11 Reasons We Choose Soy

There is a sea of options in the candle world, from mass-produced to all-natural — and everything in between.

Most of the candles you’ll encounter in a large store are paraffin-based, which can be bad news if you’re health-conscious. They may look similar, but soy candles are much different than their paraffin counterparts. Soy wax has a whole host of benefits that set it apart from other natural alternatives, as well!

Soy candles are a popular option for those concerned with their environment, health, and well-being. Here are 11 reasons why: 

1. Soy candles are sustainable.  Unlike paraffin, which is derived from petroleum, soy is 100% natural. It’s a renewable resource that relies on agriculture, benefiting farmers and perpetuating their economies. When burning petroleum-based paraffin candles, you’re supporting the oil industry. Organic soy wax, on the other hand, directly supports sustainable farming.
2. They’ve got staying power.  A soy candle may cost a little more upfront than its paraffin counterpart, but the burn time is pretty impressive. They can burn almost twice as long as a standard paraffin candle, making them a lot more economical than you may realize.   AFTER’s 8oz grief candles have a burn time of well over 60 hours.
3. They don’t burn as hot.  Soy candles have a melting point of about 120 degrees Fahrenheit, making them a cooler-burning alternative to other types of candles. This is the reason they have such long burn times! The lower temperature can also be great if you have children or pets, as it is much less likely to cause burns.

    

4. They’re the perfect vehicle for essential oils.  Since soy wax has such a low melting point, this means that the pool it creates around the wick is larger. The surface area gives the aroma lots of opportunity to fill the room, so you can freely enjoy the aromatherapy benefits.

   Beeswax has its own natural scent, unlike the blank canvas of soy wax. An aromatherapy soy candle will smell just like the oils put into it – and nothing else. That’s important when you’re looking to enjoy a specific aroma. 

   Paraffin tends to have a chemical odor and often mixes the intended aroma with the smell of soot, which is bad news in a lot of ways. 

5. They won’t give you cancer. No, really. A study in 2009 showed that paraffin wax contains 11 documented toxins! When burned, a paraffin candle puts off carcinogenic chemicals like toluene and benzene. To put it bluntly: they can cause cancer.  Soy candles also put off nearly no soot, which is also associated with cancer.
6. They’re great for people with sensitivities.  Paraffin wax candles, as mentioned, put off quite a bit of soot – so much so that it’s often visible to the naked eye! That’s one reason a lot of people who are sensitive to allergens and irritants get headaches when using standard paraffin candles. In addition, a lot of candles (especially paraffin ones) are made with synthetic dyes and additives.

   AFTER candles (like most soy candles) are free from all dyes, which can be troublesome to the senses when burning. You can also rest assured that AFTER candles are 100% free from chemical additives, guaranteeing an even cleaner burn.

7. They won’t damage your home.  Excessive soot produced from low-quality candles is associated with some unwanted changes in your home. Discoloration of carpets and walls are two major drawbacks of burning cheap paraffin candles. Some of this damage is very difficult to fix, and in some cases, it can be permanent. 
8. They’re vegan.  If you’re extra-conscious of our animal friends, you can rest assured that soy candles are 100% free from any animal products. Beeswax, of course, is not vegan. Paraffin itself is vegan, as it is petroleum based – but it is typically combined with stearic acid, which is produced from animal fat. 
9. It’s easier to clean up.  Soy wax is much easier to clean up than other candle wax, so spills are not as catastrophic. Soap and water will do the trick, which is definitely not the case for all candles. Of course, exercise caution when burning candles to prevent spills.
10. They’re less expensive than other natural alternatives.  While it is true that soy candles are more costly than paraffin candles, they’re still more affordable than natural counterparts like beeswax. Even organic, non-GMO soy wax is more affordable than pure beeswax candles. Be careful and read the labels; many candles that are labeled as beeswax or soy may contain additives and fillers.
11. They are more energy-efficient and environmentally conscious.  It’s been established that paraffin is petroleum-based, which isn’t doing the environment any favors. But the process in which natural materials are harvested is also something to consider.

    Beeswax is much more difficult and time-consuming to harvest than soybeans, making soy wax more energy-efficient. Palm oil, another vegetable-based wax, is in some cases associated with destruction of rainforests and animal habitats.

AFTER candles are made with 100% organic, non-GMO soy to ensure purity, quality, and safety. From the 100% cotton wick to the touch of organic coconut oil, there is consideration and love put into each pour.

A sympathy gift for a loved one is a very special thing. At AFTER, we are devoted to authenticity and believe that something so close to the heart deserves nothing less than the best.