We’ve spent a LOT of time reassessing the wax we use—while rapeseed wax was once a popular eco-friendly alternative due to its local sourcing and clean-burning qualities, it has unfortunately become increasingly expensive and difficult to source consistently.

These supply challenges, combined with aesthetic drawbacks like bumpy or uneven candle surfaces after burning, have led us to transition from rapeseed wax to soy wax. Soy wax offers a smoother finish, ensuring candles look smooth and polished, while also delivering reliable performance and environmental benefits.

Candles have long been a staple in homes, offering ambiance, relaxation, and aromatherapy benefits. However, not all candles are created equal. One of the best choices for environmentally-conscious consumers and candle lovers alike is soy wax. This natural alternative to traditional paraffin wax offers numerous benefits that make it a superior option for both personal use and gift-giving. Here’s why soy wax is a wonderful choice for candles.

1. Eco-Friendly

Soy wax is derived from soybean oil, a renewable resource that is biodegradable. Unlike paraffin wax, which is made from petroleum, soy wax is a plant-based option that supports sustainable agriculture. Choosing soy wax candles helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and minimizes environmental impact.

Rapeseed wax, another plant-based alternative, is also highly sustainable. Both waxes are biodegradable and eco-friendly, making them excellent choices for environmentally conscious consumers.

2. Cleaner Burning

One of the biggest advantages of soy wax candles is that they burn much cleaner than paraffin candles. Paraffin wax often releases black soot and toxins into the air, which can contribute to indoor air pollution. Soy wax, on the other hand, produces minimal soot and does not emit harmful chemicals, making it a healthier option for both you and your home.

Similarly, rapeseed wax is known for its clean-burning properties. Like soy wax, it does not release harmful toxins and produces little to no soot, making it an equally safe alternative for indoor air quality.

3. Longer Burn Time

Soy wax burns at a lower temperature compared to paraffin, which means that soy candles last significantly longer. This extended burn time not only provides better value for your money but also ensures you can enjoy your favorite scents for a longer period.

Rapeseed wax also has a slow burn rate, its dense structure allows candles to burn even more slowly, giving you an extended period of enjoyment.

4. Better Scent Throw

For those who love scented candles, soy wax is an excellent choice. Due to its lower melting point, soy wax allows fragrance oils to be released gradually, resulting in a more even and long-lasting scent throw. This ensures that your home remains pleasantly fragrant without being overwhelming.

Rapeseed wax also performs well in this category. It holds and distributes fragrances effectively, sometimes even better than soy wax due to its slightly softer texture. This makes rapeseed wax an excellent option for scented candle lovers.

5. Non-Toxic and Safe

Soy wax is free from toxins, carcinogens, and pollutants, making it a safer option, especially for households with children and pets. Since it is a natural product, you don’t have to worry about inhaling harmful chemicals when burning soy candles.

Rapeseed wax is just as safe as soy wax, offering a non-toxic and natural alternative to paraffin. It does not release harmful fumes and is considered one of the safest waxes available for candle-making.

6. Easy Cleanup

Spilled candle wax can be a nightmare to clean, but not with soy wax. Since it is water-soluble, soy wax can be easily cleaned with warm, soapy water. This makes accidental spills much less of a hassle compared to paraffin wax, which tends to be stubborn and difficult to remove.

Rapeseed wax is also easy to clean, as it has a soft texture and is biodegradable. Just like soy wax, it can be removed with warm water and soap, making cleanup hassle-free.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a candle that is eco-friendly, clean-burning, long-lasting, and safe for your home, both soy wax and rapeseed wax are excellent choices. While soy wax is widely available and well-known for its sustainability, rapeseed wax also offers a long burn time and excellent scent throw.

However, due to recent sourcing challenges and aesthetic issues with rapeseed wax, soy wax has become our preferred option for crafting our natural scented candles. Its smoother finish, reliable availability, and consistent performance make it a standout choice.

Studio update… why we’ve switched to using eco-soy wax.