You may have heard someone say that burning scented candles is bad for you. And while it's true that some candles are unhealthy, certainly not all are! So, wondering how to figure out which candles are safe and which are bad for your health? We've got you covered.

There are several types of wax that can be used to make scented (or unscented) candles. The different waxes range from paraffin wax, to microcrystalline wax to palm wax; beeswax to plant-based waxes such as apricot, coconut and soy wax. You may even see a few types of wax that are less-commonly use in candles in the U.S. such as sunflower wax, candelilla wax or rapeseed wax. The most common types of wax used in candles in the U.S. are paraffin wax, coconut wax and soy wax, with coconut wax usually being combined with either paraffin or soy to create a blend rather than used on its own. Most candles you find in a big box store are made from parafin wax, because it's cheap and abundant.

However, burning soy wax candles instead of paraffin candles offers several benefits, both for your health and the environment. Here are ten reasons why you should consider using soy wax candles instead of paraffin wax candles:

1. Non-Toxic: Soy wax is a natural, biodegradable material made from soybeans. It doesn't release harmful toxins or carcinogens when burned, unlike paraffin candles, which can emit harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene.

2. Cleaner Burning: Soy wax burns cleaner with little to no black soot, reducing indoor air pollution and preventing unsightly stains on walls and ceilings.

3. Sustainable: Soy is a renewable resource, whereas paraffin is derived from non-renewable petroleum. Choosing soy supports sustainable agriculture and reduces dependency on fossil fuels.

4. Biodegradable: Soy wax is biodegradable, making it more environmentally friendly when disposed of, as it breaks down naturally without polluting the environment.

5. Longer Burn Time: Soy candles typically have a longer burn time compared to paraffin candles of the same size, providing better value for your money.

6. Even Melting: Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin, resulting in a more even and consistent burn, which extends the life of your candle.

7. Better Scent Throw: Soy wax has a superior scent throw, meaning it can carry and release fragrance oils more effectively, filling your space with a pleasant aroma.

8. Easier Cleanup: Spills and drips from soy wax are easier to clean up than paraffin wax, as they can be wiped away with warm, soapy water.

9. Supports Local Farmers: Soybean production often supports local farmers and reduces the environmental impact associated with importing paraffin wax.

10. Cruelty-Free: Soy wax is vegan and not tested on animals, which aligns with ethical and cruelty-free consumer preferences.

While soy wax candles have many advantages over paraffin candles, it's important to note that the real quality and clean profile of a candle depends on all its ingredients including fragrance oils, wick, and production methods. A candle can use the purest 100% soy wax, but if the fragrance oils include endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) like phthalates or parabens, or the wicks are made with lead or zinc, your candle is not truly clean and safe to use, even if it's made from soy wax. Always check the ingredients and sources of your candles to ensure you're getting a high-quality product that aligns with your preferences and values.