The Soy vs Paraffin, is one really better?

Hello Fellow Candle Lovers!

The Soy vs Paraffin Debate...

Soy vs Paraffin...a frequent candle user topic and a largely debated one at that. People want to know is soy wax (or natural wax) really better than paraffin. Paraffin candle makers that use high quality food grade wax are being bashed by natural wax candle makers who want you to believe that soy and other natural waxes are safer. So is soy better than paraffin?

Candle Wax Facts (as taken from the National Candle Association Website)

• Prior to the 19th century, a "wax" candle typically referred to a beeswax candle.
• All waxes are primarily hydrocarbons, whether the wax is of animal, vegetable, or petroleum origin. The chemical composition of all waxes used for candle-making is similar.
  An estimated 1 billion pounds of wax are used in the candles sold each year in the United States.
• Candles account for the second largest use of waxes in North America, after packaging and package coatings.
• Paraffin is the most commonly used candle wax today. Beeswax, soy wax, palm wax, gels, and synthesized waxes are also used in candle-making for the U.S. market, as are blends of waxes.
• Waxes burn with a yellow flame due to the presence of carbon.
  No specific type of wax or wax blend is considered "best" for candlemaking. All candle waxes - when provided in high-quality format - have been shown to burn cleanly and safely.
• No candle wax has ever been shown to be toxic or harmful to human health.
• There is no such thing as a soot-free wax. All organic compounds when burned will emit some carbon (soot) due to incomplete combustion. Sooting is primarily a factor of wick length and disturbance of the flame's steady teardrop shape.
• Reputable candle manufacturers use only high-quality waxes in their formulations.

From the NCA's Q&A Page

Q: Are certain candle waxes better than others?

A: No. All types of candle waxes perform well, and will burn cleanly and safely when they are of high quality. U.S. candle manufacturers select waxes or blends of waxes based on their suitability for specific types of candles or formulation profiles, as well as their own candle-making preferences.

Interested in learning more?

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Have an ENLIGHTENED Day!

Alethea Anderson


Moving at the speed of candle light - and designing my prosperity on the way!