Are Soy Candles Safer than Paraffin Candles? Discover the Surprising Benefits of Soy Candles

Imagine a long, stressful day finally coming to an end. You're nestled comfortably on your couch, a good book in hand, and you decide to light a candle. The warm, inviting glow and the soothing aroma that fills the room undoubtedly enrich this tranquil moment. But did you know that the type of candle you light can significantly influence your relaxation experience, health, and environment? 

Candle lovers, it's time to talk about the surprising benefits of soy candles over conventional paraffin candles. These superior, eco-friendly alternatives offer cleaner-burning, longer-lasting scents and natural essential oil aromatherapy, leading to a healthier mood-lifting experience.

What are the differences between soy candles and paraffin candles?

Let’s start with the basics. Soy candles are made from soybean oil, a renewable source, whereas paraffin candles are derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. This fundamental difference makes soy candles a clear winner in terms of being eco-friendly, supporting sustainable farming, and reducing our carbon footprint. (And Mumu Bath is all about cleaner, earth-loving products for the whole family!)

How are soy candles better than traditional candles? 

When it comes to clean burning, soy candles excel. Paraffin candles often produce black soot that can stain your candle jar, walls, and even your lungs! (No, thank you!) Conversely, soy candles are slower burning and virtually soot-free, providing a cleaner, healthier indoor environment. This benefit alone can be a significant game-changer for asthmatics or those with allergies—really, for all of us who prefer to breathe clean air but love a cozy, aromatic candle.

As if we needed more reasons to love natural candles, another stand-out feature of soy candles is their ability to retain and release fragrance for an extended period. The lower melting point of soy wax allows the candle to burn slower and cooler, resulting in a more gradual fragrance release. In contrast, paraffin candles burn hotter and faster, causing the scent to disperse quickly and the candle to finish rapidly. With soy candles, you can enjoy your favorite aroma for longer, enhancing your relaxation time. Plus, you’re literally getting more for your money!

How aromatherapy can enhance your mood, cognition, & physical well-being

Now, let’s talk about the main reason you probably want a soy candle—the aromatherapy benefits. Mumu Bath’s soy candles are infused with natural essential oils to fill your space with delightful scents and boost therapeutic properties. Aromatherapy, the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences, has been known to promote relaxation, relieve stress, energize, uplift mood, and even support physical well-being. (You can read more about aromatherapy and discover which natural scents are best for you in this medically-reviewed article on Healthline.)

Take lavender, for instance. Its soothing, subtle floral scent makes it a popular choice for promoting sleep and relaxation. On the other hand, citrus scents like lemon or orange can invigorate and uplift your spirits, making them perfect for shaking off any early-morning drowsiness and encouraging focused energy. Then there’s eucalyptus, revered for its ability to relieve congestion and boost immunity. Clean, rejuvenating eucalyptus is commonly used to create a spa-like experience, and it’s fantastic in shower areas. Choosing a soy candle with your preferred essential oils can create the perfect atmosphere to align with your mood or desired wellness goals.

Not only do they smell lovely, but these natural fragrances also positively impact cognition, mood, and well-being. The olfactory system in our brain, responsible for our sense of smell, is directly linked to the parts of the brain that process emotion and learning. Hence, certain fragrances can evoke memories or feelings, stimulate creativity, or even enhance concentration.

Try our essential oil-infused soy candles for olfactory retraining after smell loss!

If you’ve experienced smell or taste loss from COVID, smell therapy with essential oil-infused soy candles may help! Light a different scent each day and see if you can focus and train your brain to pick up on the nuances of each distinct fragrance.

If you’re on a journey of olfactory rediscovery, let smell retraining therapy help restore your sense of smell after experiencing loss. This natural and effective method uses the incredible power of essential oils to awaken and stimulate your olfactory senses. From floral lavender to invigorating peppermint, gently inhaling a variety of scents will gradually reignite your sense of smell and bring vibrancy back to your world.

Smell retraining therapy with essential oils isn't just therapeutic; it's also a comforting ritual that brings hope and positivity along the path to recovery. (As someone who has gone through it, I can attest that life without smell—or distorted smells—is a challenge!) Plus, the rest of your household will enjoy the comforting candlelit fragrances, too.

Wondering which fragrance to try first from Mumu Bath’s Soy Candle Collection?

We have several natural scents to choose from, including the Emerald Collection: Cedar Sandalwood, Tiger Lily Lychee, Iced Lemon Biscotti, and Jasmine Neroli (each sold separately).

Or, try the Amber Collection: Earth & Sea, Mango Mango, New Yorker, Mt. Ali Taiwanese Tea, and Cherry Blossom (each sold separately). These chic little jars warm up any space with 60-70 hours of fragrant burn time!

Make your house feel like a home with Mumu Bath’s naturally-scented soy candles

Switching to soy candles from paraffin candles means choosing a healthier, environmentally friendly, and overall better candle experience. You can contribute to a cleaner and greener planet while enjoying a longer-lasting, therapeutic aroma that can positively affect your mood, cognition, and overall well-being. A win-win! It's a small change to make, but one that comes with big benefits. So, next time when you're in the mood for a cozy night in, remember to light a soy candle and let its natural, soothing aromas work their subtle magic.

Shop Mumu Bath Soy Candles