Scented candles are an interior decor accessory that brings warmth and creates a pleasant atmosphere in any home and fills it with different fragrances. In the past, consumers used to choose their candles based on the scent and the look, and they didn’t pay much attention to the quality and type of wax.
However, times have now changed. Following the growing interest in health and wellbeing, as well as issues related to sustainable consumption, people all over the world are choosing soy candles for their houses and apartments.
Scented soy wax candles have become one of the main trends in home decor. In this article, store owners and buyers can find out why they should stock soy candles to leverage the hype surrounding this product and drive sales.
Table of Contents
The evolution of candles
Why consumers want soy candles
Better for people’s health and the environment
Natural soy candles smell better
Soy candles burn longer
Final thoughts
The evolution of candles
In ancient times, candles were simple sources of light and objects for religious rituals, but over time, they have evolved. Today, candles are used to create suggestive atmospheres and infuse rooms and furnishings with style. They are a product in a multibillion-dollar market dominated by the United States.
According to IMARC Group data, in 2024, the global candle market size was USD 10.5 billion, and it’s growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.03% to reach USD 16.3 billion by 2033. These impressive numbers are related to the evolution of the role of candles in our society and the symbolism they now evoke.
The first artificial candles date back to ancient Rome: they consisted of a wick wrapped around a stick covered with tallow, beeswax, and animal or vegetable fat. They were mainly used to illuminate spaces and move in the dark. Romans then learned to make scented candles for special occasions, adding essential oils, lavender, sage, lemon, or other natural smells.
In the Middle Ages, candles were mostly found in churches and the homes of the wealthy. They were made of petroleum and had a long burn time. It was the monks who created the first candle molds so that they could be produced more easily. The size of candles varied depending on the social structure and the importance of the ritual for which they were intended.
Contemporary decorative candles appeared at the end of the 18th century when scientists invented the first candlestick with an adjustable cotton wick, which allowed the height of the flame to be adjusted as needed.
Today, candles are mainly used as interior decoration, as a source of aromatherapy for daily rituals, and to celebrate special occasions. However, they are still an integral part of our history and culture and will continue to be appreciated for many years to come.
Why consumers want soy candles
Soy candles are made with soy wax (obtained from soybean oil, which is extracted from soybeans and then refined). This natural and completely organic product is zero-emission and ensures the candles can burn cleaner than traditional candles.
Thanks to their many characteristics and advantages over other synthetic products and natural materials, soy wax candles appeal to different consumer segments as a natural alternative. Soy wax makes the perfect candle to use during pregnancy, in the presence of children or pets, and it has a reduced impact on the environment and people’s general health.
Better for people’s health and the environment
Most jar candles we buy in stores contain parabens and paraffin, a by-product of petroleum that releases CO₂ when burned and contributes to global warming, just like the fuel of cars. The production and disposal of “cheap” candles not only pollute the environment but also subject workers to precarious working conditions.
But that’s not all: burning these natural candles releases substances that are dangerous to health. They can release toxins in the room and cause allergies, headaches, eczema, and asthma episodes. Some studies even show that pollutants and carcinogens in paraffin candles contribute to the development of lung cancer.
These are the main reasons many consumers shift from traditional candles to soy ones: they are clean-burning, sustainable, and green. They are also vegan, as no beeswax or other animal products are involved in manufacturing. Natural soy wax is a renewable raw material, CO₂ neutral, non-GMO, and 100% biodegradable, which contains no harmful chemicals in its dyes.
Natural soy candles smell better
Soy wax comes in a variety of scents and boasts excellent scent retention compared to traditional paraffin: It holds fragrance oils better, allowing for a slow and steady release of scent in the living space.
Soy candles release a stronger and more pleasant aroma than other candles because of the low melting point of this particular wax. Oils evaporate into the atmosphere from the area around the wick 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 usually caused by additives and chemicals released during the burning of paraffin.
Soy candles burn longer
In addition, high-quality soy wax candles can ensure hours of burn time as they burn at a lower temperature and more slowly than traditional scented candles.
That means your customers can enjoy them for a long time and do not have to buy new ones as often as they would when they buy paraffin or beeswax candles. Soy candles may be a bit more expensive, but in the long run, they turn out to be actually cheaper, especially for consumers who light them often.
Middle-sized scented soy candles have a burning time of 40 hours, while larger models can burn up to 70 hours.
Final thoughts
Soy candles are more than just a home decor trend; they represent a shift toward healthier, more sustainable, and longer-lasting products. With their clean burn, eco-friendly ingredients, and superior fragrance retention, they appeal to a broad consumer base looking for high-quality alternatives to traditional candles.
For retailers, offering a diverse selection of soy candles means tapping into a booming market driven by sustainability-conscious shoppers. Whether you’re looking for handcrafted soy candles, unique scent profiles, or bulk wholesale options, you can find anything on Alibaba.com.
