If you burn candles regularly at home, you've probably noticed how quickly the conversation shifts to air quality. It's not just about fragrance anymore. People want to know what they're actually breathing in when they light that wick.

Soy wax has become something of a hero in this story. Walk into any home decor store, and you'll see labels proudly announcing "100% soy wax" as it's a badge of honor. But what does that really mean for the air inside your home? And is soy wax truly better than the candles your parents and grandparents burned?

Let's dig into the science, clear up the confusion, and talk honestly about what actually affects indoor air quality when you light a candle.

What Exactly Is Soy Wax?

Soy wax comes from soybeans. That's the short answer. The longer one involves a process called hydrogenation, where soybean oil is transformed into a solid wax that can hold fragrance and burn steadily.

Unlike paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum, soy wax is plant-based. This difference matters to the majority of people, and not just for environmental reasons. The source of the wax plays an important role in what gets released into your home when the candle burns.

Paraffin vs. Soy: What's Really Happening in Your Air?

Here's where things get interesting. When you burn a paraffin candle, you're essentially burning a petroleum byproduct. Research has shown that paraffin candles can release small amounts of chemicals like toluene and benzene into the air. These are the same compounds found in diesel fuel exhaust, though in much smaller concentrations.

Does this mean paraffin candles are dangerous? Not necessarily. The amounts released are generally considered low. But if you're burning candles often, in smaller rooms, or in a home with limited ventilation, those small amounts can add up over time.

Soy wax scented candles, on the other hand, burn cleaner. Studies comparing the two have found that soy wax produces far less soot and releases fewer volatile organic compounds into indoor air. This is one reason why soy wax candle manufacturers have seen such a surge in demand over the past decade.

What Really Affects Indoor Air Quality?

You could have the purest soy wax in the world, but if the other components aren't up to standard, you're not doing your indoor air any favors. Let's break down what actually matters.

• The quality of the wax itself makes a difference. Not all soy wax is created equal. Some manufacturers blend soy with other waxes to improve performance or cut costs. A reputable soy wax candle supplier will use 100% pure soy or clearly state what's in the blend. The cleaner the wax, the cleaner the burn.

• The wick is more important than most people realize. Cotton wicks are the gold standard. They burn evenly and don't release harmful metals into the air. In the past, some candles used lead-core wicks, which were eventually banned in many countries. 

• Fragrance oils are where things get tricky. Even in scented soy candles, the fragrance oils can be a source of indoor air pollution if they're not high-quality. Synthetic fragrances can release phthalates and other chemicals when heated. 

Common Myths About Soy Wax and Air Quality

There's a lot of misinformation floating around, so let's address a few myths directly.

• Myth: Soy candles produce zero emissions. This isn't true. All candles produce some level of emissions when they burn. That's the nature of combustion. What makes soy wax better is that it produces fewer harmful emissions compared to paraffin.

• Myth: Any soy candle is automatically better for indoor air. Not quite. A poorly made soy candle with synthetic fragrance oils, a metal-core wick, and additives can still compromise air quality. The overall quality of the candle matters more than just the type of wax.

• Myth: Black soot means the candle is toxic. Soot is primarily unburned carbon particles. While excessive soot isn't ideal, it doesn't automatically mean the candle is releasing dangerous chemicals. It often just means the wick is too long or the candle isn't being burned correctly.

What to Look for When Choosing Candles?

If you care about indoor air quality and you're not ready to give up candles altogether, here's what you should pay attention to.

First, look for candles made from natural waxes like soy, coconut, or beeswax. These tend to burn cleaner than paraffin. Second, check the wick. Cotton or wood wicks are your best bet. Third, consider the fragrance. Candles scented with essential oils or high-quality, phthalate-free fragrance oils are generally safer choices.

And finally, pay attention to the manufacturer. A trustworthy soy wax candle manufacturer will be transparent about their ingredients, sourcing, and production methods. They won't hide behind vague terms like "premium wax blend" without telling you what's actually in it.

The Bigger Picture

Indoor air quality is about more than just candles. It's about ventilation, humidity, the products you use to clean, and even the furniture in your home. Candles can certainly contribute to poor air quality if you're burning low-quality ones constantly in a poorly ventilated space. But when you choose well-made candles and burn them responsibly, they're not the villain they're sometimes made out to be.

Soy wax has earned its reputation for a reason. It burns cleaner, lasts longer, and comes from a renewable resource. But the real key to protecting your indoor air isn't just switching to soy. It's about understanding the full picture: what the candle is made of, how it's made, and how you use it.

The growing availability of premium soy wax scented candles from makers like MIAAKA reflects a broader shift in consumer awareness. People are asking better questions and expecting honest answers about what goes into the products they bring into their homes.