Soaps: 5 for $40 | Wax Melts: Buy 5 Get 1 Free

Soy Wax vs. Paraffin Wax: The "Clean Burn" Deception

01 February, 2023


          
            Graphic of wax melts

Now that I've started selling wax melts, I wanted to provide some information on the wax I chose to use and why I chose to use it. Initially, I was inclined to use 100% soy wax, because I believed the common misconception about soy being a "cleaner burning wax." But after doing a little research, I found that that is exactly what it was - a misconception.

In the early 2000s, soy producers spread false information about paraffin wax being toxic in an attempt to boost sales of their own product. However, when the National Candle Associations of America and Europe asked for peer-reviewed studies supporting these claims, they were unable to provide any.

To clear up confusion and misinformation, these two associations conducted their own research in 2007 and found that all types of candle and tart wax, including beeswax, release the same amount of chemicals and toxins into the air. The only health risk posed by this small amount of particulate is to individuals with allergies.

You can find the results of this study here: https://candleseurope.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/2007_Summary-of-07-Okometric-study-on-candle-wax-emissions.pdf

It is important to note that no wax, except for beeswax, is truly "natural." Paraffin, soy (and coconut, for that matter) are not waxes in their natural state - they have undergone some form of processing to become that clean, white wax.

About My Wax Melts

Armed with this information, I decided on a blend of soy and paraffin. I wanted my wax melts to be plastic-free and since soy wax is soft and brittle, plastic clamshells are about the only way to package them. I needed a wax that would be firm enough to withstand being removed from a reusable mold, and also firm enough to withstand traveling through the mail to reach my customers.

The other benefit to using a blended wax is that the color stays true. Soy is prone to frosting and can ruin your intended colors and overall product design. I wanted to make a product that not only smelled great, but was pretty to look at. I was able to find see-through biodegradable vegetable starch bags that look and act like plastic to package my melts. And all of the glitters I use are also biodegradable, to avoid microplastics in the environment.

The resulting wax melt is called a "snap bar." This type of melt is very popular in the UK. You just snap off the number of squares you want to use and pop them in your melter. To easily swap out scents without having to clean the melter, just get some inexpensive wax melt liners like these.

Shop our wax melt selection here.