Natural Soy Candles vs. Paraffin Candles: Which Is Better?

January 25, 2022

When you’re out shopping for candles, you may have noticed that two types of wax make up most candles: soy wax and paraffin wax. You might be wondering, “Which is better—natural soy candles or paraffin candles?” Allow us to show you why soy wax is superior.

Soy Wax Is Healthier

The first thing you should know is that soy wax is made of soybeans while paraffin wax is made of petroleum, the same substance that makes up oil and gasoline. In particular, paraffin wax comes from the waxy substance removed as a byproduct of crude oil. In contrast, soy wax is a hydrogenated version of soybean oil that is entirely natural and burns so much cleaner than paraffin wax. It releases far less soot and toxins into the air. This ensures soy wax candles are better for the environment and your health.

Soy Wax Lasts Longer

Another benefit of natural soy candles versus paraffin candles is that soy wax burns for much longer—30 to 50 percent longer than paraffin candles, in fact. While factors like height, width, and wick length will inevitably alter how long a candle lasts, soy wax will always last longer when compared to a paraffin candle of the same size and dimensions.

Soy Wax Smells More Pleasant

Because natural soy candles don’t give off the soot and toxins paraffin candles do, you’ll find that they have a much stronger and more pleasant fragrance. The soot and toxins interfere with the scent profile of paraffin candles, which partially defeats the whole point of lighting a candle in the first place. In comparison, soy wax burns much cleaner and allows the oil’s fragrance to really come through.

Soy Wax Has a Lower Melting Point

Paraffin candles have a rather large crystal structure. As a result, they require a higher amount of heat to reach their melting point. Soy wax candles lack this structure, and thus, they don’t need as high temperatures to burn brightly even in colder times like the winter season. This not only makes them easier to light and keep burning but makes them far less of a fire hazard if you accidentally knock them over.

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