Are Soy Candles Really So Bad?
- Jun 28
- 3 min read
You’ve likely seen the question floating around forums and social media: Why are soy candles bad? Some blogs and influencers claim they’re harmful or ineffective, while others sing their praises as eco-friendly, health-conscious alternatives to traditional wax. So what’s the truth?
In this post, we’ll break down the most common myths about soy candles and explain why they’re actually one of the best choices for your home and the planet.
The Claims: Why Are Soy Candles Bad?
Let’s look at some common accusations people make against soy candles:
They contain harmful additives or aren’t truly “natural”
Soy farming contributes to deforestation and GMOs
They don’t smell strong or burn well
They’re more expensive with little added benefit
But are these claims accurate? Or is soy wax getting a bad reputation based on misinformation?
What Is Soy Wax, Really?
Soy wax is a plant-based wax made from the oil of soybeans. At Ivory Wild, we use 100% paraffin-free soy wax that’s clean-burning and biodegradable. It's a renewable alternative to petroleum-based waxes like paraffin, which can release toxins when burned.
Explore our full soy candle collection »
Let’s Bust Some Soy Candle Myths
1. Soy Wax Isn't Natural
This is one of the most common reasons people ask why are soy candles bad—they assume soy wax is heavily processed and not truly “natural.” While soy wax does undergo hydrogenation to become solid, it still remains a non-toxic, renewable wax without the chemical additives found in paraffin or gel wax.
✅ Try this: 100% soy candle with real lavender oil »
2. Soy Contributes to Deforestation
Yes, soy farming can have environmental consequences—but not all soy is created equal. At Ivory Wild, we use sustainably sourced soy wax that doesn’t contribute to rainforest destruction or GMOs. Most soy grown for candles is non-GMO and harvested under strict ethical standards.
👉 Want to shop sustainably? Our packaging is 100% biodegradable and plastic-free »
3. Soy Candles Don’t Burn Well
Actually, soy candles burn longer and cleaner than paraffin candles. They produce less soot, helping keep your walls and air quality clean. The slower burn time also means you get more scent hours per candle, especially with proper wick trimming.
🎯 Tip: Pair your soy candle with a high-quality wick trimmer like this for an even, longer-lasting burn.
The Benefits of Soy Candles
Let’s flip the script. Instead of asking why are soy candles bad, here’s why they’re actually a smart choice:
1. Cleaner Indoor Air
Soy candles release minimal soot and no carcinogens, unlike paraffin. This makes them perfect for households with children, pets, or allergies.
2. Eco-Friendly
Soy wax is biodegradable, renewable, and grown without mining or drilling. Our candles are also hand-poured in the UK using recyclable glass jars.
🕯️ Featured: Pumpkin Spice Candle – Cozy autumn scent in a reusable jar »
3. Better Scent Throw
With the right formulation (like we use), soy wax holds fragrance oil very well. You get a gentle, consistent aroma that’s never overpowering or artificial.
🥥 Try this: Coconut Soy Candle – Clean, tropical scent for summer »
4. Ethical and Vegan-Friendly
No beeswax. No animal products. Just pure plant-based wax and cruelty-free fragrance blends.
🙌 Enhance your eco-home with our handmade eco-resin candle holders »
To complement your soy candle experience, consider:
Glass pillar candle holders to preserve scent and style
So, Are Soy Candles Really So Bad?
No — they’re actually a fantastic choice for anyone looking to reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing quality or comfort. While you might come across critics online asking why are soy candles bad, the evidence suggests otherwise.
With cleaner ingredients, longer burn times, and eco-conscious benefits, soy candles are far from the villain they’re made out to be.
🛒 Ready to upgrade your candle game?👉 Browse our handmade soy candle collection at Ivory Wild »
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