burn Time and Scent Throw
The environmental impact of a candle shouldn’t just end with making or burning it—a longer-lasting candle means fewer candles used over time. Soy candles usually burn slower than paraffin, so they last longer and deliver more hours of glow. They also hold fragrance well but might smell a bit subtler than paraffin candles, which are popular for having a bolder scent that fills a room faster. If you want to use fewer candles over time, a slowburn soy candle can be a practical and ecofriendly choice. Some people also like blending different waxes together to create custom burn rates and scent levels, which is another way to have some fun while thinking about the environment.
Things to Consider Before Picking a Candle
It’s worth weighing a few things before buying your next candle, aside from wax type:
- Origin of the Wax: If sustainability is a high priority, look for soy candles made from nongmo, locally grown soybeans. Supporting local farmers can shrink transportation-related emissions.
- Fragrance Ingredients: Plantbased and phthalatefree fragrances are better for indoor air, especially if you or your family have sensitivities.
- Packaging: Choose recyclable, reusable, or compostable containers when you can—it’s a simple step that cuts down waste.
- Brand Transparency: Companies that clearly explain their sourcing and production methods are often more environmentally aware. Scan their website or labels for details before you buy.
Burn Time & Usage
Soy candles make sense if you’re looking for a longer burn to get more out of every candle. This isn’t just good for value. It means you’re throwing out fewer jars and cutting back on waste. To make your candles last even longer, trim the wick between burns and keep candles away from breezes or fans.
Allergies and Sensitivities
If you or someone at home deals with allergies or is sensitive to smells, soy candles are often easier on the nose. They smoke less, and natural scents tend to be milder than some stronger, sometimes synthetic fragrances found in paraffin candles. Sensitive individuals should still give every new scent a quick whiff before lighting, just to be safe.
Disposal Habits
Reusing glass candle jars is a rewarding little project (I’ve turned mine into planters, storage for art supplies, and even bathroom organizers). For leftover wax, soy can be composted in small amounts, while paraffin is best just tossed since it won’t break down—even creative upcycling is limited because it’s essentially plastic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are soy candles safer than paraffin?
Soy candles are looked at as safer by many because they create less soot—and don’t release the same kind of VOCs that paraffin candles do. You should still keep good air flow, but overall, soy is a better pick if you’re thinking about clean indoor air for your home or apartment.
What is the most environmentally friendly candle?
The most environmentally friendly candle has wax from a renewable source (like soy, coconut, or beeswax), a cotton or wood wick, plantbased fragrances, and plasticfree packaging. Locally made soy or beeswax candles usually tick the most boxes—just make sure the company is upfront about where ingredients come from.
Are soy wax candles bad for the environment?
Soy wax candles aren’t bad for the environment compared to paraffin, but it’s good to remember that largescale soybean farming has its own issues, such as pesticide use, soil impact, and deforestation. Going for brands with nongmo, sustainably grown soybeans limits this, and in most home settings, soy candles are a solid choice thanks to their renewable nature and ability to break down after use.
Are paraffin wax candles bad for the environment?
Paraffin candles are less ecofriendly since paraffin comes from petroleum. They contribute to nonrenewable resource use and can add to pollution with both VOCs and soot. An occasional paraffin candle won’t break the bank environmentally, but making the switch to a renewable wax can really help if you burn candles pretty often.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between soy and paraffin candles isn’t just about scent or looks. It comes down to how they’re made, what they put in your air, and their impact once you’re done. Soy candles offer a brighter option for ecofriendly shoppers, but not all soy candles are created equal. Paying attention to fragrance type, wick material, and packaging makes your candle habit even greener. If you want to take your environmental responsibility up a notch, beeswax or coconut wax are also excellent picks worth considering for your next cozy evening at home.