Why We Choose Soy Wax Over Paraffin
Not all candles are created equal. Walk into any high street shop and you'll find shelves lined with candles that look beautiful but are made from paraffin wax — a petroleum by-product that comes with a host of problems. At Kimliboo, we made a deliberate choice from day one: 100% soy wax, sustainably sourced in the UK. Here's why.
What Is Paraffin Wax?
Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum — the same crude oil used to make petrol and diesel. It's cheap, widely available, and holds fragrance well, which is why it dominates the candle industry. But when paraffin burns, it releases a range of chemicals including benzene and toluene, both of which are known carcinogens. It also produces black soot that can stain walls, ceilings, and soft furnishings over time.
For a product designed to make your home feel cosy and welcoming, that's a significant downside.
What Is Soy Wax?
Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil — a natural, plant-based, and renewable resource. It was developed in the 1990s as a cleaner alternative to paraffin, and it's been growing in popularity ever since. Today, soy wax accounts for around 31% of the luxury candle market, and that figure is rising as consumers become more conscious of what they're burning in their homes.
Why Soy Wax Is Better
Cleaner burn: Soy wax burns without releasing the harmful toxins associated with paraffin. You get a clean, even flame with minimal soot — better for your air quality and your walls.
Longer lasting: Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin, which means it burns more slowly and lasts longer. You get more hours of fragrance from the same size candle.
Better scent throw: Because soy wax burns cooler, it releases fragrance more gradually and evenly, filling your room with a consistent, beautiful scent rather than an overwhelming initial blast.
Biodegradable: Soy wax is naturally biodegradable, making it a much more environmentally responsible choice than petroleum-based paraffin.
Renewable: Soybeans are a renewable crop. Unlike petroleum, which is finite and environmentally damaging to extract, soy can be grown season after season.
Why We Source Ours in the UK
We go one step further by sourcing our soy wax right here in the UK. This means a shorter supply chain, a smaller carbon footprint, and full traceability. We know exactly where our wax comes from and how it's produced — and that transparency matters to us.
The Bottom Line
When you light a Kimliboo candle, you're not just enjoying a beautiful fragrance. You're choosing a product that's better for your health, better for your home, and better for the planet. That's a choice we're proud to make — and one we think is worth sharing.
Explore our full range of 100% soy wax candles at Kimliboo Candles.