Are Soy Candles Actually Safe? The Controversy and Research

The Safety of Soy Candles

Scented candles can make a room feel cozy and inviting. The flickering light and pleasant aromas create an ambiance that relaxes the mind and uplifts the spirit. Soy candles, in particular, have grown in popularity over the last couple of decades. Made from soybean wax rather than paraffin wax, soy candles are often marketed as a natural, environmentally-friendly option. But are soy candles truly safe for you and your home?

The Soy Candle Controversy

The safety of soy candles is a controversial topic with arguments on both sides. Some claim that soy candles, especially those scented with essential oils or natural fragrances, are harmless. They say soy wax burns cleaner than paraffin wax, producing very little soot. And soy itself is a sustainable crop thats biodegradable and renewable.

On the other side, some argue scented candles of any kind can release potentially harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals into the air. These substances may trigger asthma attacks, migraines, or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Theres also a risk of inhaling airborne soot particles.

Do Soy Candle Fragrances Contain VOCs?

One of the biggest concerns around scented candles is their emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are carbon-containing substances that easily evaporate at room temperature. Common VOCs include formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, and acetoneall of which have been associated with short- and long-term health effects.

Soy candles are often scented with synthetic fragrances made from petroleum or essential oils derived from plants. Synthetic fragrances frequently contain phthalates, a class of VOCs reported to cause issues like:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Allergic reactions

Studies have detected VOCs like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene in scented soy candles too. However, soy wax itself doesnt appear to produce VOCs when burned.

Is Burning Soy Wax Safe?

On its own, soy wax doesnt raise too many red flags. It's made from hydrogenated soybean oil - no hexanes or other solvents involved. The production process gives it a very low melting point so it turns to liquid even at fairly low temperatures.

When burned, soy wax:

• Produces almost no soot
• Doesnt release toxic VOCs
• Has a self-extinguishing property to prevent house fires

These characteristics plus soy wax's biodegradable nature make it seem like a safer alternative to paraffin wax. However, adding synthetic fragrances or essential oils may introduce VOC risks.

Do Essential Oils Release VOCs?

Many soy candle manufacturers switch from synthetic fragrances to essential oils to appeal to the natural product crowd. But research shows essential oils arent necessarily VOC-free.

In 2016, scientists tested for VOC emissions from soy candles scented with lemongrass, eucalyptus, and lavender essential oils. They detected multiple VOCs, including:

• Acetone
• Ethanol
• Acetaldehyde
• Formaldehyde

The researchers concluded that switching from synthetic to natural fragrances didnt eliminate VOC emissions from soy candles. Further testing is still needed though.

Tips for Safer Candle Use

Candles made with soy wax and essential oils likely pose less risks than paraffin candles scented with synthetics. But for those concerned, experts recommend:

• Avoiding candles with added dyes, which increase soot
• Making sure the room is well-ventilated
• Keeping candles away from drafty areas to reduce smoke
• Letting the candle burn all the way to the edges to prevent tunneling
• Trimming wicks to 14 inch before lighting
• Placing candles at least 12 inches apart on a stable, heatproof surface
• Never leaving burning candles unattended

Who Should Be Cautious Around Candles?

While occasional soy candle use is unlikely to cause problems in most healthy adults, certain populations are more vulnerable to their emissions. Individuals who may want to exercise caution around soy candles include:

• Children: Young children's lungs and respiratory systems are still developing, so they're more affected by air pollutants.
• Pregnant women: Exposure to VOCs could potentially impact the developing fetus.
• Seniors: Older adults tend to have decreased lung capacity and may be more responsive to airway irritants.
• People with asthma/allergies: They may experience aggravated symptoms from soy candle emissions.
• Migraine sufferers: Strong scents can be headache triggers for those prone to migraines.

For high-risk groups, unscented 100% soy or beeswax candles are the safest options if you want to limit VOC exposure.

The Bottom Line

Based on current research, soy wax itself has a decent safety profile when burned. The risks mainly stem from whatever fragrances are added to the candles, whether synthetic or natural. For most healthy people, occasional use of scented soy candles likely wont cause issues if safety precautions are followed. But those with sensitivities may want to avoid them or stick to unscented varieties.

As with many products, from cleaning supplies to beauty items, the dose makes the poison when it comes to scented candles. Burning a soy candle now and then probably won't hurt you. But chronic exposure to their emissions may raise risks for certain individuals. Be aware of any symptoms you experience when burning candles and adjust your usage accordingly.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.