Paraffin vs Soy Wax Candles: Which Should You Buy? (Tested)

When we started The Wicked Warlock, we tested paraffin vs soy wax.

We chose soy wax because it has a lower melting point, while paraffin has a high melting point. As a result, soy wax candles burn for 30%-50% longer, which gives you more hours of fragrance per dollar spent. Soy wax also has a stronger fragrance throw, it’s non-toxic, vegan, eco-friendly, and they burn cleaner. On the other hand, paraffin is an unsustainable, petroleum-based wax that can have dangerous chemicals.

Hence why all our fantasy-inspired candles, including our D&D candles and book lover's soy candles, are made with 100% soy wax.

Let’s dig deeper into each reason.

Longer Burn Time

Soy wax candles burn 30%-50% longer than paraffin wax candles.

The reason is because paraffin wax has a crystal structure, which leads to a higher melting point (131℉), which means it requires more heat to burn, which ultimately results in a candle that burns for less time. 

Soy wax doesn’t, which gives it a much lower melting point (124℉), which results in a candle that can burn for longer. In other words, you get more than what you paid for with a soy wax candle.

We found this to be true with our burn rate tests. Soy wax lasted longer.

Of course, this is all assuming every other factor is the same such as amount of wax in the candle, type of wick being used, and other factors such as how well you maintain your candle.

Stronger, Longer Scent Throw

Soy wax candles have a stronger and longer scent throw compared to paraffin wax candles.

This is because paraffin wax will emit a chemical scent, which interferes with the fragrance during burning. On top of that, our research showed that soy wax has a higher molecular density, which makes it harder for fragrance molecules to escape, which increases scent retention. 

Anecdotal speaking, we felt like the soy wax versions of our candle had a better “ambiance”.

The research backed up our findings.

Burns Cleaner/Safer To Inhale

Soy wax burns cleaner than paraffin wax.

According to a 2002 study, paraffin wax produces a lot more soot than soy wax. Furthermore, the EPA actually recommends against using paraffin candles in your home if you live with someone who has respiratory issues. Compare this with soy wax, which produces such little soot that it’s not dangerous to people. Neither is a soot that comes from petroleum, like paraffin wax does.

It doesn’t end there though.

Some paraffin waxes also release 11 known toxins, including 2 of which are carcinogens. This is opposed to soybeans, which are natural. So when you burn a soy wax candle, you don’t have to worry about toxins or carcinogens like you would with paraffin wax.

Natural, Eco-Friendly, Smaller Carbon Footprint

Fact: Soy wax comes from soybeans and paraffin comes from crude oil

This means paraffin wax is unsustainable and worse for the environment, even before you light it. 

Of course, this doesn’t mean soybean can go scott free. There are some issues with soybean farming practices, such as the use of pesticides, but compared to drilling for oil, they are much more eco-friendly.

The United States is also the world’s biggest producer of soybeans.

So if you’re buying a soy candle, chances are that soy has been sourced from crops here in the U.S. In other words, when you buy a soy candle, you’re supporting farmers and workers here in the U.S.

Beyond that, soy wax is also easier to clean if you spill it. If you spill paraffin wax, it’s permanent. 

Conclusion

Whenever you're buying candles, we recommend you buy candles made from soy wax. And if you're interested in fantasy-inspired candles, then we highly recommend you check out our soy wax candles include our tabletop candles, RPG candles, and gaming candles.