Soy Wax vs. Paraffin: What’s the Real Difference?

Soy Wax vs. Paraffin: What’s the Real Difference?

If you’ve spent any time exploring the world of candles, you’ve likely come across the great wax debate: soy vs. paraffin. In recent years, natural waxes like soy have revolutionized the candle-making industry, inspiring makers to rethink their environmental impact and commitment to renewable resources.

So what’s the real difference between these two waxes,and why does it matter? Let’s take a closer look.

Soy Wax: The Natural Choice

Soy wax is made from soybeans, making it both renewable and biodegradable, an immediate win for eco-conscious makers and consumers alike.

Because of its plant-based origin, soy wax burns cleaner and longer than paraffin, producing little to no soot. This means your candle lasts longer and your air stays cleaner.

Fragrance oils in soy candles tend to release more gradually, allowing the scent to linger longer throughout your space. However, soy wax can sometimes develop a frosted or cracked surface, a natural occurrence that doesn’t affect burn quality, but does give candles a more rustic, handmade look.

Paraffin Wax: The Traditional Industry Standard

Paraffin wax, on the other hand, has been the go-to for decades, especially among large-scale manufacturers. It’s derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale, which means it’s not renewable and not biodegradable.

Paraffin is known for its smooth finish and strong initial scent throw, which is why it remains popular in mass-produced candles. However, the scent tends to fade more quickly, and paraffin candles burn faster and release more soot than natural alternatives.

Outside of candle making, paraffin is also used in products like crayons, lubricants, and electrical insulation, underscoring its industrial roots.

Other Wax Options to Explore

The candle industry has expanded well beyond soy and paraffin. Today’s makers experiment with a variety of natural and blended waxes such as beeswax, coconut, apricot, and soy blends each offering unique benefits.

If you’re a new candle maker, think about what matters most to you:

 Sustainability and eco-impact

 Scent strength and longevity

 Aesthetic and texture

 Burn time and performance

Then, start testing different waxes until you find the one that aligns best with your creative goals and brand values.

Our Choice at Outer Cape Trading Company

At Outer Cape Trading Company, we proudly use 100% soy wax,specifically Golden Brands 444. After testing various waxes, we found soy to be the cleanest, most consistent, and most environmentally responsible option for our candles.

Each candle we pour reflects our dedication to sustainability, craftsmanship, and quality. We believe that a candle should do more than fill a room with fragrance, it should also reflect care for the planet we share.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned maker or a candle lover curious about what’s inside your favorite jar, understanding your wax options helps you make more mindful choices.

At the end of the day, both soy and paraffin have their pros and cons, but for us, soy wax stands out as the cleaner, greener choice that burns beautifully every time.