Scented candles have become the poster child for self-care and relaxation. They provide a fantastic ambiance whether you are taking a relaxing bath or reading a book. There is something about the fragrance and soft light of a candle that induces a sense of calm.
The increase in the popularity and demand for candles has led to the manufacture of various varieties of candles. There are candles made from beeswax, soy wax, paraffin wax, and gel wax. With so many types and sizes available, it may be difficult to know which ones to buy.
Keep reading to learn more about soy candles and how to pick out the best one for your needs.
Different Types of Candles
Wax forms the largest part of a candle so it’s the most important factor to consider when choosing a candle. Most commercially available candles are made from paraffin wax. This is because it is the cheapest type of wax available.
But many environmentally-conscious people avoid paraffin wax because it is a byproduct of the refinement of crude oil. Paraffin wax candles create soot when they burn so they aren’t the best option if a luxurious and relaxing experience is what you are after. If paraffin wax spills on your clothes or home surfaces, it can be impossible to clean.
Beeswax is another popular candle-making ingredient. It's the oldest candle-making wax yet the most expensive. Candles made from beeswax smell naturally sweet, according to the flowers that bees fed on to create their honey.
Other candles have gel wax, which is a mixture of resin and mineral oil. Gel wax is mostly used to make novelty candles because it is transparent and can imitate water and other liquids.
You can also buy candles made from soy wax. Soy candles are environmentally friendly but are more cost-effective than beeswax.
Why Soy Candles?
Soy-based candles are a relatively new invention as they came onto the scene in the early ’90s. They meet the demand of green-minded yet cost-conscious candle enthusiasts. Soy candles have natural ingredients but aren’t as expensive as beeswax.
They come in a variety of blends and melting points. You can get soy candles made from 100% soybean oil. But most candles have a blend of other vegetable oils and waxes. You may even find candles that are a blend of soy and paraffin wax. As long as a candle blend is more than 51% soy wax, it can be called a soy candle.
Soy candles are better than the other types of candles because they are natural and renewable. Because soy is biodegradable, you can easily clean any spills on surfaces or your clothes. Soy wax also burns cleanly for a longer time than the other types of waxes.
How to Pick a Soy Candle
So now that you know the advantages of soy candles, how can you pick the right one for your needs? First, you must know the purpose of the candle. You can buy candles for home décor, for birthday cakes, for sacred rituals, and even to repel mosquitoes and flies. The purpose of the candle will dictate the type of candle you buy.
If you want a decorative candle for your home, you’ll need to consider a shape, size, and color that fits in with your home décor. A set of pillar candles in different heights could make a great centerpiece for a living room table. Pillar candles can stand on their own but you may need a decorative heat-resistant plate to place them on.
For candlelight dinners, you can’t go wrong with tapered candles placed on candlesticks or candelabras. Votive candles provide a small light, so they are perfect for bathrooms or bedside tables. For a barbeque or casual dinner, you can scatter an assortment of tealights to sweeten the mood of your event.
Scented aromatherapy candles are a great way to transform a space. You should choose fragrances based on the feeling you want to evoke. Lavender, eucalyptus oils, chamomile, and sandalwood scents are great for bath time candles as they have a relaxing effect.
Candles with ginger, rosemary, peppermint, cinnamon, and citrus scents energize the environment. So they are perfect for living rooms, game rooms, home offices, and hallways. If you are looking for something sensual for a romantic night in, buy candles with champagne, rose, violet, vanilla, or ylang-ylang.
The number of wicks a candle has will affect its appearance when burned. Candles with multiple wicks burn brighter and emit more fragrance when burnt. But single wick candles also have their charm as their light is softer and cozier.
Another consideration you must have is your ideological beliefs. Do you want a pure soy wax candle or are you okay with a blend of ingredients? If you prefer to use natural products, you can get a soy candle that is only blended with other natural ingredients like beeswax or palm wax.
If you prefer organic, cruelty-free products you should also choose products from companies that espouse the same values. They should clearly state that their products have no chemicals and no animal testing.
Before choosing a soy candle you should also decide if you want to support local businesses by buying hand-poured soy candles from the USA. Many local candle makers make a living by selling candles. By buying their candles, you get quality candles that are unique, natural, and handmade locally.
Size of candle affects burn time so you can choose tea light candles for shorter periods and pillar candles for longer periods. Taper candles burn for between 2 to 8 hours. Pillar candles can burn for around 30 hours. Votive candles burn for 10 hours and tea light candles burn for 2 hours.
Choose the Right Soy Based Candles
Soy candles are a great way to transform your environment with their appearance, light, or scent. Claim your calm by burning an MS soy candle while enjoying your favorite self-care activities. For best results, charge the candle with a specific intention before you burn it.
For instance, if you want to relax you can say a quick prayer or declaration stating that you intend to have a time of complete relaxation before lighting the candle. Or you can also carve your goal on the candle using a pointed tool. For more information about the benefits of soy candles, read the rest of our blog.
