Why Tallow & Beeswax Candles Are Better Than Soy: The Hidden Truth About “Clean” Candles

Are soy candles really as safe and eco-friendly as they claim? 

Many people choose soy wax candles, believing they are a cleaner alternative to paraffin. But what if soy candles are harming your health and the environment?

At A Mama’s Apothecary, we believe in truly non-toxic, sustainable candles made from pure tallow and beeswax—without the hidden toxins or environmental damage of soy.

In this guide, we’ll break down why tallow and beeswax candles are the best natural choice and expose the hidden dangers of soy candles that no one talks about.

Are Soy Candles Toxic? The Hidden Dangers

1. Soy Farming Destroys Soil & Harms the Planet

Soy is one of the most environmentally damaging crops due to monocropping, a farming method where the same crop is grown repeatedly.

This:

✔️Strips soil of essential nutrients, leading to poor crop health.

✔️Requires heavy pesticide and herbicide use, including glyphosate, which has been linked to health risks.

✔️Contributes to deforestation, especially in South America, where rainforests are cleared for soy plantations.

Even organic soy candles still contribute to these problems because large-scale soy farming depletes farmland faster than it can recover.

2. Most Soy Wax Contains GMOs & Pesticide Residues

Over 90% of the world’s soy is genetically modified (GMO) and sprayed with toxic pesticides. When soy wax is burned, residues of these chemicals may be released into the air, affecting indoor air quality.

While some brands claim to use organic soy wax, cross-contamination from GMO crops is almost unavoidable due to modern agricultural practices.

3. Soy Wax Isn’t as “Pure” as You Think

Soy wax isn’t naturally solid—it starts as a liquid oil and undergoes chemical hydrogenation to become candle wax.

This process often involves:

❌ Heavy metal catalysts like nickel.

❌ Chemical bleaching and deodorizing to remove the natural soy smell.

❌ Blending with paraffin (a petroleum byproduct) to improve burn quality.

Many "100% soy wax" candles actually contain hidden synthetic ingredients—making them far from natural or non-toxic.

Why Tallow & Beeswax Candles Are the Best Non-Toxic Alternative

If you’re looking for a truly safe, sustainable, and chemical-free candle, beeswax and tallow are the best natural alternatives.

1. 100% Natural & Non-Toxic

Unlike soy, tallow and beeswax require no chemical processing.

They are:

✨ Completely natural & biodegradable.

✨ Free from GMOs, pesticides, and artificial additives.

✨ Safe to burn indoors without releasing toxic fumes.

2. Tallow & Beeswax Candles Purify the Air

One of the most unique benefits of beeswax candles is that they emit negative ions, which:

✅ Help neutralize airborne pollutants, allergens, and dust.

✅ Improve air quality—perfect for asthma or allergy sufferers.

Tallow burns at a low temperature, creating a calm, steady glow with minimal soot—making it perfect for a pure, non-toxic candle experience.

3. More Sustainable Than Soy Candles

Both tallow and beeswax are byproducts of ethical, regenerative farming practices. Unlike soy, they don’t require mass deforestation or soil depletion.

• Beeswax is harvested as a natural byproduct of honey production.

• Tallow is a zero-waste byproduct of grass-fed farming, meaning it repurposes a resource that would otherwise go to waste.

4. Longer Burn Time = More Value

Beeswax and tallow candles burn slower and last longer than soy, making them a better investment.

• Beeswax candles burn twice as long as soy.

• Tallow burns at a lower temperature, ensuring an even, drip-free burn.

5. A Naturally Beautiful Scent

Unlike soy candles, which often contain synthetic fragrances, beeswax and tallow candles have a gentle, natural aroma:

• Beeswax candles release a soft, honey-like scent.

• Tallow candles have a neutral scent, making them perfect for essential oil infusions.

The Verdict: Tallow & Beeswax Candles Are the Best Non-Toxic Choice

Soy candles may seem like a better option than paraffin, but their environmental and health risks make them far from "clean." 

If you want the best eco-friendly, non-toxic candle, beeswax and tallow are the superior choice.

Why Choose A Mama’s Apothecary Candles?

✔️ Made with 100% pure tallow & beeswax—no soy, paraffin, or chemicals.

✔️Sustainably sourced & handcrafted for a clean, long-lasting burn.

✔️ Safe for your home, good for the environment, and truly non-toxic.