Why Soy Candles and Wax Melts Might Not Be the Healthiest Alternative
We sure do love to scent our space, don’t we? A recent report I studied indicated that in the United States alone, consumers spend over $3 BILLION annually on candles and wax melts. While that is a staggering number to be sure, it’s not all that surprising when you notice that candles and wax melts are sold in specialty stores, grocery stores, drug stores, home decor stores, department stores, and even hardware stores. And that doesn’t even include online sales!
Candles and wax melts are used for relaxation, home decor, to make a room feel fresh or cozy, and for gift giving. While the most important considerations tend to be aesthetics and scent, people are beginning to pay closer attention to what the candles or wax melts are made from.
Several months ago, people were asking us if we would ever consider adding candles or wax melts to our all-natural line of products. Personally, I prefer wax melts over candles because of safety concerns, and growing awareness of how “burning” affects my family’s health. I knew that paraffin wax melts were out of the question because of all the health concerns related to petrolatum. The next best option seemed to be soy wax, so I decided to do my research.
If you read my recent post about the dangers behind seed oils, you know that the word “seed” does not make the oil natural or healthy. There are studies indicating that “consumption” of soy is a great alternative to meat because it is plant based. Creating wax from soybeans, however, is not an alternative I’m willing to consider. Here is why:
Several of the studies I read say that anywhere from 94% to 96% of soybeans worldwide are genetically modified. Before the production process even takes place, the soybeans are not in a pure and natural state. In addition to genetic modification, the fields are treated with pesticides and other chemicals, including Glysophate – a known carcinogen.
Soy wax does not occur naturally. There is a mechanical process that separates the oil from the beans. As the refining process takes place, the oil is distilled with hexane, heated to several hundred degrees, bleached with chlorine, and then deodorized with boric acid. I would find it hard to imagine that soy wax would not contain these chemical components in its completed state.
Additionally,
Soy also contains isoflavones, which are estrogen-like compounds. Isoflavones have been shown to impair female fertility, lower testosterone and disrupt thyroid function and the endocrine system. While it’s not known how many candles or wax melts one would need to be exposed to for these issues to occur, it hardly seems worth the chance.
This research has led me to the use of beeswax and organic coconut for our wax melts. Our wax melts truly burn clean, as they do not undergo the same refining process as paraffin or soy candles and melts. We have even found that some “100% Soy” candles and wax melts contain a fair amount of paraffin when the waxes are refined together. Not so with beeswax.
Our commitment is to research, develop and create natural products that are safe, effective, and affordable for your family. All natural wax melts will be in our online store on February 16th, and include Ponderosa Pine, Back Country (a combination of woodsy essential oils), Lemongrass and Jasmine. Your home will have that fresh and cozy feeling you desire, and you will have the peace of mind knowing these products are safe!
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