Differences Between Paraffin and Soy Wax

In this post we will provide a few more details in some of the differences between paraffin wax and soy wax. 

About 90% of the candles sold in stores today are made of paraffin wax or a paraffin wax blend.  Paraffin wax is a hydrocarbon which comes from crude oil—a limited natural resource.  Crude oil is taken to refineries where it is refined and turned into various products.  One of these products is called lubricating oil.  Lubricating oil is refined into three different waxes; one being petroleum wax.  Paraffin is derived from this petroleum wax.

Soy wax is made from pure soybeans—a renewable resource.  The wax is derived from the oil of the soybeans.  After harvest, the beans are cleaned, cracked, de-hulled, and made into flakes.  Oil is extracted from the flakes and hydrogenated.  This hydrogenation process alters the melting point of the oil causing it to be solid at room temperature.  Leftover bean husks from the soybeans are usually fed to animals.  United States farmers grow the greatest majority of soybeans.

While paraffin wax creates great pillar candles and exhibits vibrant colors, it also burns hotter and provides a lesser burn time.  It is also very difficult to clean up.  I’d almost rather throw away a container that has held paraffin wax than spend the extra time and effort trying to clean it up.

While soy wax is a softer wax and performs best in containers, it burns at a lower temperature and provides a longer burning candle.  It is very easy to clean up because it is made from vegetable oil.  Warm, soapy water does the trick right away, and you are left with a container that is reusable again and again.

Some people say that paraffin wax will have a better scent throw; however, I disagree.  I have burned both types.  The soy candles we make have an excellent scent throw comparable to the best paraffin candle I have burned in the past.

There is a current debate whether burning a paraffin wax candles exudes carcinogens into the air or not.  I prefer not to get into that debate.  And I do not wish to say things against paraffin or for soy wax beyond what I fully understand at the current time.  However, I do logically consider the simple fact that paraffin is a petroleum by-product and soy wax comes from a natural vegetable source.  Plus, I am helping the livelihood of United States farmers.