Last week, I discussed my unusual high school job: pouring beeswax candles at a Greek Orthodox Convent! Read about the healing properties of beeswax candles and the dangers of paraffin candles here. Did you know, for example, that many people find burning beeswax candles an effective treatment for allergies?
Soy vs. Beeswax Candles
Hands down, beeswax candles win the competition. They can effectively reduce allergies, asthma, and hay fever by releasing negative ions into the air. Although soy candles don’t boast medicinal properties, soy is clearly a better choice that paraffin candles… sometimes (read why paraffin candles are so dangerous here). There is a catch…
In the U.S., the term “pure” on a label means only 51% of an ingredient (and that goes for food, too). Companies sell both “pure” beeswax candles and “pure” soy candle, which contain a combination of 51% beeswax/soy wax and 49% toxic paraffin. Look for the key phrase “100% Pure Beeswax” or “100% Soy” on candles.
But even 100% soy candles have some significant problems:
Soy candles contain paraffin
Interestingly, even a 100% soy wax candle must be processed with a small amount of paraffin. Potentially, burning a 100% soy candle will release small amounts of the carcinogens and toxins found in paraffin. Again, most soy candles on the market are not 100% soy, and contain a high percentage of poisonous paraffin.
Soy candles often contain fragrances and dyes
Additionally, many soy candles contain the same poisonous dyes and fragrances added to paraffin candles. (Granted, some low quality beeswax candles are dyed and fragranced, too, and they do not offer the healing benefits of 100% pure beeswax candles.) Interestingly, essential oils are not safe options for candle fragrances, either. A soy or beeswax candle scented with essential oils will release toxins, since combustion changes the molecular structure of these oils.
100% pure beeswax candles require no added fragrances or dyes, because the pollen and honey content of the wax offer a natural orange color and light, sweet fragrance.
Soy candles pose environmental concerns
More than 90% of soy is genetically modified! GM soy crops are heavily sprayed with toxic pesticides, causing harm to both the harvesters and the soil. So if you are buying soy candles, chances are you are supporting the production of GMO’s–which devastate our environment and our health.
Price: A Deal Breaker for Some
When you buy paraffin candles, you are spending money to poison your home. Beeswax candles, like I discussed, are a healing investment and worth the higher price tag. Soy candles–even 100% pure soy candles–cost significantly less than beeswax. Those who want a more affordable alternative to paraffin often go with soy candles. Although this is a personal decision, but I would rather go candle-free than settle for anything less than 100% beeswax.
Where do I get the beeswax candles?
Please read the UPDATE section on my beeswax candles post.
Questions about wicks or making your own candles? Please refer to that post, too.
We sell clean-burning 100% organic aromatherapy candles that are as pure and as close to nature as it gets.
Each and every one of our candles is meticulously handcrafted and hand poured from pure certified organic beeswax, blended with only the highest quality certified organic essential oils, and feature a custom hand-braided organic hemp fiber wick.
You should come visit us at https://www.mosschandlers.com/buy-safe-non-toxic-organic-scented-beeswax-aromatherapy-candles
We sell clean-burning 100% organic aromatherapy candles that are as pure and as close to nature as it gets.
Each and every one of our candles is meticulously handcrafted and hand poured from pure certified organic beeswax, blended with only the highest quality certified organic essential oils, and feature a custom hand-braided organic hemp fiber wick.
You should come visit us at https://www.mosschandlers.com/buy-organic-scented-beeswax-aromatherapy-candles
Hi, great article! Would you be able to share the sources of beeswax capability of cleansing air by negative ions and offering relief for asthma or breathing issues? I´ve searched the internet but
couldn´t find any and would be indeed interesting to have it. Thanks much!
Is the soy wax also dangerous in terms of containing the toxins that soy bean processing generates?
What exactly is a negative ion? Have these claims been independently tested? Have any studies been published in a peer-reviewed journal?
Below is a “laymen’s terms” article explaining about positive and negative ions as well as the harm of scented candles. The other 2 are scientific journals
https://wellnessmama.com/22656/dont-use-scented-candles/
https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_record_report.cfm?dirEntryId=20899
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0032645/
I think this article may be biased. I haven’t found any other sites citing 100% soy candles as being carcinogenic.
I found other articles and research on it from a chemistry student at Clark. Paraffin is a bi product of petroleum. Toxic to burn. It’s definitely tricky sifting through bad info and marketing sites.
I’m curious how you source 100% certified organic Beeswax considering given the nature of Bees and the distance they travel, how a producing and harvested hive can be verified organic. Additionally how would address ethical and sustainably harvesting wax upon an already struggling bee population? And lastly, can you go into deeper explain action of the use of organic essential oils in Candles and how they become toxic.
I’m curious about this as well. Have you found anything?
Hello,
Where are your references for the claims you are making? Which scientific journals did you use? I would like to look them up for further reading.
Thanks
Below is a “laymen’s terms” article explaining about positive and negative ions as well as the harm of scented candles. The other 2 are scientific journals
https://wellnessmama.com/22656/dont-use-scented-candles/
https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_record_report.cfm?dirEntryId=20899
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0032645/
Why haven’t you answered any of the questions above about your claims? Makes me think you don’t really know the correct answer.
Devil’s advocate: why haven’t you answered the question? It’s ok to not know the answers. Maybe she’s doing some thorough research. Maybe she’s really sick. But then why didn’t she respond saying she’d get back to us with an answer?
How do you dispute someone’s experiences? You can’t. Just because you dont know an answer/it’s hard to find doesn’t mean there isn’t one.
Go to a university and talk to a professor. They’d at least be able to point you in the direction of a peer-evaluated journal.
Now I’m curious cause I love scented candles!
Below is a “laymen’s terms” article explaining about positive and negative ions as well as the harm of scented candles. The other 2 are scientific journals
https://wellnessmama.com/22656/dont-use-scented-candles/
https://cfpub.epa.gov/si/si_public_record_report.cfm?dirEntryId=20899
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0032645/