Are Soy Candles Really Better for Your Health? Unpacking the Facts

When you light a candle on your coffee table or beside the bath, it’s often for that small luxury it delivers: a soft, warm light, a touch of scent, a fleeting sense of calm. In recent years, soy candles have risen in popularity, glowing in boutiques and Instagram home tours alike, with claims circulating about their superiority not only for the environment but for your health. So, do soy candles live up to the reputation? How do they compare to the more traditional paraffin and beeswax alternatives? And what, if anything, should you watch for if you’re seeking a cleaner air and a healthier home?

There’s quite a bit more to wax than meets the eye, and the answer comes from a blend of chemistry, consumer habits, and marketing claims. Pull up a chair, light your favourite candle, and let’s sift through the facts.

What Actually Goes Into a Candle?

Candles may look simple, but each one contains a blend of components:

• Wax: The base of the candle. Common types are paraffin (derived from petroleum), soy (from hydrogenated soybean oil), and beeswax (produced by honeybees).
• Wicks: Usually cotton, sometimes with metal cores in cheaper products.
• Fragrance: Essential oils or synthetic scent compounds.
• Dyes: For coloured candles, these are sometimes an added variable.

Changing the wax changes both the burning characteristics and the byproducts. This is where health claims begin.

The Paraffin Question

Paraffin wax is cheap and readily available, which makes it the industry standard for decades. But paraffin is a by-product of petroleum refinement. When paraffin candles burn, they release various byproducts into the air, including:

• Toluene
• Benzene
• Formaldehyde

These are not ingredients you’d willingly invite into your lounge room, and the controversy is not entirely unfounded. Researchers, such as a team at South Carolina State University, found that burning paraffin candles could contribute to indoor air pollution, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. While the levels measured are typically low and unlikely to cause harm from occasional use, cumulative exposure is a different story if you’re a daily candle user.

Soy Candles: Breaking Down the Health Claims

Soy wax, made by hydrogenating soybean oil, entered the scene as a more sustainable, plant-based option. Here’s what gets people talking:

• Cleaner burn: Soy wax burns slower and, in laboratory conditions, produces fewer soot particles compared to paraffin.
• Fewer toxins: Without petroleum as its base, soy doesn’t create the same array of potentially hazardous byproducts.
• Renewable source: Soybeans can be grown sustainably, lending an eco-friendly edge to their story.

However, “clean burning” doesn’t mean zero emissions. All candles, regardless of wax, generate some particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned. Yet, in comparative studies, soy candles have an edge—they tend to emit less soot and lower levels of VOCs.

A Look at Beeswax

Beeswax candles occupy a third space in this debate. They:

• Are completely natural and biodegradable
• Burn with little smoke if the wick is trimmed
• Emit a faint, sweet, honey-like scent even without added fragrance

One interesting claim is that burning beeswax candles releases negative ions, supposedly helping to purify indoor air. The science here is less robust; any ionisation effects are likely minimal compared to air filtration systems. Still, for those with sensitivities, pure beeswax remains a solid, natural alternative.

Comparing Candle Types: Table of Characteristics

Feature	Paraffin	Soy	Beeswax
Source	Petroleum by-product	Hydrogenated soybeans	Produced by bees
Burn time	Shorter	Longer than paraffin	Longest
Soot/Smoke	Most	Less than paraffin	Minimal
Scent throw	Strong	Good (may be softer)	Subtle, sweet, natural
Toxins	Benzene, toluene, etc.	Very low	Negligible
Cost	Lowest	Moderate	Highest
Allergy risk	Variable	Possible soy allergy	Very rare
Vegan-friendly	Yes	Yes	No

Scent and Sensitivities

Health conversations often miss an important point: it’s not just about the wax, but what’s mixed into it. Even if soy candles burn “cleaner,” heavily fragranced varieties can trigger respiratory irritation for people with asthma, allergies, or chemical sensitivities. Synthetic fragrances—common even in pricier soy candles—may contain phthalates and other compounds that are less than ideal.

To keep things healthy, scent-sensitive individuals are sometimes better off with unscented candles, or those made using only essential oils for fragrance.

Wicks Matter Too

In the past, some candles contained lead-core wicks, especially those imported cheaply. Lead is highly toxic when burned and inhaled. These are now banned in Australia, the US, and much of Europe, yet it’s always smart to check. Go for candles labelled with 100% cotton or wood wicks for peace of mind.

Indoor Air and Candle Use

No matter which candle you prefer, moderation is key. Here are some tips to minimise indoor pollution:

• Burn candles in well-ventilated spaces.
• Trim wicks to 5mm before each burn to prevent excessive soot.
• Avoid burning candles all the way down to the base as this can overheat the vessel.
• Don’t burn candles close together, as this can restrict airflow.
• Store candles out of direct sunlight to avoid wax degradation.

Taking a few of these measures can make a significant difference in the air quality of your home.

The Science Still Unfolding

It’s worth noting that indoor pollution isn’t solely about candles. Cooking, cleaning products, and even outdoor air influx are all major contributors. When it comes to candle studies, most have focused on exaggerated or enclosed scenarios: rooms with poor ventilation, burning several large candles at once, or continuous burning for hours. For most users, burning a soy candle for an hour on the weekend isn’t likely to tip the scales.

Researchers still debate the real-world relevance of the trace compounds from occasional candle use, but consensus points to soy and beeswax as better choices for frequent burners or those with sensitivities.

Ethical and Environmental Arguments

While the health angle is often the headline, responsible sourcing and environmental concerns also influence the soy candle trend. Soy is a renewable resource, and many manufacturers source from non-GMO, pesticide-free crops or even support small Australian farmers.

However, large-scale soy production is not without its critics, as monoculture farming practices may lead to land degradation. That said, paraffin’s link to fossil fuels gives soy an advantage for eco-conscious consumers.

Beeswax is often lauded as the most natural and sustainable option, especially when sourced from ethical beekeepers. But its higher price and limited availability put it out of reach for some shoppers.

Spotting Greenwashing

Marketing can make any product sound like the answer to all your concerns. Here’s what to look out for:

• “100% soy”: Some candles are blends. Check ingredient lists.
• “Natural fragrance”: This label can be vague. If you’re sensitive, dig deeper or contact the maker.
• Certifications: Look for third-party certifications if ingredients or processes matter for your purchase.
• Local or ethical sourcing: This information should be easy to find for reputable brands.

Homemade Soy Candles: Are They Safer?

Making your own isn’t necessarily foolproof. If you’re sensitive to fragrances or want to control every ingredient, homemade candles let you skip dyes and synthetic scents. Just be sure to use pure soy wax and high-quality wicks, and understand the properties of any essential oils you add—some can be irritating or toxic to pets.

Most people who make their own candles do it for creative satisfaction and control. The health gains are tied directly to the ingredients and their use.

Candle Habits That Make a Difference

To summarise practical points for a healthier home when burning candles:

• Prefer soy or beeswax over paraffin, especially if burning often.
• Opt for candles scented with essential oils or labelled as “phthalate-free.”
• Avoid using candles as your main source of light for extended periods.
• Watch wick length and trim regularly to keep soot down.
• If you have pets, note that some essential oils (like tea tree, eucalyptus, or citrus) can be unsafe, even in small amounts, for cats and dogs.

Like any indulgence, a candle brings the most satisfaction when it isn’t overdone. For those mindful about health, choosing a high-quality soy or beeswax candle, burning in moderation, and keeping the space aired-out help you enjoy the ritual, without the worry.

The world of candles is more nuanced than the marketing leads you to believe. With a little knowledge, your next candle purchase can add a touch of comfort to your home without costing you peace of mind.