From the experts at The Scented Market
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?
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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?
The Health Benefits of Soy Candles
Switching to soy candles isn’t just an eco-friendly decision; it’s a health upgrade too.
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Clean Burning: Soy produces significantly less soot, keeping your walls, jars, and lungs free from black residue.
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No Harsh Chemicals: High quality soy candles are phthalate free, meaning you avoid endocrine disruptors found in some traditional fragrance blends.
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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.
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:
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Longer Burn Time: Soy burns cooler and slower, giving you 30–50% more hours than paraffin of the same size.
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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 The Scented Market's Dough Bowl Candles offering 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.
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you’re curious about starting your soy candle journey, our Dough Bowl Candles are a customer favourite. Delivering up to 120 hours of clean burn time, they come 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.
Looking for something more traditional? Explore our Signature Collection Soy Candles, hand poured, eco-friendly, and made with clean-burning soy wax and housed in quaint 9oz and 16oz mason jars with silver lids.
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.
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Kristy Miller recognized a lack of healthy, beautiful soy wax candles in the industry and now makes and teaches how to choose a healthy candle, care for your candle and safety, in order to help others take some time to sit back, relax and enjoy the candlelight. While using the best quality ingredients in all products and also looking at the company's environmental footprint by offering reusable recyclable packaging, The Scented Market now has a jar return program at each store and also offers candle refills. Eco-friendly packaging combined with a self-care mission allows Kristy and The Scented Market's community to bring the spa home and feel good about it.
Learn more at thescentedmarket.ca