Soy vs. Paraffin Candles: Which One is Better?

Pros & Cons of Soy Candles

✅ Pro: Clean-Burning & Minimal Soot

One of the best things about soy wax candles is that they burn much cleaner than paraffin candles. They also produce less soot than paraffin wax when burned. Your walls and furniture won't get covered in black soot over time, this is because soy wax is non-toxic, it's a safer choice for homes.

✅ Pro: Longer Burn Time

Soy candles usually burn longer than paraffin candles. On average, soy candles burn 30-50% longer*. They're a cost-effective choice for anyone on a budget.

Source: Google*

Con: Affordability – Can Be More Expensive

The main downside of soy candles is that they can be a bit pricier than paraffin candles. Soy wax is more expensive to produce, and the candles need more care and attention during manufacturing. For those on a budget, this could be a factor to consider.

Con: Can Have A Weaker Scent Throw

While soy candles are wonderful for creating a calm atmosphere, some people find their scent throw weaker compared to paraffin candles. What does this mean?

Scent throw a term that describes how well a candle fragrance disperses into the surrounding air. It's the strength and reach of a candle's fragrance. Different types of waxes hold and release fragrance differently. However, scent throw can also be based on room size and ventilation.

There are two types of scent throw:

Cold throw: is the scent you can smell when the candle's not lit. This is a good indicator of how strong a fragrance is before it's burned.

Hot throw: is the fragrance that's released when a candle burns. This factor is more important when determining how well a candle's scent will fill a room. 

With soy candles, the scent is more concentrated the closer you are to the candle. These candles don't usually fill a room with a strong smell. This factor can vary depending on the brand and strength of the fragrance oils used.

Pros & Cons of Paraffin Candles

✅ Pro:Can Have A Stronger Scent Throw

One of the key selling points of paraffin candles is their stronger scent throw. Paraffin wax melts at a lower temperature compared to soy wax, so it tends to release fragrance oils more effectively. The result is a more potent, more noticeable fragrance throughout the room.

✅ Pro: Lower Cost

Paraffin wax is also more affordable than soy wax, making it a more affordable option for the average customer. This price difference is especially noticeable in mass-produced candles, where paraffin is the go-to material.

Con: More Soot & Pollutants

Unfortunately, paraffin candles produce more soot than soy candles. They can affect air quality in your home more dramatically than soy candles.  The soot and pollutants can be a concern.

Please note: These factors can vary depending on the brand and strength of the fragrance oils used.

Common FAQs About Soy vs. Paraffin Candles

Soy candles have been become more popular due to their eco-friendly and non-toxic qualities. Many people are now making the switch from traditional paraffin wax to soy wax for a cleaner, healthier alternative.

But what exactly sets soy candles apart from paraffin? Let's dive into some frequently asked questions to clear up any confusion.

How to Make Soy Candles with Essential Oils

Want to try making your own soy candles? It’s a fun, creative DIY product that lets you customise your candles with your favourite essentials oils. You can find plenty of online tutorials, such as this YouTube video to guide you through the process!