Why Soy Candles Are the Healthier, Cozier Alternative to Paraffin

Did you know the candle you burn at home could impact your air quality as much as living near a busy street? 😱 It’s not the cozy vibe most of us imagine, but it’s the reality with many mass produced paraffin candles. These inexpensive candles, often sold in big stores, can release soot and even trace toxins into the air.

The good news? There’s a safer, more sustainable choice: soy candles. In this post, we’ll break down soy vs paraffin candles, why soy is the better option for your health and home, and why thousands of Canadians trust The Scented Market to fill their spaces with clean, cozy fragrance.

Soy vs Paraffin: What’s Really in Your Candle?

Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct, derived from refining crude oil. When burned, paraffin can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene and toluene, which are linked to respiratory irritation, headaches, and even hormonal disruption.
Soy wax, on the other hand, is a natural, plant-based wax made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It’s renewable, biodegradable, and burns much cleaner.

Think of it this way: paraffin is essentially fossil fuel residue, while soy is a crop you could grow in a field. Which would you rather bring into your home?

👉 Explore our Signature Collection Soy Candle, hand poured, eco-friendly, and made with clean-burning soy wax.

The Health Benefits of Soy Candles

Switching to soy candles isn’t just an eco-friendly decision; it’s a health upgrade too.

Clean Burning: Soy produces significantly less soot, keeping your walls, jars, and lungs free from black residue.
No Harsh Chemicals: High quality soy candles are phthalate free, meaning you avoid endocrine disruptors found in some traditional fragrance blends.
Safe for Families & Pets: Non-toxic ingredients make soy candles a safer choice for households with kids and animals.
No “Candle Hangover”: Many people feel groggy or get headaches after burning paraffin candles. Soy candles, especially those with cotton or wood wicks, avoid that problem.

👉 Try our Fall Collection for cozy, non-toxic fragrances like apple, pumpkin, and chai latte.

Lifestyle Benefits: Why Soy Just Feels Better

Candles are about more than scent; they set the tone for your home. Soy candles enhance that experience:

Longer Burn Time: Soy burns cooler and slower, giving you 30–50% more hours than paraffin of the same size.
Stronger, Steadier Scent Throw: Soy releases fragrance evenly, so you enjoy a consistent aroma instead of a quick burst that fades.
Even Minimal Waste Burn: No tunnelling or wasted wax clinging to the sides of the jar.

In short, soy gives you more value and a better experience every time you light up.

👉 For maximum longevity, check out our Dough Bowl Candles up to 120 hours of clean, cozy burn time.

Why The Scented Market Chose Soy From Day One

At The Scented Market, self care and wellness are at the heart of what we do. That’s why from day one, we committed to 100% soy wax candles, no compromises.

Here’s what sets us apart:

Hand-poured in Canada in small batches with care.
100% soy wax with cotton or wood wicks no paraffin, no lead.
Phthalate free, paraben free fragrances or essential oils.
Vegan, cruelty-free, eco-friendly packaging (our jars are reusable and recyclable).
Refill program so you can extend the life of your favourite jars and reduce waste.

When you light one of our candles, you’re not just enjoying fragrance, you’re choosing a cleaner, safer, more sustainable way to make your home cozy.

👉 Learn more about our Refill Program and how we make sustainability simple.

Ready to Make the Switch?

If you’re curious about starting your soy candle journey, our Dough Bowl Candles are a customer favourite. It delivers up to 120 hours of clean burn time and comes in a handcrafted wooden bowl that you can repurpose as décor once the candle is finished. It’s cozy, sustainable, and long-lasting, everything a candle should be.

Or, if you’d like to explore a variety of scents before committing, try our Fall Collection Candle Sample Pack, 5 mini candles, each with a best-selling autumn fragrance.

Candles are meant to bring calm, joy, and warmth into your life, not toxins. By switching to soy candles, you can create a cozy space that’s healthier for you, your family, and the planet. Whether it’s a relaxing evening bath, a focus session at your desk, or a cozy movie night, let The Scented Market’s soy candles set the scene in a safe, beautiful way.

Back to blog