The Benefits of Soy Wax; How to Tell the Difference Between Natural Wax and Paraffin

When it comes to choosing the best candle for your home, soy wax has become a popular choice. But why is it so widely loved, and how do you know if your candle is made from natural wax or paraffin? Let’s dive into the benefits of soy wax and explore how you can tell the difference between natural wax and paraffin to make a more informed decision.

What is Soy Wax?

Soy wax is a natural wax made from the oil of soybeans, making it a plant-based alternative to traditional waxes. Unlike paraffin, which is a petroleum byproduct, soy wax is a renewable, biodegradable resource. It is used in a wide variety of candles, particularly those made with a focus on sustainability and healthier living.

Benefits of Soy Wax

1. Cleaner Burn

   One of the most significant benefits of soy wax is that it burns cleaner than paraffin wax. Paraffin candles can release harmful toxins, such as toluene and benzene, when burned, which may contribute to indoor air pollution. In contrast, soy wax produces little to no soot, making it a safer and cleaner option for your home. This means fewer particles in the air and a healthier environment for you and your family.

2. Longer Burn Time

   Soy wax candles have a lower melting point than paraffin candles, which means they burn slower and last longer. This makes soy candles a better value overall because they burn for a longer period of time, allowing you to enjoy their fragrance and soothing glow for much longer.

   • Soy wax can burn 50% longer than paraffin wax, which is a great benefit if you're lighting candles frequently.

3. Better Fragrance Distribution

   Soy wax holds and releases fragrance better than paraffin. Its lower melting point allows the fragrance to be distributed more evenly throughout the room. When you burn a soy wax candle, you’ll notice a more consistent and long-lasting scent throw, making your home smell wonderful without overwhelming the space.

4. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

   Soy wax is a renewable resource, which makes it a more sustainable option than paraffin, which is derived from non-renewable petroleum. By using soy wax candles, you are choosing a more eco-friendly product that is biodegradable, reducing your carbon footprint. Soy wax is also generally free from harmful additives, making it a cleaner and safer choice for both you and the environment.

5. Non-Toxic

   Since soy wax is derived from a natural plant-based source, it is non-toxic. Paraffin candles, on the other hand, can release harmful chemicals when burned. This makes soy wax a great option for homes with children, pets, or anyone concerned about indoor air quality.

6. Vegan-Friendly and Cruelty-Free

   As a plant-based wax, soy wax is vegan and cruelty-free, unlike some other waxes that may be animal-derived. Choosing soy wax products supports ethical, cruelty-free practices.

How to Tell the Difference Between Natural Wax and Paraffin

Now that you know why soy wax is a superior choice, it’s important to understand how to distinguish between natural waxes (like soy) and paraffin wax.

1. Appearance and Texture

   • Soy Wax: Soy wax tends to have a matte finish and can sometimes appear slightly rough or "frosted" as it cools. This is a natural occurrence when the wax solidifies and is a sign of its natural origin.
   • Paraffin Wax: Paraffin candles often have a glossy, smooth finish and may look more uniform or “plastic-like.” It’s a byproduct of petroleum, so its appearance can sometimes be more artificial.

2. Burning Characteristics

   • Soy Wax: Soy wax burns cleaner, producing minimal soot and a slower burn rate. It tends to burn evenly across the surface and provides a consistent scent throw throughout its burn time.
   • Paraffin Wax: Paraffin candles tend to burn faster and may create more soot as they burn, leading to black marks around the edges of the candle or on nearby surfaces. It may also burn unevenly, creating "tunneling" (when only the center of the candle burns, leaving wax around the sides).

3. Scent Throw

   • Soy Wax: Soy wax provides a gentler and more consistent scent throw. The fragrance may fill a room subtly without being overpowering, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a more natural scent experience.
   • Paraffin Wax: While paraffin candles often produce an intense scent throw initially, the fragrance can become overpowering and may dissipate quickly. Paraffin wax is known to have a more synthetic fragrance profile compared to soy.

4. Cost

   • Soy Wax: Soy candles are often more expensive than paraffin candles due to the cost of natural materials and the sustainable production process.
   • Paraffin Wax: Paraffin candles are typically cheaper than soy candles since paraffin is derived from petroleum, a less expensive and non-renewable source.

5. Labeling and Ingredient Transparency

   • Soy Wax: Look for candles that specifically mention 100% soy wax or pure soy wax in their ingredient list. This ensures the product is made from natural plant-based materials.
   • Paraffin Wax: Paraffin is usually listed as "paraffin wax" or "petroleum-based wax." If the candle doesn't specify what kind of wax it uses, it’s likely to be paraffin unless otherwise indicated.

Conclusion: Why Choose Soy Wax?

Choosing soy wax candles not only enhances your home’s ambiance but also supports a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Soy wax is a cleaner, longer-lasting, and safer alternative to paraffin wax, offering a more natural and enjoyable fragrance experience. If you're looking for a candle that burns cleaner, smells better, and is better for the environment, soy wax is the clear choice.

Now that you know how to spot the difference between natural and paraffin wax, you can make a more informed decision when choosing candles for your home. So, next time you light a candle, remember the many benefits of choosing a soy-based product, and feel good about your choice for the planet, your health, and your home.

Shop our 100% soy wax candles and experience the natural benefits for yourself! 🌿🕯