In recent years, soy wax candles have risen in popularity thanks to the desire for sustainable, environmentally-friendly, alternatives to traditional wax candles. Soy wax candles offer long burn times, are made from biodegradable soybean oil, and maintain their fragrance for considerable spans. Other alternatives, like paraffin wax and beeswax, are extremely popular, but can they compete with soy wax? 

As candlemakers ourselves, we’ve learned a thing or two about wax over the years. 100% natural soy wax candles have been our jam since the beginning. In this guide, we’re going to take a deeper look comparing the different candle wax types, their respective benefits, and how you can pick the best candle wax type for your needs.

What are the main candle wax types?

Historically, candles were predominantly made from naturally-occurring tallow or beeswax. These days, environmentally conscious consumers seek healthier and more convenient alternatives to old ways. While beeswax persists as one of the most common candle wax types, soy wax and paraffin wax are also major contenders in the candle industry.

Beeswax

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by worker honeybees. Used for thousands of years as the first plastic, this abundant and edible material, while natural, often is slightly more expensive than both soy and paraffin wax, and the scent of honey can overwhelm added fragrances to candles.

Paraffin wax

Paraffin wax is petroleum based, produced as a by-product of manufacturing lubricating oil for machinery. This candle wax type typically has the strongest scent throw, though it burns quickly and is non-renewable compared to other wax types.

Soy wax

Soy candle wax is extracted from hydrogenated soybean oil, making it one of the most sustainable and cost-effective wax options available. Soy wax was first developed in 1991 by Michael Richards, a candle maker who was searching for a more natural and sustainable alternative to paraffin wax. He experimented with hydrogenated soybean oil and successfully created a biodegradable, clean-burning candle wax to rival contemporary alternatives.

Learn how to care for your soy wax candles in our Candle Care Blog →

Key differences between soy, beeswax, and paraffin candles

Soy wax, beeswax, and paraffin wax candles differ in more ways than their composition. Here are a few key differences between these wax types and how they compare.

Burn time

Burn times for these wax types vary pretty significantly. Soy wax burns slower than paraffin wax, but faster than beeswax. Beeswax burns the longest of all three, making these candles the most cost-efficient over time. Paraffin wax burns fairly quickly, making it a less economical choice than the others.

Clean burning

Beeswax candles are the cleanest burning, and they’re known to emit negative ions that help purify the air. Paraffin wax candles, on the other hand, produce the most soot and can release harmful toxins in the air when burned. Soy wax candles produce minimal soot and burn cleanly, representing a happy medium between beeswax and paraffin wax.

Scent throw

Paraffin wax has the strongest scent throw of the wax types, making it a popular choice for scented candles. But soy wax candles also have a generous scent throw, and they hold fragrance very well over time. Beeswax candles smell naturally like honey, which can interfere with the actual scent of the candle.

You can see (or smell) how well soy wax holds fragrance by burning Realm of Shadows, a seductive and umbral combination of pomegranate, wet slate, and star anise.

Learn more: Designing Realm of Shadows

Environmental impact

Soy wax candles are some of the best in terms of environmental impact. Soy wax is biodegradable, sustainable, and made from a renewable resource (soy beans). Beeswax candles are, of course, natural and sustainable as well, but they rely on bee farming. Paraffin wax is, unfortunately, non-renewable, contributing to pollution and carbon emissions since it is derived from fossil fuels.

Cost and availability

Paraffin wax, beeswax, and soy wax candles can vary widely in price based on the way they’re produced. Paraffin wax candles are generally the cheapest option available, most commonly used in mass-market candles. Beeswax candles are the most expensive due to the natural and methodical production process. Soy wax candles are the best in terms of price and are widely available thanks to the sustainable way the wax is produced.

How to choose the right candle wax type for you

When selecting the perfect candle, the type of wax plays a crucial role in burn time, scent throw, environmental impact, and cost. Here’s a breakdown of soy, beeswax, and paraffin candles to help you decide which is best for your needs.

Soy wax candles

Best for people who want a cleaner-burning, sustainable, and budget-friendly candle.

Pros:

• Made from renewable soybeans (biodegradable & eco-friendly)

• Burns longer than paraffin

• Produces minimal soot

• Strong scent throw with a balanced aroma

• Easy to clean (water-soluble)

Cons:

• Can be softer and prone to frosting (aesthetic issue)

• Not as naturally aromatic as beeswax

Beeswax candles

Best for people who prefer an all-natural, hypoallergenic, and air-purifying candle.

Pros:

• 100% natural and non-toxic

• Burns the longest of the three waxes

• Naturally scented with a subtle honey aroma

• Produces negative ions, helping to purify indoor air

• Minimal soot and drip

Cons:

• More expensive than soy and paraffin

• Limited scent-throw (competes with the natural honey scent)

• Can be harder to find in a wide variety of scented options

Paraffin wax candles

Best for people who prioritize strong fragrance throw and affordability over eco-friendliness.

Pros:

• Holds fragrance the best, giving a strong scent throw

• Affordable and widely available

• Comes in a variety of colors and styles

Cons:

• Made from petroleum, contributing to environmental concerns

• Produces more soot than soy or beeswax

• Can release toxins when burned

4 reasons why soy candles are better for you

Non-toxic and clean burning, soy wax candles are widely regarded as one of the healthiest candle options for a variety of reasons. Here are some key reasons why soy wax is often considered the superior choice.

1. They’re eco-friendly and sustainable

Renewably sourced soy beans and a clean burn make soy wax the healthiest candle for folks who always have a candle burning. Biodegradable soy wax provides a slow, clean burn that means less need for replacing candles, and less pollutants in the atmosphere. 

2. They have a better scent throw

Soy wax evenly distributes fragrance without overwhelming artificial scents or honey. Completely vegan and plant based, soy wax candles maintain a clean fragrance without artificial scents, excessive soot, or toxins.

Soy wax makes the perfect palette for the delicate scents of sagebrush, red clay, and cactus in our High Hithmari Desert candle. 

3. They’re cruelty-free and vegan

No animals are involved in the process of soy wax creation. While beeswax candles are all-natural, they’re still made as a result of animal byproducts.  Plant-based soy wax candles promote a cleaner, healthier environment in the long term, as well as a cultural shift away from animal-based products.

4. They’re affordable

Soy wax candles are some of the best in terms of affordability. Soybeans are an abundant crop which makes soy wax widely available and cost-effective for candle making. Those savings transfer directly to the consumer most of the time, which means more room in the candle-buying budget.

Handmade soy wax candles to enrich your every atmosphere

If you prioritize a clean burning, affordable and fragrant candle, soy wax is a great choice. Beeswax has its perks, like being natural, but is expensive and not vegan. If cost is your main concern, paraffin may be suitable, but with sustainability drawbacks that may concern some.

All around, soy wax candles provide a strong combination of affordability, sustainability, and fragrance. For high quality, fun and diverse candles you should check out Cantrip Candles’ collection of adventure-themed handmade soy wax candles.

Shop our collection of soy wax candles today →

Want to learn how to make soy wax candles? Check out our event calendar to see when our next Candle Making Classes are going to be!