In a time when the home has become a cozy cocoon where one can restore energy and feel safe, many people want to enter their bedroom, bathroom, or living room and light up a candle to create a magical atmosphere that calms and relaxes both the body and the soul.
However, with many options available on the market, from paraffin to coconut wax, manufacturers are lately turning to soy wax to create their candles. Soy wax offers many advantages, making soy candles a high-demand product worldwide.
Soy wax candles are a responsible choice for customers seeking a sensory experience that respects the planet and their well-being. Shop owners and buyers should know all their characteristics in order to market these products and drive sales.
Table of Contents
Candle mania
Why candle makers choose soy wax
Vegetal, green, and vegan
Slow and clean burning
Excellent fragrance retention
Family- and animal-friendly candles
Final thoughts
Candle mania
Candles are the protagonists of a flourishing and lively market, which started growing exponentially after the 2020 pandemic when people rediscovered their homes as a place to enjoy fully. Once associated mainly with Halloween and the holiday season, today candles are used by many daily and are also the subject of candle makers’ social media channels, entrepreneurial projects, and innovative start-ups.
According to Grand View Research, the global candle market’s value was USD 14.06 billion in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% by 2030. This success is driven by the hospitality industry (hotels, spas, and restaurants) and private consumption.
Candles embody the very essence of warmth. They evoke the past, convey simplicity, and are a way to express our personality and our taste in home décor and lifestyle. Some people enjoy collecting candles, buying them from artisans on Etsy or city markets; others prefer branded ones. Some choose their candles based on the scent and fragrances, others by looking at their jars or containers, and others by paying attention to the candle wax.
These décor items can be made of wood, porcelain, iron, or glass and can add a chic touch to any interior. However, it’s important to remember that the candle is consumed, so it must also be safe and, why not, sustainable.
This brings us to the rising popularity of soy wax, which has been recently preferred by candle makers and big brands thanks to its particular characteristics.
Why candle makers choose soy wax
Soy wax is a natural and sustainable alternative to other types of wax used in various applications. This material is derived from the processing of dehydrated and compacted soybeans. The oil of soybeans is extracted at the end of the processing and then turned into wax, which has a buttery consistency.
This vegetable wax has a variety of uses, but it is mainly used in cosmetics and candles because it offers numerous benefits for both the environment and the user. This makes it a real best-seller for both manufacturers and final consumers around the world.
Vegetal, green, and vegan
Soy candles are plant-based as they come from beans, whereas traditional paraffin candles are petroleum-based. As a result, soy wax candles do not add to the atmosphere’s CO₂ (carbon dioxide) level.
If a well-made soy candle is made from 100% soy wax flakes (some are a soy blend with beeswax or stearin, for example) and is scented with essential oils instead of chemical fragrances, it can be considered a true vegan candle. Many scented candles are made using paraffin wax and the so-called stearic acid, a dense substance derived from animal fat, which makes the candle solid. A popular alternative to paraffin is beeswax, which also cannot be considered vegan.
Soy candle wax has a smooth texture and is naturally biodegradable and easier to remove from materials and other surfaces than traditional paraffin wax: warm water and soap are enough to remove residues from jars, furniture, floors, carpets, or clothing.
Slow and clean burning
Thanks to a lower melting point, natural soy wax burns much slower than other waxes like palm wax. While soy wax may seem more expensive than paraffin, it’s actually more affordable. A soy candle can burn up to three times longer, sometimes even longer!
In addition, soy candles burn evenly and leave virtually no excess wax on the wick and the sides of the jar.
Soy wax pastilles burn much cleaner than regular paraffin candles because they do not produce as much black soot. Burning too many standard candles in a room can cause the walls and furniture to discolor or stain.
Of course, the wick’s quality also affects smoke production: only vegetable wicks, such as pure cotton or hemp, do not release harmful substances, while some wicks contain zinc, lead, copper, or other heavy metals.
Excellent fragrance retention
Candle-making soy wax has excellent scent retention in comparison with other types of natural waxes. It holds fragrance oils better, allowing for a slow and steady release of aroma throughout the space.
Aromatic soy candles release a much stronger and more pleasant scent than paraffin wax candles. Due to soy wax’s low melting point, there is a greater amount of liquid wax around the wick, and from this pool of liquid wax, the natural oils evaporate into the atmosphere without being affected by the excessive temperature characteristic of traditional candles.
Soy wax candles not only smell great, but they also have a clean smell that doesn’t cause headaches, which are typically caused by additives and chemicals emitted during the burning of paraffin candles.
Family- and animal-friendly candles
According to the American Lung Association and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, paraffin candles emit several known toxins, including some considered carcinogenic.
Soy candles are non-toxic because natural soy candle wax doesn’t overheat or alter, so they do not release carcinogens into the air. Compared to petroleum-derived paraffin, soy wax is much healthier for humans, pets, and the environment.
Final thoughts
Soy wax has become the preferred choice for crafting high-quality, eco-friendly candles for both businesses and hobbyists. As demand continues to rise, sourcing wholesale soy wax at competitive prices is essential for retailers looking to stay ahead. Alibaba.com, a leading provider of raw materials, offers a wide variety of high-quality soy waxes to meet every need, from small-scale candle makers to large enterprises.
Whether you’re searching for bulk orders or specialty blends, Alibaba.com ensures access to the best wholesale soy wax options on the market, helping businesses thrive in this ever-growing industry.
