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

Not all candles are created equal. If you’ve ever wondered why some candles burn smoky, tunnel quickly, or feel “heavy” in the air, the wax type is often the reason. Here’s the real difference between soy wax and paraffin—and how to choose the best candle for your home.

What Soy Wax Is

Soy wax is made from soybean oil and is considered a renewable, plant-based wax. It’s known for a clean, steady burn and is commonly used in small-batch candles because it performs best when poured and cured with care.

What Paraffin Wax Is

Paraffin is a petroleum-based wax that has been used in mass-produced candles for decades. It can throw fragrance strongly, but it often burns faster and can produce more visible soot—especially if the wick isn’t trimmed or the candle is burned in a drafty area.

Burn Time and Cleanliness

In general, soy wax burns slower than paraffin and is often preferred by shoppers looking for a cleaner-burning option. No candle is “zero soot” in every situation, but good wax, proper wicks, and good burn habits dramatically reduce common issues.

Fragrance Performance

Paraffin can deliver a strong fragrance quickly, while soy wax tends to build fragrance more gradually. The upside is that soy candles often feel smoother and more consistent over the life of the candle when they’re poured correctly and burned properly.

Which Candle Is Better for Your Home?

If you want a candle that burns evenly, fits a more eco-conscious lifestyle, and performs best with clean burn habits, soy wax is a strong choice. If you’re mainly focused on instant fragrance and don’t mind faster burn time, paraffin may feel stronger upfront—but it often comes with tradeoffs.

Bottom line: wax choice matters, but so does wick trimming and the way you burn a candle. If you want the best results, choose a well-made candle and follow simple burn habits.

Explore Our Soy Candles

If you’re looking for clean-burning fragrance and consistent performance, explore our hand-poured soy candles:

Tip: For the cleanest burn, trim your wick to about ¼ inch before every burn and let the wax pool reach the edges on the first burn.

Still have questions? We have the most common ones here.

If you’re choosing candles for everyday home use, soy wax offers a cleaner, longer-lasting burn that fits comfortably into most spaces without overwhelming the room.