Walk down the home fragrance aisle of any large store today and you’ll be met with an abundant selection of scented candles promising every aroma imaginable. Scents like apple pie, citrus blossom, vanilla balsam, rosemary mint, and sea salt lime offer the possibility of easily transforming the ambience of one’s home with just the strike of a match. Indeed, scented candles have become exceedingly popular over the last couple of decades as people seek to introduce calming, uplifting, or mood-enhancing fragrances into their living spaces through the warm, flickering glow of a lit candle. However, concerns around indoor air quality and candle emissions have many consumers looking for healthier options than traditional paraffin wax candles. This search has led many to soy wax-based candles, which are increasingly marketed as a more natural alternative. But do soy candles actually have health advantages when it comes to their fumes? Looking at the science behind these two wax types can help shed some light.
Why do people love scented candles so much in the first place? The human sense of smell is complex and highly sensitive, with direct links to the limbic system or emotional center of the brain. When we inhale certain aromatic compounds, they send signals straight to our memory banks and emotion processing networks. This can evoke vivid recollections or feelings. The scent of fresh coffee might remind us of a favorite cafe, while eucalyptus might instill a sense of clarity. This strong mind-body response provides part of the appeal of scented candles. Just a whiff can instantly shift our mood or energy level, which many find beneficial.
However, creating those lovely scents may involve emitting compounds that are not healthy to regularly breathe in. Most traditional scented candles are made from paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct with a low melting point that helps efficiently deliver fragrance as the candle burns. While paraffin wax melts into a fluid pool, high temperatures cause the liquid to evaporate and release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the surrounding air. Studies have identified concerning VOCs emitted by paraffin candles, including known hazardous air pollutants like benzene and toluene. Other common VOCs released include acetone, xylenes, phenols, and aldehydes.
This has led many manufacturers to turn to soy wax as a possible alternative. Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil, a renewable resource. It has become an increasingly popular candle making material over the past 15 years. Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin, producing a softer pool of liquid wax as it burns. Does this translate to fewer VOCs released into the air? Initial research shows promise that soy wax candles generate lower levels of certain hazardous emissions like benzene when compared to paraffin under laboratory controlled burn testing.
However, scientists caution that candle emissions are complex. Differences in fragrance oils, wick materials, additives used, and variability between brands can all impact VOC levels. Consumer usage habits like trimming wicks and allowing disrupted burn patterns also influence emissions. Just because a candle is made from soy wax does not automatically make it safer when it comes to air quality. Consumers should look for soy candles that are formulated to maximize performance and minimize soot or VOCs. 100% soy wax with cotton, wood, or paper wicks and lightly scented with essential oils is ideal for reduced air pollutants.
For those with respiratory conditions like asthma, soy wax candles could potentially be a safer option compared to paraffin, but individual responses may vary. Testing in small amounts first is advised. Ultimately all scented candles release compounds into the air when burned, even those made from the most natural wax. But soy wax candles crafted carefully with high quality ingredients and clean burning practices can reduce the likelihood of adverse health effects for most consumers. Those concerned about their indoor air quality may find soy wax candles a better choice than paraffin to safely enjoy their sweet aromas and warm glow.
