Soy Wax Vs Paraffin Wax: 9 Points of Comparison

When it comes to candle making, the debate between soy wax and paraffin wax continues to divide enthusiasts and professionals alike. Each wax type offers distinct characteristics that affect everything from burn time to environmental impact. This comprehensive comparison explores nine key points to help you make an informed decision for your candle making journey.

1. Burn Quality and Duration

Soy wax typically burns 30-50% longer than paraffin wax. This extended burn time is due to soy’s lower melting point, which allows it to burn at a slower, more controlled rate. While paraffin candles might produce a more immediate and sometimes stronger scent throw, soy candles offer longevity that many consumers appreciate as a value proposition.

2. Environmental Considerations

One of the most significant differences between these waxes is their environmental impact:

• Soy wax is biodegradable, renewable, and made from soybeans, making it a more eco-friendly option.
• Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum refining, which is a non-renewable resource and carries a larger carbon footprint.

As one candlemaker noted in a literature review, they attempted to “prove” that soy wax burns cleaner than paraffin wax. While the debate continues, many environmentally conscious consumers prefer soy for its sustainability credentials.

3. Scent Throw Capabilities

Hot Throw vs. Cold Throw

The fragrance performance differs between these waxes:

• Paraffin wax typically offers a stronger hot throw (scent when burning) and is often preferred for highly fragranced commercial candles.
• Soy wax may have a more subtle hot throw but can provide a pleasant cold throw (scent when not lit) and tends to distribute fragrance more evenly throughout a space.

According to candle making forums, “While a paraffin wax candle can smell pretty much the same as a soy wax candle, the soy will always be of a higher quality and have a higher price point.”

4. Wicking Requirements

The physical properties of each wax directly impact wick selection:

• Soy wax typically requires larger wicks due to its higher viscosity. As one maker explained, “Soy wax needs a bigger wick since it is essentially a thicker sludge than paraffin. The viscosity of soy needs a bigger straw than something that contains paraffin.”
• Paraffin wax works with smaller wicks because it has lower viscosity and melts more readily.

This difference in wicking requirements can impact both the appearance of your candle and its burning characteristics.

5. Appearance and Texture

The aesthetic qualities of these waxes differ considerably:

Some candlemakers blend waxes to achieve desired properties. As one craftsperson shared, “I add palm wax to the container soy wax to help it firm up a bit. I just eyeball it at about 9 parts soy : 1 part palm wax. It’s still softer than paraffin but has better stability.”

6. Health Considerations

The health implications of different waxes have become increasingly important to consumers:

• Soy wax is often marketed as cleaner burning with fewer potentially harmful emissions.
• Paraffin wax has been the subject of debate regarding its potential to release trace amounts of chemicals when burned.

While scientific consensus isn’t definitive, many consumers with respiratory sensitivities report fewer issues with soy candles, making this an important consideration for candlemakers targeting health-conscious markets.

7. Cost Considerations

Price points vary significantly between these waxes:

• Paraffin wax is generally less expensive, making it appealing for high-volume production or price-sensitive markets.
• Soy wax typically costs 30-50% more than paraffin, which affects final product pricing.

This price difference raises an important question for candlemakers: “How important is ‘soy vs. paraffin’ to the average customer?” Many find that certain market segments are willing to pay premium prices for soy candles, while others prioritize affordability.

8. Melting Point Differences

The melting point characteristics of each wax affect both production processes and finished product performance:

• Soy wax typically melts at 120-130°F (49-54°C), requiring lower working temperatures.
• Paraffin wax melts at 125-160°F (52-71°C) depending on the formulation, offering more flexibility for different applications.

These melting point differences impact not only candle making processes but also the finished product’s stability in different environments.

9. Versatility in Applications

Each wax type lends itself to different applications:

• Soy wax excels in container candles and wax melts but can be challenging for pillar candles without additives.
• Paraffin wax offers versatility across container candles, pillars, tapers, and sculptural applications.

This versatility factor is particularly relevant for candlemakers expanding their product lines. As one maker considering branching into wax melts noted, the wax choice may need to be reconsidered for different product formats.

Conclusion: Making Your Choice

The decision between soy and paraffin wax ultimately depends on your priorities as a candlemaker:

• If sustainability, clean burning, and longer burn times are priorities, soy wax may be your best option.
• If cost-effectiveness, stronger scent throw, and versatility across applications matter most, paraffin has distinct advantages.

Many professional candlemakers maintain both options in their arsenal or create proprietary blends to capitalize on the strengths of each wax type. By understanding these nine key points of comparison, you can make an informed decision that aligns with both your values and your customers’ preferences.