Recently, an article appeared in the media stating that soy wax candles are not necessarily healthier than paraffin candles in terms of air quality. As a maker of handmade soy wax candles at Zentao in Belgium, I find it important to be transparent and honest about this. Let's list the facts and see where soy wax candles do make a difference.
What does the recent research say?
It is true that recent research shows that well-made paraffin candles can have similar emissions to soy wax candles. For many people, the health aspect was the main argument for choosing soy wax. But does this mean there is no difference between the two? Absolutely not.
Why soy wax candles are still the better choice
1. Sustainability and environmental impact
The biggest difference lies in the origin of the material. Paraffin is a byproduct of petroleum, a fossil fuel. Soy wax, on the other hand, is made from soybeans, a renewable plant-based raw material.
At Zentao, we use 100% natural soy wax without additives for our scented candles. Our soy wax comes from Sweden, where it is produced under strict quality standards. This means that every time you light a soy wax candle, you are choosing a product that:
- Is made from renewable raw materials
- Has a smaller carbon footprint
- Is not dependent on fossil fuels
- Is produced according to European sustainability standards
2. Vegan and ethical
Soy wax candles are entirely plant-based and therefore vegan. While beeswax candles are also natural, they are not suitable for people who want to avoid animal products. Paraffin candles are technically also vegan, but their petroleum origin makes them less attractive to conscious consumers.
All Zentao soy wax candles are 100% vegan and not tested on animals. For many of our customers, this is an important ethical argument.
3. Longer burn time
A practical advantage often overlooked: soy wax candles burn on average 30-50% longer than paraffin candles of the same size. Soy wax has a lower melting point, causing the candle to burn slower.
This means that although soy wax candles can sometimes be a bit more expensive to purchase, you ultimately get more burning hours for your money. For example, our 180g soy wax candles at Zentao burn for up to 40 hours.
4. Cleaner burning with less soot
Although air quality may be comparable according to recent research, soy wax candles generally produce less soot than paraffin candles. This means:
- Less black residue on walls and ceilings
- Cleaner glass jars that can be reused
- A tidier burning experience
Personally, as the maker of Zentao, I notice a big difference: paraffin candles give me headaches, while I can work with our soy wax candles for hours without any discomfort. Many of our customers with sensitive noses, autism, ADHD, or migraines recognize this; they can finally enjoy scented candles again without complaints.
At Zentao, we use cotton wicks and wooden wicks without metal wire, which further minimizes soot formation and makes the burning experience even cleaner. Our wooden wicks also produce a soothing sound (not overpowering), like a small fireplace.
5. Better fragrance dispersion
Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin, which creates a larger "melt pool" – the liquid wax around the wick. This larger pool means that fragrance oils are released better and spread more evenly throughout the room.
Our customers at Zentao often note that the scent of our soy wax candles feels more intense and natural than with paraffin alternatives.
6. Easier to clean
Spilled soy wax is much easier to clean up than paraffin. Because soy wax is water-soluble, you can easily remove spilled wax with warm water and soap. Paraffin, on the other hand, is much more stubborn and difficult to remove.
Our candle jars are also easy to clean with hot water after use, so you can reuse them as a plant pot or storage jar.
Local and handmade makes the difference
At Zentao, we go beyond just choosing soy wax. Our soy wax candles are:
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Handmade in Belgium
- no mass production
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Energetically charged
- made with intention and charged with reiki energy.
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Free from toxic additives
- no parabens or phthalates
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Packaged in reusable glass
- sustainable to the end
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Carefully selected fragrances
- we read all SDS (Safety Data Sheets) of our fragrance oils and consciously avoid toxic substances, so that as little as possible is triggered when lighting. Perfect for people with sensitive airways or allergies.
This level of care and attention is not found in industrially produced paraffin candles.
The nuance: quality is more important than material
Recent research shows that a well-made paraffin candle can be comparable to a soy wax candle in terms of emissions. The key words here are "well made".
The problem is that many cheap candles (whether paraffin or soy) are of poor quality. They can:
- Contain synthetic fragrances
- Use lead wicks (especially in old paraffin candles)
- Have chemical additives (especially the cheap candles in stores)
At Zentao, we consciously choose high-quality ingredients, regardless of the wax type. But the combination of quality and sustainability makes soy wax candles the logical choice for us.
Who are soy wax candles ideal for?
Soy wax candles are perfect for you if you:
- ✅ Value sustainability and environmental awareness
- ✅ Prefer vegan or plant-based products
- ✅ Want longer burn time for your money
- ✅ Want to support local and handmade
- ✅ Want cleaner, reusable candle jars
- ✅ Want to make natural, ethical choices
Conclusion: It's about more than just air quality
Yes, it is true that soy wax candles are not necessarily "healthier" than high-quality paraffin candles in terms of air quality. But health is only one aspect of choosing soy wax candles.
The real benefits lie in sustainability, ethics, burn time, and the overall experience. At Zentao, we believe that a candle is more than just a scent; it is a conscious choice for quality, craftsmanship, and respect for our planet.
Ready to experience the difference yourself? Discover our collection of handmade soy wax candles and find out why many Belgians choose Zentao.
Want to know more about natural scented candles?
- View all our scented candles
- Read about how to best care for soy wax candles
- Discover our luxury collection
