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Soy vs. Paraffin
The debate over
this issue has been going on a long time and will probably continue for a
very long time. The following information has been gathered from what I
could find on the internet. The choice of whether you prefer soy based
candles or paraffin based candles is an individual one. Below are some of
the different pros and cons of each type, as I have experienced them and
from the information I have been able to gather from the internet. I am by
no means an expert on this, but thought you might be interested in what I
have been able to find. At the bottom of this window I have also provided a
link to a website that provides a little more information on the subject.
The choice between soy and paraffin is ultimately up to you . . .
Issues:
Renewable Resource
Soy beans are a renewable resource, crude oil is not. That is a definite
plus for soy wax. Buying soy candles also supports
America’s
soy farmers, which is also a plus for soy.
Soot
Soy candles seem to burn cleaner than
paraffin, especially if you tend to be lax about trimming the wicks;
however, if you are diligent about trimming your wicks before you light your
paraffin candle, paraffin can also burn with little soot residue.
Scent Throw
In my opinion,
paraffin wins this one, hands down. I don’t know if it’s because soy
supposedly burns slower; therefore, it takes longer to establish a good melt
pool, which is what creates a good scent throw, or something else; but, from
the testing I’ve done, paraffin definitely has the stronger scent throw.
Clean Up (hopefully, this won’t
ever be necessary for you!)
But if it is,
soy wins this one, hands down. Unfortunately, I know this from
experience!! Soy cleans up with soap and water, especially with a grease
removing cleaner such as Dawn dishwashing liquid.
Toxins
I guess this is
one of the major controversies regarding soy and paraffin. If you talk to a
candle maker that makes exclusively soy candles, I’m sure you’d get an
earful about how dangerous paraffin candles are; and if you talk to a candle
maker that makes exclusively paraffin candles, you’d hear about there being
no substantial proof that soy candles are safer than paraffin candles. I do
believe that most paraffin wax produced for candle burning is made from a
food grade paraffin, which you can find in products such as chocolate.
If you would like to learn more, feel
free to travel to this link:
http://candleandsoap.about.com/library/weekly/aa041602.htm
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