Paraffin vs. Soy Wax
Here are a few characteristics to help you compare paraffin and soy wax.
|
Characteristic |
||
|
Color after dye |
Can be light or dark |
Produces pastel (light) colors |
|
Transparency |
Somewhat transparent |
Opaque |
|
Soot |
Black soot – amount depends on additives and wick size |
Clear/hardly visible soot |
|
Frosting |
No frosting |
Frosting – This is a characteristic that will occur more with natural soy wax (blended soy waxes frost less than straight soy waxes) |
|
Wet Spots |
Depends on atmospheric changes |
Depends on atmospheric changes. Seems to be less noticeable than paraffin candles. |
|
Scent Throw |
Ready to burn (and smell) right after the wax cools and hardens. Scent throw will also depend on how much is used, if it is a quality, strong oil, and if the candle is wicked properly. |
Soy candles need time to cure for the scent to be “set.” We recommend a minimum of 5-6 days. The scent will usually get stronger over a few weeks. Scent throw will also depend on how much is used, if it is a quality, strong oil, and if the candle is wicked properly. |
|
Types available |
Pillar, container, tart, etc. |
Pillar, container, tart, etc. |
|
Origin |
By-product of petroleum |
Made from soy beans |
When our customers are deciding on which type of wax to go with, we typically recommend the following when asked for our opinion:
CHOOSE PARAFFIN IF:
- Bright, bold colors are important to you
- The effect of frosting is aesthetically unappealing to you
- You want strongly scented candles without much cure time
CHOOSE SOY IF:
- You like the fact that soy wax comes from soy beans and you are supporting American soybean farmers
- You prefer pastel colors and/or you do not mind frosting (Frosting isn't very noticeable if you do not add dye. Many soy candle makers do not add dye).
- You do not want to see any black soot coming from the wick.