Why We Use Soy Wax-Benefits and facts about using soy wax in candles

Here at Good Karma Products Incorporated we like to use soy wax for our candles. There are three primary waxes used for candles. These are soy wax, paraffin wax and palm wax. Candles can also be made of our materials including beeswax, tallow and Bayberries. Due to cost or other concerns these are less popular.

Paraffin wax is a petroleum product. As such it is obtained from oil drilling activities throughout the world. Paraffin wax has some intrinsic properties that once made it a very popular candle material. However, as an ingredient it has some serious drawbacks including potential health concerns. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has set a recommended exposure limit for paraffin wax fume exposure of 2 mg/m3 over an 8-hour workday. I understand that using candles in moderation you won't reach this. However, if you like to light up your bedroom as bright as day, then you probably don't want to use paraffin wax candles. That is our opinion, and what we do, so we utilized a soy wax. It is a cleaner burning wax.

Palm wax is derived from palm oil. It is a vegetable oil made from the palm kernel. It is generally grown in South East Asia. The increased demand for palm oil has caused massive destruction of some of the most sensitive ecosystems in the world. I have written an article about the current state of the palm oil industry: Why no palm oil? We have decided to not utilize palm wax until the state of the industry changes.

Our current products all feature soy wax. The soy wax we use is grown and produced in the United States. Soy wax is beneficial in a number of different ways:

• Burns Cleaner- There is no petrol-carbon soot from soy wax candles. There also no toxins, carcinogens, pollutants or irritants. Less bad stuff means less chance of any adverse reactions such as allergies. 
• More Economical-A soy wax candle generally lasts 30-50% longer than a paraffin candle. With a soy wax candle you get more bang for the buck. Also due to soy wax cost we can offer more for less. 
• Supports the US Economy-Hate to harp on the made in USA mantra but a trade deficit is just wealth flowing away from our country. Anything we can do to help stem the tsunamis is a step in the right direction. If I expect people to consider my business because it is made in the USA I need to do the same. 

Soy was has some other qualities that make it our preferred candle wax. It is a deliciously creamy wax. Plain white candles look amazing and other colors are rich and vibrant. It holds and throws scent well. When you have one of our candles lit is will look and smell great. It doesn't burn very hot so spills and other incidents are easier to manage. Mixed in with other oils you can make decadent and luxurious massage candles (product coming soon!).

That is why Good Karma Products Incorporated uses soy wax in our candles. Buy one today and put some light in your life.