Soy candles are cleaner and safer? Think again.

Soy candles—they sound like the eco-friendly alternative, right? But here’s the tea: soy isn’t as clean or green as the marketing makes it sound.

First, let’s talk about where soy comes from.

The majority of the world’s soybeans are grown in the U.S., and over 90% of those soybeans are genetically modified. On top of that, soybean farming is a major contributor to deforestation. It’s estimated that 280 million acres were used to produce soy in just one year—that’s an area roughly the size of France, Germany, and the UK combined.

And it doesn’t stop there.

Soy wax doesn’t just magically appear in the creamy flakes you see on social media. It has to be processed—chemically. Soy wax undergoes a series of chemical treatments to turn it from a raw material into the smooth, burnable wax used in candles.

Not exactly the “natural” process you might have been led to believe.

Shipping is another issue. Most soy is grown in the U.S. and has to be transported globally, increasing its carbon footprint. So if you’re looking for a truly eco-friendly option, soy might not be the shining green beacon it’s made out to be.

At No Common Scents, we use coconut soy wax because it’s more sustainable, luxurious, and less chemically processed. It’s not perfect, but it’s a better option for you and for the planet.