I searched around on the internet and several candle companies to get the answer to this very question, "What's Better, Soy or Wax Candles?" It didn't take me very long to find some interesting statements about the two. According to one candle retailer that sells beeswax, soy, and gel candles, soy candles last 50% longer than candles made of petroleum-based paraffin, the ingredient found in most candles. They also burn slower and cooler (helping to better distribute fragrance), are non-toxic, less likely to trigger allergies, clean up with soap and water, and produce very little
soot. These factors tend to make them more animal and child-friendly than traditional candles.
Soy wax is also a favorite of environmentally conscious consumers. Made from American-grown soybeans, it's biodegradable, a renewable resource, and from a global point of view, "supports the U.S. economy instead of foreign oil conglomerates."
Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is made
from petroleum and produces carcinogens and soot when burned. In fact, one air quality researcher stated that the soot from a paraffin candle contains many of the same toxins produced by burning diesel fuel. Even many of the seemingly healthy, aromatherapy candles sold today can do more harm than good.
Beeswax is another popular alternative to paraffin candles. It is also less likely to trigger allergies and does not produce toxins or soot when burned. It is generally more expensive than paraffin but burns longer. However, some candles labeled as beeswax may also contain paraffin.
With this information, you decide which candle type you would like to burn in your home. In most cases, you will pay just a bit more for the soy candle, but in my opinion, you are also buying quality that is much friendlier to the environment (Terrell).
Happy Decorating!
Terrell and Teri
The Girls Behind the Pink Door
www.pinkdoordecor.com |
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