Are Soy Candles Non-Toxic? What You Need to Know.
- Dave Shillingford
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
If you’ve started exploring cleaner options for your home, you’ve probably come across soy candles marketed as a safer, non-toxic alternative. But are they as natural and clean-burning as they seem?
The answer: it depends.
Let’s break down the truth about soy wax, how it compares to other candle materials, and what really makes a candle non-toxic.
What Is Soy Wax?
Soy wax is a vegetable-based wax made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It’s become a popular ingredient in candles labelled as "eco-friendly" or "natural," largely because it’s biodegradable, plant-derived, and renewable.
However, it’s important to look beyond the buzzwords. Most soy wax used in candles is heavily processed. To extract the oil from soybeans, manufacturers often use chemical solvents like hexane, which can leave behind trace residues. After extraction, the oil is bleached and hydrogenated to turn it into wax.
Additionally, the majority of soybeans used for wax are genetically modified (GMO) and come from industrial farms that may rely heavily on pesticides. While these factors don’t make soy wax toxic by default, they complicate its "natural" reputation.
Another concern is that many candles advertised as soy are actually made from soy blends, often mixed with paraffin wax, a petroleum-derived substance that releases soot and potentially harmful compounds when burned. These blends are rarely disclosed on product labels.
So while soy wax has merits, it's not automatically a clean, non-toxic choice.
Is Soy Wax Non-Toxic?
When pure and used with care, soy wax is relatively safe to burn, but it’s rarely used in its purest form. Many soy candles contain hidden ingredients that can compromise their safety and air quality.
Here’s what to watch out for:
Processing chemicals: Hexane and bleaching agents are commonly used in soy wax production.
Soy/paraffin blends: These blends are cost-effective but reintroduce toxins associated with paraffin.
Fragrance oils: Many soy candles use synthetic fragrance, which can contain phthalates and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Wick materials: Wicks can be treated, bleached, or even contain metal cores if not properly sourced.
So, is soy wax non-toxic? Only when it’s 100% pure, paired with essential oils, and supported by clean-burning materials, which is not the case with most mass-produced soy candles.
Soy Wax vs. Beeswax: A Cleaner Alternative?
If you're choosing between soy and beeswax for a cleaner burn, beeswax is the gold standard.
Let’s break it down:
Wax Type | Clean Burn | Natural Scent | Purifies Air | Requires Additives | Renewable | Processing Level |
Soy Wax | Moderate | Neutral | No | Often yes | Yes | High |
Beeswax | Excellent | Light honey scent | Yes | No | Yes | Low |
Beeswax benefits:
Naturally emits negative ions, which bind to airborne pollutants like dust, mould, and toxins
Doesn’t require chemical processing or additives to function well
Possesses a naturally sweet scent and golden glow
Supports sustainable beekeeping and biodiversity when responsibly sourced
Has the longest burn time of any natural wax
Soy wax pros:
Renewable, plant-based source
Affordable
Slower burn than paraffin
Soy wax cons:
Highly refined and processed
Often blended with paraffin or additives
Doesn’t purify air or offer energetic benefits
Beeswax not only performs better, it also aligns more closely with holistic, non-toxic living.
Vegan vs. Eco-Friendly: The Ethical Dilemma.
Many people choose soy wax candles thinking they’re the more ethical, vegan-friendly option, but the full environmental story is more complex.
Beeswax isn’t vegan, as it’s produced by honeybees. However, when ethically sourced, it supports:
Sustainable beekeeping practices
Pollinator health
Biodiversity and crop pollination
Beekeeping plays a vital role in protecting bee populations, which are crucial to over 75% of the world’s food crops. Responsible harvesting of beeswax ensures hives remain healthy and unharmed.
On the other hand, while soy is technically vegan, its farming practices however can be damaging:
Mass deforestation in regions like Brazil to grow GMO soy
Pesticide-heavy monocultures that degrade soil and waterways
Loss of wildlife habitats from industrial agriculture
High energy use in chemical processing of soy wax
So while soy wax avoids animal by-products, its overall environmental footprint is often greater. For those choosing vegan products to reduce harm to the planet, beeswax may actually be the more eco-conscious option, especially when sourced with care.
How to Tell If a Soy Candle Is Actually Non-Toxic.
Not all labels are created equally. Here’s what to look for if you're considering soy-based candles:
100% soy wax - If the candle simply says "soy blend," that’s a red flag.
Essential oils only - Look for labels that specify "essential oils" rather than "fragrance" or "parfum."
Natural wicks - Opt for wooden wicks or unbleached cotton. Avoid wicks with metal cores or synthetic stiffeners.
No dyes or colourants - These can introduce unnecessary chemicals.
Transparent labelling - Reputable brands will clearly list their ingredients and sourcing practices.
Pro tip: If the candle is overly scented or gives you a headache, it's likely using synthetic fragrance.
Why Lily-Rose Uses Beeswax Instead of Soy.
At Lily-Rose Candles Co., we believe in intentional, non-toxic living, from the wick to the wax.
That’s why we’ve chosen to work exclusively with BP-grade beeswax, one of the purest and cleanest-burning waxes available. It’s minimally processed, ethically sourced, and naturally supportive of cleaner indoor air.
Every candle is:
Hand-poured in small batches in the UK
Infused with only essential oils, never synthetic fragrances
Crystal-charged to support emotional and energetic wellbeing
Packaged with eco-conscious, recyclable materials
We don’t use soy, paraffin, or fragrance blends, because you deserve clarity, not compromise.
Final Thoughts: Are Soy Candles Non-Toxic?
Soy candles can be non-toxic, but only when made with true transparency and clean materials.
Many mainstream soy candles are processed, blended, and fragranced with synthetic ingredients that compromise their safety. If you're truly seeking a candle for wellness, your best choice is one made from pure beeswax, essential oils, and natural materials.
It’s what we do at Lily-Rose: candles crafted for calm, with intention and care in every pour.
