If you have been wondering whether the type of candle you burn makes a difference to the air quality in your home, you are asking the right question. Here is an honest look at what the evidence says about soy candles and health.
What do candles release when burned?
All candles, regardless of wax type, produce some combustion by-products when burned. These include carbon dioxide, water vapour, and small amounts of other compounds. The key question is whether the amounts produced are significant enough to affect health in a normally ventilated home.
For most people burning candles occasionally in a ventilated room, the answer is no. Candles are not a significant source of indoor air pollution when used sensibly.
Soy vs paraffin: what is the difference?
Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum. When burned, it can release trace amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and produce more soot than plant-based waxes. The amounts involved in normal candle use are generally considered low, but they are measurably higher than those produced by soy wax.
Soy wax is plant-based and burns more cleanly. It produces less soot and fewer VOCs than paraffin under equivalent conditions. This is why soy candles are often described as a cleaner or healthier option, and the description is broadly accurate, though the difference in a well-ventilated room is modest.
What about fragrance oils?
Fragrance oils, whether synthetic or natural, can release VOCs when heated. This applies to all scented candles regardless of wax type. The key factors are the quality of the fragrance oil and the concentration used. Reputable candle makers use fragrance oils that comply with industry safety standards set by organisations such as IFRA (the International Fragrance Association).
If you are particularly sensitive to fragrance, unscented candles of any wax type are the lowest-impact option.
Practical steps to minimise any impact
- Ventilate the room: Open a window slightly when burning candles for extended periods. Good air circulation is the single most effective way to maintain air quality.
- Trim the wick: A properly trimmed wick produces a cleaner, more complete combustion with less soot.
- Avoid burning in very small, enclosed spaces: A bathroom with no ventilation is not the ideal place for extended candle burning.
- Choose quality candles: Well-made candles from reputable makers use quality wax and fragrance oils that meet safety standards.
The bottom line
Soy candles are a cleaner-burning option than paraffin, producing less soot and fewer VOCs. For most people burning candles in a normally ventilated home, the health impact of either type is minimal. If you burn candles frequently or are sensitive to air quality, soy is the sensible choice. Either way, good ventilation and a trimmed wick matter more than wax type alone.
All Victorian Candle Co. candles are made with premium soy wax and fragrance oils that meet IFRA safety standards. Browse our Scented Soy Candles or explore our Best Sellers.