Are Soy Candles Really Non-Toxic?

Dec 7, 2024

By Jillian Walkowiak

Are Soy Candles Really Non-Toxic?

Common Candle Myths (and What Actually Matters)

Soy candles have been marketed for years as the “clean,” “natural,” eco-friendly alternative to paraffin. And while soy wax can be a better option than petroleum-based candles, the idea that “soy automatically equals non-toxic” is one of the biggest myths in the candle world.

Let’s break down what actually matters without fear-mongering, greenwashing, or buzzwords.

Myth #1: “If a Candle Is Soy, It’s Automatically Non-Toxic”

Not quite.

Soy wax itself is plant-based, biodegradable, and generally cleaner-burning than paraffin. But wax type alone doesn’t determine whether a candle is truly non-toxic.

What often gets left out of the conversation:

Many soy candles are blended with additives to improve scent throw or texture
Some blends quietly include paraffin
The fragrance oils and wicks matter just as much as the wax

A candle can be made from soy wax and still release unwanted compounds if it’s paired with synthetic-heavy fragrance oils, poor-quality wicks, or undisclosed additives.

Myth #2: “All Natural Candles Are Clean-Burning”

“Natural” is not a regulated term in the candle industry.

A candle labeled natural can still:

Produce noticeable soot
Release VOCs depending on fragrance formulation
Irritate sensitive airways if overloaded with scent

Clean burning is about formulation, not marketing language.

Wax quality, wick choice, fragrance concentration, and burn balance all play a role. This is why two candles made from “natural wax” can perform very differently once lit.

Myth #3: Coconut Wax Is Just a Trendy Upgrade

Coconut wax isn’t popular because it’s trendy but instead it’s popular because it performs.

From a formulation standpoint, coconut wax offers several real advantages:

It’s derived from a highly renewable resource
It burns slowly and evenly
It holds fragrance exceptionally well without requiring heavy scent loads
It produces less visible soot than many straight soy formulations

That last point matters. A wax that throws scent efficiently doesn’t need to be pushed as hard, which can reduce irritation and improve overall burn quality.

This is why many high-end candle makers (including The Smell of Fear) choose coconut wax as a base, often fortified with small amounts of soy or beeswax for stability, especially in warmer conditions.

Myth #4: “Coconut, Soy, or Beeswax Alone Determines Air Quality”

Air quality is influenced by the entire candle system, not one ingredient.

Factors that matter just as much as wax:

Fragrance oil formulation (phthalate-free matters)
Wick materials (cotton vs. metal-core)
Burn habits (wick trimming, burn time, ventilation)

Even a clean-burning wax can perform poorly if the candle is over-fragranced, improperly wicked, or if one practices poor burn habits.

At The Smell of Fear, candles are formulated with a coconut wax blend, phthalate-free fragrance oils, and lead- and zinc-free cotton wicks to keep that system balanced.

Myth #5: “Blends Are a Red Flag”

Blends aren’t the problem but undisclosed blends are.

Many of the cleanest, best-performing candles use thoughtfully designed blends to:

Improve burn consistency
Increase heat resistance
Prevent tunneling
Enhance scent throw without additives

A transparent coconut–soy–beeswax blend can be safer and more stable than a single wax pushed beyond its limits.

What matters is what’s in the blend and what’s not.

So… Are Soy Candles Bad?

No. But they’re not automatically better, either.

Soy candles can be a solid option when:

The wax is clean and additive-free
Fragrance oils are phthalate-free
The candle is properly wicked and formulated

Coconut wax simply offers more flexibility, cleaner performance, and stronger scent delivery, especially for candles designed to be immersive and atmospheric rather than faint background fragrance.

Why The Smell of Fear Uses a Coconut Wax Blend

At The Smell of Fear, wax choice is one of the most important choices made.

Coconut wax allows for:

A clean, even burn
Strong scent throw without overpowering
Better performance across different environments

In hotter months or high-heat events, sustainably sourced beeswax may be added for stability. Soy is used thoughtfully, not as filler, but as support for the softness of the coconut. Paraffin is never part of the equation.