Soy candles last 50% longer than candles made of petroleum-based paraffin (store candles / candle party candles), the ingredient found in most candles. They also burn slower and cooler (helping to better distribute fragrance), are non-toxic, less likely to trigger allergies, clean up with soap and water, and produce very little soot. These factors tend to make them more animal and child-friendly than traditional candles. 

Soy wax is also a favorite of environmentally conscious consumers. Made from American-grown soybeans, it's a biodegradable, a renewable resource, and from a global point of view, it supports the U.S. economy and U.S. farmers instead of foreign oil conglomerates. 

Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is made from petroleum and produces carcinogens (cancer causing agents) and soot when burned. Soot from a paraffin candle contains many of the same toxins produced by burning diesel fuel. Even many of the seemingly healthy, aromatherapy candles sold today can do more harm than good. The popular gel candles, also petroleum-based, pose a danger if sufficient heat builds up, as the glass container housing could shatter.