5 benefits of soy candles

The scent of a delicious-smelling candle can evoke so many emotions. It can be welcoming, invigorating, calming, relaxing, comforting, energizing -- and so much more. Candles can evoke nostalgia, bringing us back to Grandma's kitchen or to the sunny barefoot days of childhood summers. But not all candles are created equal. Soy candles are the better choice. Here's why:

Top reasons to buy soy candles over paraffin candles

Soy candles are natural

From my point of view, natural is always the best option. Whether it's natural remedies for cuts and scrapes, natural cleaning products, or natural options for home fragrance like candles, for me, natural is always best. In terms candles, soy is the natural option because they are made from soybean-based vegetable oil, as opposed to paraffin candles, which are made from petroleum oil. Soy wax doesn't contribute to the Co2 levels in the air.

Soy candles burn longer

In essence, soy candles give you more burn for your buck. Although they can sometimes be a little more spendy than other types of candles, soy candles tend to burn slower and longer than other types (sometimes twice as long), making them more cost effective in the long run. Soy candles also burn very evenly, leaving nearly no excess wax behind.

Soy candles burn cleanly

Think about when you've had a candle and been left with a black film around the jar -- that's candle soot, and it's a sign that you don't have a natural soy candle. Candle soot can discolour the walls, curtains, carpets, etc. in your home, in addition to being unpleasant to breathe.

Soy candles are non-toxic.

The soot from paraffin candles has been shown to contain as much as nearly a dozen toxins. Soy candles, on the other hand, are made of vegetable oil, don't burn as hot, don't release carcinogens, and don't produce soot, making them non-toxic to humans, pets, and the environment. Because soy candles are non-toxic, the wax is very easy to clean as well, should any get spilled. Just soap and water will do the trick -- no harsh cleaners needed.

Soy candles offer better scent payoff

The entire reason we boy scented candles is for the scent, right? So why spend your money on candles that don't give off enough scent? Known as the scent "throw," the amount of scent that is given off by a soy candle is generally better than that of a paraffin candle. Soy candles have a lower melting point, which means there's more wax "pooling" around the wick, which increases the scent throw of the candle as the oils evaporate into the air. In addition, soy candles don't typically cause headaches like paraffin candles can, as a result of the chemicals used to create the scent.

I'm always looking for a great source for Canadian-made soy candles, and I've recently had the opportunity to enjoy some amazing candles from a small Canadian company out of Sudbury, Ontario. Joyful Home offers an extensive selection of soy wax products, from jar candles to wax melts. Believe me when I say these are some of the best-smelling candles you'll ever smell! My favourite is the Dark Roast Coffee scent (the perfect kitchen candle), but there are so many to choose from! Watermelon Slushie is the perfect, juicy summer scent, and Muskoka S'mores is absolutely ideal for our evoking that Canadian summer tradition! No matter which scent you choose, you are sure to love the candles from Joyful Home. They are 100 percent vegan soy candles, hand-poured with love right here in Ontario! The dessert-inspired scents will fill your home with delicious, non-toxic scents that last!

Tell them I sent you! Use the DISCOUNT CODE "Joy25" for 25% off your order. Comment below and let me know what scents you ordered, and which is your favourite!