Soy wax is a 100% natural wax derived from the vegetable soybeans. Being the 'green' alternative to paraffin waxes, soy wax used in candles are the more renewable and sustainable wax source, and thus more eco-friendly. In contrast, paraffin wax is the byproduct of the oil purification process from petroleum, coal, or oil shale and is non-renewable in nature. Soy wax burns relatively cleanly as opposed to paraffin based waxes. This means that they produce visibly less soot while being burned. In addition, paraffin waxes are also criticised to release non-visible harmful chemicals when burnt. Most traditional paraffin wax candles also include additives that enhance the look, feel or scent performance of the candles. Soy wax is already an excellent fragrance carrier and does not require chemical amplifiers.