While food and exercise remain two of the most important lifestyle habits, it is also critical that we pay great attention to our everyday surroundings — the sounds, sights, and scents – since our environment has the potential of either improving or depleting our health.
Flickering candles provide beauty and atmosphere, and luxury scented candles may establish an uplifting, homely, or even sensuous vibe.
Candles and lanterns were our primary light sources even before the development of the light bulb. Candles are utilized as decorations, in rituals, and to emit soothing scents in today's society.
Scented candles make a great idea for gifts that are generally welcomed for nearly any occasion. In the winter, they keep us warm and snug, and in the summer, they may even help to create a fresh and clean atmosphere. There are several gift sets to choose from at Botanica Idea.
When it comes to candle purchasing, the fragrance and aroma should not be the sole consideration. Candles may be produced from several waxes, each with its own set of characteristics that influence performance. Paraffin wax, soy wax, palm wax, and granulated wax, to mention a few, can all be used to make candles.
All of our candles at Botanica Idea are made entirely of soy wax.
What Exactly Is Soy Wax?
Soy wax is made from soybean oil and is a vegetable wax. The beans are washed, split, de-hulled, and rolled into flakes after harvesting. The oil is then removed and hydrogenated from the flakes.
During the hydrogenation process, some unsaturated fatty acids in the oil are transformed to saturated. This procedure changes the oil's melting point considerably, turning it into a solid at normal temperature. The leftover flakes are utilized as animal feed.
Soybeans are the second-largest agricultural crop in the United States, after maize. The majority of the world's soybeans are farmed and harvested in the north side of the United States. In addition, Ohio is the sixth-largest soybean producer in the United States.
Why Should You Use Soy Wax?
Traditional paraffin wax is manufactured from petroleum and is non-renewable, whereas soy wax is made from ecologically renewable materials.
Not only are there environmental benefits to using soy wax instead of another form of candle wax, but it also burns slower than paraffin wax, resulting in a longer-lasting candle.
When all candles produce some black soot while burning, soy wax candles burn cleanly and produce less soot.
Another reason to use soy wax in candles is that it is a great scent carrier that does not require the use of chemical enhancers. As a consequence, you will have a well-balanced, true-to-scent candle at your home.
Why Do We Use Soy Wax at Botanica Idea?
All of the candles at Botanica Idea are produced using soy wax, as you may have guessed. Because soy wax is a natural substance, its production is entirely eco-friendly. When the wax is solid, it can be incredibly soft at times and as hard as a rock at other times.
Soy wax melts relatively at a lower melting point. The wax may melt clear and transparent at times, but it may also melt murky at other times. When purchasing a soy candle, all of this is normal and anticipated.
At Botanica Idea, we take pleasure in the quality of our goods and conduct frequent testing to guarantee that we are providing the highest level of service to our clients. We craft the best luxury handmade soy wax candles in The Netherlands.
Benefits of Using Soy Wax Candles
Candles give warmth and ambiance to your house while also filling it with a delightful aroma. They may enliven a cocktail party, add romance to a meal, or transport you to a faraway land scented with serenity and pleasure. That is why we light candles to commemorate special occasions and brighten any day. However, not all candles are made equal.
Different types of wax are used to make candles. Some are better at carrying smells, some are healthier for the environment, and some are plain harmful. Soy candles have several advantages, and they are the healthiest alternative for candle enthusiasts.
When it comes to creating candles or purchasing candles produced from soy wax, there are several advantages. Soy wax candles are more expensive than paraffin, but the benefits are definitely worth it.
Using soy wax candles offer a variety of benefits. 12 of them are mentioned below:
1. Renewable material
Soy wax is abundantly accessible and renewable since soybeans are widely produced. Other natural candle waxes, such as beeswax or bayberry wax, are more costly and have a limited supply. Soy wax candles are reliable and feasible for individuals who prefer candles manufactured from natural and renewable materials.
2. Offer long burning time
Soy wax burns more slowly and evenly than paraffin wax, resulting in longer-lasting candles. Even though soy candles cost a bit more, the fact that they burn for longer helps to balance the cost.
Many people believe that because soy candles burn at a lower temperature, the smell will remain longer; however, this is more dependent on the quality and quantity of perfume oil used in a specific brand.
3. Clean burning
Candles made of soy wax create far less smoke than paraffin candles, resulting in a cleaner burn. This implies that anyone sensitive to candle smoke will find soy wax much simpler to use, and the air will be cleaner and safer for everyone, especially small children and the elderly. Smoke damage to surrounding furniture, walls, and ceilings is also reduced.
4. Clean-up is simple
Because soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin, it becomes softer as the temperature drops. If you have a soy wax spill, you may clean it up with soap and hot water instead of harsh chemicals.
This is also a useful feature for candle makers since equipment can be cleaned in the sink under hot running water or even in the dishwasher.
5. Flexible and simple to work with
Soy wax is no exception to the rule that most types of candle wax are easy to work with. It is virtually as flexible as paraffin, and you can color and smell it just like any other candle. You can create unique forms and designs as well. Soy can be combined with other waxes, such as beeswax to produce unique combinations.
6. Candles made of soy wax are vegan
If you do not use animal products, you may find candle purchasing to be a frustrating experience. Animal products are used in so many different sorts of candles. Beeswax is derived from beehives, tallow is derived from animal fat, and some wax is derived from whales or dolphins. Soy candles are completely vegan, requiring no animal ingredients in their manufacture or use.
Soy wax candles manufactured from 100 percent organic, non-GMO soy oil are readily available. Soybeans are a renewable source of energy, and soy wax candles are completely biodegradable. Soy candles that are perfumed with organic and natural essential oils are widely used worldwide.
7. Soy candles are made without petroleum
Because paraffin wax candles are manufactured from petroleum, another motivation for selecting soy candles was environmental concerns. Choose soy candles instead of paraffin candles if you want to decrease the usage of fossil fuels and make a greener and eco-friendly candle.
8. Spa for your skin
Light your candle 30 to 45 minutes before applying tiny quantities to your skin as a skin treatment. In circular movements, lightly massage into your skin. If required, add extra. The result is incredible: your skin will feel refreshed and moisturized as if you have just stepped out of a luxury spa while still being in the safety of your own home.
9. Soy wax has a large scent dispersion
Let us face it, most of us are drawn to candles because of the diverse range of smells available. You have probably experienced poor scent throw if you have ever lighted a candle with a promising aroma only to find it rapidly loses its scent or the scent is dull and lackluster.
For a vegetable wax like soy wax, it has a good scent dispersion, and it can be combined with other waxes to increase it even more.
If you want a long-lasting scented candle, soy wax is a wonderful option, possibly even the best.
10. Better fragrance
Because the soy wax melts at a lower temperature, a healthier ‘wax pool' forms around the wick. The fragrance oils can vaporize more easily in this wax pool, releasing more scents into the house. Learn more about our fragrances here.
11. Non-toxic
If you are a candle enthusiast, you should be aware of the hazards of paraffin, a typical candle wax available on the market. Paraffin, a petroleum-based wax, is the world's worst candle in terms of health and environment.
Toxic substances are released into the air when paraffin is burned. If used regularly in enclosed locations such as bathrooms or dining rooms, this may induce lung cancer or asthma.
On the other hand, soy wax is derived from vegetable oil. It burns cleanly and emits no known carcinogens or contaminants, making it a better choice for your environment and lungs.
12. Soy wax candles- A perfect gift idea
There is not a single event when a handmade soy wax candle is not the ideal gift.
Soy candles are not only good value for money, easy to send, and compact to keep, but they also have mood-boosting characteristics, a luxury appeal, and a soothing, calming effect.
Keep in Mind!
While soy wax is an excellent product, as a customer, you need to keep your eyes open and check labels to ensure you are receiving a real soy wax candle. Here are some pointers for you to know that what is in your favorite candle:
Pesticides and GMO soy oil may be present in non-organic soy wax candles. Always opt for natural and organic ones.
Some soy candles are made from a combination of animal and plant components. Choose those which contain plant extracts only.
If your soy candle has ever produced black soot, it was most likely a combination of soy and paraffin wax. It is also conceivable that the wick is to blame, as zinc wicks might leave this residue on some occasion.
Cheap candles that claim to be made of soy wax should be avoided. Many of these dollar store finds are manufactured with a paraffin/soy mixture that has very little soy wax.
Because soy wax is a weaker medium than paraffin, chemicals are frequently used to harden it. If you have any questions regarding the additives, contact the candle maker.
Some candle makers add additives for fragrance and colors in their candles. Try to get your hands on soy wax candles that contain more natural additives, such as essential oils and vegetable-based colors. This information is nearly always stated on the label when this is the case.
The Ending Note
Soy candles are still a popular decorative element in many homes, even if we no longer rely on them for light at night. Whether you are entertaining guests for dinner or enjoying some me-time in the bubble bath, a soy candle may help establish a soothing vibe in any space.
Our apothecary style amber candle jars are particularly elegant, while our rose gold tins bring a charming warm glow to your house. The different sizes allow you to choose the right candle for the right room. If you have a large space, you will need our Amber Large candle or a composition of smaller candles. For the smaller rooms, our 150g Amber jars or Rose Gold Tin will be a perfect fit.
There is no need to be concerned about smoke as well as long as you are using soy candles rather than paraffin.
If you are worried about inhaling hazardous chemicals from burning candles, you do not have to use the false flicker option. Soy-based candles provide gentle, natural illumination while avoiding the hazards of burning materials like paraffin wax.
Instead of avoiding candles completely in the interest of health, try handmade scented candles made of soy wax the next time you are looking for something to light.