Soy vs. Paraffin Candles: Which is Better for You?
When you’re shopping for candles, one of the most common choices you’ll face is between soy and paraffin. At first glance, they might seem similar—but the wax you choose can affect burn quality, scent throw, health impact, and environmental footprint. Whether you’re buying your next home fragrance or making your own candle at Wick: A Candle Bar, here’s what you need to know before you light that wick.
What is Soy Wax?
Made from hydrogenated soybean oil (a renewable resource).
Typically natural and biodegradable.
Burns cooler and more slowly than paraffin.
Often used in eco-friendly and clean-burning candles.
Pros:
Longer burn time.
Minimal soot.
Great for subtle, clean fragrance throw.
Better for the environment.
Cons:
Slightly more expensive.
Softer wax—may not hold intense scents as well as paraffin.
What is Paraffin Wax?
Made from petroleum byproducts.
Industry standard for decades because it’s cheap and easy to work with.
Burns hotter, which can make fragrances stronger.
Pros:
Strong scent throw.
Bright, vibrant colors possible.
More affordable.
Cons:
Produces more soot.
Not biodegradable.
Made from non-renewable resources.
Health & Air Quality
Soy candles produce little to no harmful emissions when burned properly.
Paraffin candles can emit small amounts of chemicals like toluene and benzene, especially if the wick isn’t trimmed or if they’re burned in poorly ventilated spaces.
Tip: Always trim your wick to ¼ inch and burn in a well-ventilated room, regardless of wax type.
Which Should You Choose?
It depends on your priorities:
For eco-conscious buyers → Soy is the better choice.
For maximum fragrance throw → Paraffin might win.
For a balance of scent & sustainability → Choose high-quality soy or a soy-paraffin blend.
Wick: A Candle Bar’s Recommendation
At Wick, we love working with premium soy wax because it’s cleaner, longer-burning, and lets our fragrances shine naturally. When you create your own candle with us, you’ll be using eco-friendly wax blends that smell amazing and are better for the planet.
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Want to explore soy wax for yourself? Book a candle-making session at Wick: A Candle Bar and create a custom scent that’s as unique as you are.