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What is the difference between Soy Wax and Paraffin Wax?

I get this question all the time: "What's the difference between soy wax and paraffin wax?" And my answer is always the same: "The only difference is that one of them will kill you." Just kidding! There are a few key differences between soy wax and paraffin wax, which I'll go over in this post. So, if you're curious about the differences (or just want to know which one is better for you), keep reading!



Soy wax is a natural product made from soybeans. It is renewable and biodegradable, making it a more sustainable option than paraffin wax. Soy wax is also non-toxic and doesn't release harmful chemicals when burned, making it a healthier choice for both you and the environment.


Paraffin wax is made from petroleum. Petroleum-based products come from non-renewable fossil fuels, so they are not sustainable. Paraffin wax is cheaper than soy wax, so it is often used in mass-produced candles.


Do these waxes contain toxins?


Burning or melting paraffin wax produces 11 known pollutants - two of which are carcinogens - into the air. (A carcinogen is defined as any substance or mechanism that promotes cancer.) Unlike other waxes, soy wax is made from soybeans and is safe for consumption. As a result, it does not include harmful carcinogens. Soy wax is not only more environmentally friendly, but it's also a better choice for your health and the health of your family members and pets.


What produces less soot?


While all candles release some level of soot, soy candles let off significantly less than paraffin wax under the same conditions. The length of the wick and the presence of a draft play a key role in how much soot is emitted. When burned, this can discolor surfaces like your walls or furniture-- especially if there's a lot of air circulation in the room which will move the soot around. If you put them side by side, Soy candle vs a paraffin candle = a big difference!


Which wax burns longer?


The general rule of thumb is that soy candles will burn 30-50% longer than paraffin candles. However, this number can vary depending on how the candles are made. For example, if a soy candle has a blended wax, it may not burn as long as a 100% soy candle. The same goes for paraffin candles-- if it's a lower quality paraffin wax, it may not last as long either.


Which wax has a lower melting point?


Soy wax generally has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, which means it can be used in a wider range of temperature conditions. For example, soy candles can be burned in the summer months without fear of them melting all over the place. Plus, a lower melting point decreases the likelihood of you burning yourself on an accidentally tipped-over candle or something similar. Paraffin candles, on the other hand, may start to drip at high temperatures.


Does soy wax have a better fragrance than paraffin?


This is a bit of a contentious issue as different people have different preferences. However, soy candles are generally known to have a stronger fragrance than paraffin candles. This is because the lower melting point of soy allows the fragrance oil to be released more readily into the air.


What wax does Nose Best use?


When it came to choosing wax for our candles, we decided to use soy wax as our base. We believe in supporting sustainable practices and being conscious of the impact our business has on the environment. Plus, we want our candles to be a healthier option for you to enjoy in your home

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