The Ultimate Guide to Soy Wax Candles: Your Path to Wellness and Elegance

by Emilio Horton January 26, 2025

Hey friends, it’s Emilio! I’m beyond excited to share my love for soy candles with you and why they’ve become such a big part of what we do at You Me & Emilio. I’ve always believed in products that not only elevate your home but also promote wellness and elegance—and soy wax candles do just that. They bring comfort, relaxation, and a touch of luxury into any space. So let’s dive in and explore why soy candles are such a must-have!

What is a Soy Wax Candle?

Let’s start with the basics. Soy wax candles are made from soybeans, a natural, renewable resource. The soybeans are processed into oil, which is then hydrogenated to create a solid wax. This is a game-changer because soy wax is eco-friendly, burns cleanly, and doesn’t release harmful chemicals like paraffin wax. When you light a soy candle, you’re not just enjoying a beautiful fragrance; you're also supporting sustainability.

Soy candles are ideal for anyone who’s passionate about making more eco-conscious choices while still enjoying a little luxury. They burn longer than paraffin candles, so you’re getting more value for your money. Plus, the fragrances they release are rich and immersive—so you can truly set the mood in your home, whether it’s a cozy evening or a tranquil morning.

What is Soy Candle Wax Made Of?

The magic behind soy candles starts with—you guessed it—soybeans. Soy wax is a byproduct of soy oil, which is extracted from the beans and then hydrogenated to turn it into a solid form. It’s an all-natural material that is biodegradable and non-toxic, which means it’s much better for the environment compared to paraffin, which is made from petroleum.

What makes soy wax such a great choice is that it has a lower melting point than other waxes, making it burn more slowly and evenly. This helps your candle last longer, and you get to enjoy the fragrance for even more hours.

Which Soy Candle Wax is Best for Candle Making?

Not all soy wax is the same, so it’s important to choose the right type for your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular options and when to use them:

Golden Brands 464: This is my go-to for colder seasons like fall and winter. It has an excellent scent throw (meaning the fragrance travels well throughout the room) and a smooth finish. The wax is ideal for those cozy nights when you need that extra warmth and comfort.
Golden Brands 444: If you’re making candles for the warmer months, this is your best bet. It’s perfect for summer because it can handle higher temperatures without losing its scent throw or smoothness. This one is great for those beachy vibes or light, fresh fragrances.
NatureWax C-3: Known for its creamy texture, NatureWax C-3 holds fragrance oils exceptionally well. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a luxurious, high-quality candle that will fill your space with your favorite scents.

Each type of soy wax has unique qualities, so choose the one that fits your climate and what you’re looking to achieve with your candles.

Why Choose Soy Wax Candles?

Here’s why I’m absolutely obsessed with soy wax candles—and why I think you will be, too:

Eco-Friendly: Soy wax is made from a renewable resource, so it’s a great choice if you want to make a positive environmental impact. Plus, soy candles are biodegradable and don’t contribute to the buildup of harmful chemicals in the environment.
Non-Toxic: Unlike paraffin, which releases harmful chemicals when burned, soy candles are completely non-toxic. This makes them safe for everyone in your home—whether you have kids, pets, or just want to ensure a cleaner, healthier environment.
Long-Lasting: Soy wax burns slower than other types of wax, so your candle will last much longer. That means more time enjoying the beautiful scent and cozy atmosphere you’ve created in your home.
Amazing Scent Throw: Soy candles hold fragrance oils well and release them in a way that creates a stronger, more immersive scent. Whether you’re in the mood for something floral, spicy, or fresh, soy candles have a way of making any space feel inviting and warm.

Are Soy Candles Safe?

Absolutely! Soy wax candles burn cleaner than paraffin candles, producing less soot and harmful fumes. This makes them a much healthier choice for your home. Since they burn at a lower temperature and don’t emit toxins, soy candles are perfect for homes with kids, pets, or anyone who wants to create a safe, clean environment.

Plus, because they burn more evenly, soy candles don’t create the risk of hot spots that can lead to accidents. You can confidently light up your favorite soy candle without worrying about any harmful byproducts.

My Favorite Scents (You’ll Love These!):

At You Me & Emilio, we’re passionate about creating unique, high-quality fragrances. Here are a few of my personal favorites, and I know you’ll love them too:

Almond Blackberry Sage: A fruity and herbal blend that’s perfect for relaxing after a long day. The balance of sweetness and earthiness is simply divine.
Palo Santo: This one’s great for clearing your space and calming your mind. Palo Santo has a mystical, woodsy scent that’s ideal for meditation or creating a tranquil environment.
Forty: A sophisticated, elegant scent that blends rich vanilla and sweet bourbon. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Beach Wood: This fresh, ocean-inspired scent captures the essence of coastal breezes and salty air.
Mahogany Teakwood: A bold, sophisticated fragrance with rich wood notes. If you love something that’s both comforting and refined, this is for you.
No. 45 Bourbon Butterscotch: A warm, sweet blend that’s perfect for fall. Think caramelized sugar, creamy butter, and a hint of bourbon.
Black Orchid: Inspired by the luxurious fragrance of Tom Ford’s Black Orchid, this scent is rich, floral, and exotic—perfect for creating a high-end ambiance.
Coffee House: If you’re a coffee lover like me, this one is a must! It smells just like a freshly brewed cup of joe with a hint of warm vanilla.

Why Cotton Wicks?

I often get asked about why I choose cotton wicks over other types, like wood wicks. The truth is, cotton wicks give you the cleanest, purest burn and allow the fragrance to shine through without any distractions. Wood wicks can sometimes interfere with the scent and even create an uneven burn, so I stick with cotton for that crisp, clean experience.

Cotton wicks also burn more consistently, which means your candle will last longer and provide a steady scent throw. It’s all about that simple, elegant experience—just the way I like it!

Seasonal Wax Preferences:

A little pro tip: I like to use 464 Soy Wax for colder seasons like fall and winter, as it holds fragrance beautifully and has a lovely smooth texture. For the warmer months, 444 Soy Wax is a fantastic choice—it burns well in higher temperatures and handles lighter, fresher fragrances perfectly.

Beyond Candles: Unique Uses for Soy Wax

Here’s something cool I bet you didn’t know—soy wax has many other uses beyond just candles. Since it’s skin-safe, it can be used in a variety of ways:

Lotion: Melt a little soy wax and apply it as a moisturizer. It’s all-natural and perfect for keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Massage: Soy candles can double as a luxurious massage oil. When the wax melts, you can pour it onto your skin and use it to relax your muscles.
Wax Play: Soy wax has a lower melting point, so it’s perfect for safe, intimate moments.
Wellness: Lighting a soy candle is a great way to unwind and de-stress. Let the calming scent fill the room and relax your mind.

How I Make Soy Wax Candles

Making soy candles is such a rewarding process, and I love creating each one by hand. Here’s a quick rundown of the steps:

Melting the Wax: I melt the soy wax until it’s liquid, carefully monitoring the temperature to make sure it’s just right for adding fragrance.
Adding Fragrance: I mix in the fragrance oils once the wax is at the perfect temperature—this ensures that the scent is absorbed properly.
Pouring into Jars: I carefully pour the wax into jars, making sure the wick is centered so the candle burns evenly.
Inserting Wicks: Wicks are inserted into the wax and centered to ensure an even burn.
Curing: After the candles have been poured, I let them cure for a few days to make sure the fragrance is perfect and the burn quality is top-notch.

Join the Soy Candle Club!

Ready to try out new scents every month? Our Soy Candle Subscription Plan is a great way to save and discover new favorites:

Try new products every month
Save up to 25%
Enjoy free shipping on orders over $60

You’ll receive a new, handpicked candle every month and discover the latest trending scents!

Let’s Connect!

I’d love to hear from you! Visit our shop at www.YouMeAndEmilio.com to explore our handcrafted soy candles. Whether you're treating yourself or buying a gift, I promise you’ll find something special.

Thanks for letting me share a little bit about what makes soy candles so wonderful. Let’s continue spreading wellness and elegance—one candle at a time!

A big hug!

Emilio Horton