We live in an era where more and more people are becoming ecologically conscious and tend to turn to the consumption of various natural / organic products.

The commercial and marketing appeal for natural vegetable candles and in particular Soy Wax Candles is an ever growing trend the last few years. It has created an antagonistic market where manufacturers are trying to differentiate their products to gain a commercial edge from their competitors.

In such a market we have to be aware of mislabeling, ecological or natural statements and claims. We try to offer an understanding of such practices and to explain why organic candles do not exist.

What are soy candles exactly?

Soy wax offers a clean-burning alternative to paraffin. It is an entirely vegetable based wax that is environmentally friendly. Soy candles are made from soy wax, which is hydrogenated soybean oil. Soy is a renewable natural vegetable resource.

But what about the public belief and the truth in regards to the labeling and marketing of "Organic Soy Candles"?

Is there such a thing as Organic Soy candles or certified Organic Soy Wax?

The short answer is no. Due to the chemical alteration (hydrogenation) of the liquid soy oil to make it a solid wax, it is no longer organic and one cannot claim to have "organic soy wax" or "organic soy candles".

Even if the soy oil is organic before adding hydrogen atoms to it, the chemical process of hydrogenation renders the soy wax non organic.

The same applies to all candles derived from vegetable oils like palm wax, coconut wax, rapeseed wax etc.

Although it cannot be considered as organic anymore, wax derived from vegetable oils are still a natural, renewable resource and a healthier alternative to the petroleum based paraffin candles derived from a non renewable resource, crude oil, that contain toxic cancer causing air agents like toluene, benzene, formaldehyde

Lastly we urge everyone to always read the manufacturers safety labels, which give directions on burning candles, fire safety instructions as well as the origin and type of wax used.