Since the invention of soy wax in 1992 by Michael Richards, soy wax has grown exponentially in popularity. Soy wax is a cleaner alternative to paraffin wax which is a byproduct of petroleum. Before 1992, the only alternative to paraffin was beeswax. Soy wax is a much cheaper (up to ten times) alternative to beeswax and is also considered to perform better when it comes to pillar candles. Let it be known, however, that pure soy pillar candles, (pillar candles that contain only 100% soy wax) do not exist. Pure soy wax is much too soft to be used to make pillar candles.

These days however, since soy pillar candles have become very popular; the majority of the soy wax blends that are being used contain soy wax and other botanical oils and do not contain petroleum based products. Be careful though, and make sure your soy candles do not contain paraffin. A good example of a soy wax that performs well when used to make soy pillar candles is EcoSoya PB. This wax contains a vast majority of soy wax and other carefully chosen botanical oils so the wax will keep its shape.

When it comes to health benefits, it’s really quite simple. Soy wax produces no petroleum based soot. Have you ever burned a paraffin jar candle? If you have, you’ve noticed that when the candle has burned down, the interior of the jar is left with a nasty black residue. Now imagine this residue being deposited in your lungs. This is the main reason why on the bottom of your candle, it always says; make sure to burn in a well ventilated area. If the air is not being circulated, you will end up with soot in your lungs, not to mention on your walls and ceiling.

Although this is a highly contested area, it is thought by many that burning petroleum based products such as paraffin candles can release carcinogens into the air. On the same note, it is thought that since soy wax does not contain petroleum and has a different chemical makeup than paraffin; burning soy pillar candles does not release carcinogens into the air. Now, just to be clear, soy wax does produce white soot while paraffin produces black, petro-carbon based soot. Either way, you should always burn your candles in a well ventilated area, whether they are soy pillar candles or paraffin candles.

While arguments can be made by both sides and there really isn’t enough evidence out there to make any conclusive remarks concerning the health benefits of soy pillar candles over paraffin pillar candles, though it seems logical to deduce that it is more likely that soy wax is better for you than paraffin. There is a plethora of information making cases for either side. So if you are concerned, I suggest that you do your own research and make your own decisions about the health benefits of soy wax as compared to the possible health detriments of paraffin wax.

Author Bio: Soy pillar candles continue to become more and more popular, but we at Promethean Candle Boutique leave the decision in your capable hands and continue to offer paraffin, soy and palm wax candles. For more information please visit www.prometheancandle.com

Category: Arts and Crafts
Keywords: soy pillar candles,pillar candles,soy candles,paraffin candles,soy pillar