There’s nothing quite like lighting a candle to transform the vibe of your space. Whether it’s a fresh, fruity scent to brighten your mood or a deep, comforting fragrance to help you unwind on a wintery evening, candles have a way of setting the tone.
While the fragrance often gets all the attention, there’s another key element that plays a big role in the quality and performance of your candle: the wax. One of the most popular options today is soy wax, but is it actually good for candles?
In this blog, we’ll explore what soy wax is, why it’s gained popularity, and why it’s the right choice for your next candle purchase.
What is soy wax?
Soy wax is a natural, biodegradable wax made from hydrogenated soybean oil - which itself is a renewable and plant-based material derived from soybeans. As an alternative to traditional candle waxes, soy wax has gained popularity for being a more eco-conscious option.
Soybeans are an easily cultivated crop, widely grown across the world in warm and sunny climates; from Europe, to South America, and everywhere in between. Once harvested, the oil is extracted from the soybeans and hydrogenated, transforming it into a smooth, solid wax that can be used in candle-making. This process creates a high-quality wax that’s not only natural but also sustainable and environmentally friendly.
For many years, candles were predominantly made from paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum, coal, or oil. While it’s inexpensive and widely used, paraffin is a non-renewable resource and doesn’t align with the growing demand for cleaner, greener choices.
As consumers become more conscious of the environmental impact of consumerism, soy wax candles have emerged as a popular alternative offering a more sustainable, plant-based solution - without compromising on quality or performance.
Benefits of soy wax candles
Soy wax is our favourite choice - all Essence of Harris wax-based products (from our candles to our wax melts) are made using natural soy wax. It’s our favourite choice for many reasons, and it’s fast becoming the choice du jour for many candle lovers.
Beyond being a more sustainable option, soy wax offers a range of benefits that enhance the overall candle experience. From how it burns, to how it holds fragrance, here’s why soy wax candles are the best choice for your home.
Soy wax is an environmentally-friendly material
One of the biggest advantages of soy wax is its origins. As we explained above, soy wax is made renewable, plant-based material. This makes it a more sustainable alternative to paraffin wax, which is derived from non-renewable sources like petroleum. The manufacturing of soy wax also has a lower environmental footprint, and doesn’t contribute to carbon emissions or natural resource depletion in the same way as fossil fuel-derived paraffin.
As soy wax is biodegradable and non-toxic, it breaks down naturally and doesn’t release harmful substances into the environment during or after use. As we’re all encouraged to do more for the environment, choosing soy wax candles is a small change that has a big impact on the environment, with minimal effort on your part - and no compromise on quality.
Soy wax candles burn at a lower temperature
Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, which means it burns more slowly and evenly. This gives soy wax candles a longer burn time, so you can enjoy your favourite scents for longer as the lifespan has been extended. What’s not to like?
Top tip: another way to get the best burn from your soy wax candle is to perfect the first burn. Discover more of our tips in our guide to How to Care for Your Candles so They Last Longer and Burn Brighter…
Soy wax candles have a cleaner burn
Soy wax candles burn cleaner than paraffin wax candles, which often produce black soot, smoke and harmful chemicals when burned. According to research, soy wax produces little to no soot during combustion compared to traditional paraffin wax candles. This helps create a safer home environment as you don’t burn any nasty chemicals, carcinogens or pollutants into the atmosphere.
This significant reduction in indoor airborne pollutants makes soy wax candles a healthier choice, especially for those with allergies, asthma, or sensitivities to air quality and smoke.
A cleaner burn also helps preserve the look and feel of your space. Walls, ceilings, and furniture are less likely to be affected by soot, and the candle vessel itself stays cleaner for longer.
Soy wax candles a higher quality choice
Soy wax has several natural properties that elevate the overall quality of the candles made with it, enhancing both performance and the fragrance experience.
One of soy wax’s standout benefits is its excellent fragrance-holding ability. Soy wax blends evenly with fragrance oils, allowing the scent to remain strong and true from the first burn to the last. Compared to paraffin, soy wax candles often deliver a more authentic fragrance, both on the nose and as the candle burns, resulting in a more consistent and immersive scent throw.
Just look at our Losgaintir Coconut and Bergamot Candle. Rich with the scent of bergamot, white tea, coconut, and vanilla, soy wax helps to balance all of these fragrance notes for a complex but soothing aroma.
Thanks to its lower melting point, soy wax also ensures a cleaner, more even burn. It’s less likely to tunnel, meaning the wax melts edge to edge and across the entire surface. This not only helps you enjoy every bit of your candle, but also promotes a steady, balanced release of fragrance as the wax warms evenly.
Soy wax is easy to clean-up
Should any spills or drips occur, soy wax is easy to clean - you can simply use warm water and a bit of soap. The natural, biodegradable properties mean that even accidental spills on fabrics or surfaces are far easier to manage compared to paraffin wax, which can leave behind sticky, stubborn residue or stains.
This is especially ideal when it comes to Wax Melt Bars. Easy clean up helps you switch between fragrances whenever the mood strikes you.
Soy wax candle vessels are easy to re-use
This ease of clean-up extends to the candle vessels themselves. Because soy wax burns cleaner and leaves minimal residue, your candle glasses and containers are much easier to wash out and repurpose once the wax is gone.
Reusing your candle jar is a simple way to reduce waste and give new life to beautifully crafted vessels, turning the experience into a lasting part of your home décor. With just a rinse of warm, soapy water, your vessel can be ready for its next purpose - whether that’s a stylish pen pot for your desk, a bathroom organiser for cotton pads, or even a small plant pot for herbs or succulents.
This upcycling is just one more way soy wax contributes to a more practical and planet-friendly candle experience.
Why choose soy wax?
Soy wax isn’t just a trend, it’s a high-quality alternative to more traditional candle wax options. It enhances every part of the candle experience from its clean, even burn, to its enhanced scent throw and planet-friendly environmental credentials.
Whether you’re lighting a candle to relax, recharge, or set the mood, choosing soy wax means choosing a product that’s gentler on the planet and better for your home.
Shop soy wax candles today
At Essence of Harris, we proudly use natural soy wax in all of our wax-based products - because we believe that beautiful fragrance should never come at the cost of sustainability or performance.
Ready to experience the benefits for yourself? Explore our full range of Soy Wax Candles and discover your next signature scent, crafted with care on and inspired by the natural beauty of the Isle of Harris.
Don’t forget to explore the Essence of Harris blog too! Find helpful buying guides, practical tips and much more…
Understanding Our Scent Collection: A Home Fragrance Guide | Transforming Your Home with Scent Layering | Create a Sanctuary of Calm in Your Home
