Paraffin Wax vs Soy Wax

The two primary types of wax used in candle making today are paraffin and soy wax. Soy wax is an all-natural vegetable wax produced from soybeans, and paraffin wax is a byproduct of the refining process of crude oil. Yes, you read that correctly, paraffin wax is made from oil!

Have you ever noticed that after burning a candle, your jar becomes black with soot? There may even be residue left on your walls and ceilings if you burn candles frequently. That is because the candle that you were using was most likely made of petroleum based paraffin wax.

See how a paraffin wax candle (left) compares to a soy wax candle (right)

Paraffin wax leaves behind soot because it contains hydrocarbons, and some studies have shown that it produces harmful fumes while burning (toluene and benzene). Soy wax, on the other hand, does not emit any of these chemicals and burns exceptionally clean. Paraffin wax can also aggravate asthma sufferers and those with respiratory issues.

See below how clean one of our Mason jar soy candles is after burning through nearly all of its wax:

At Night Sky Candles, we use 100% all natural soy wax for our candles and melts because it is environmentally friendly and a sustainable resource. We made the decision to use soy wax because we wanted to offer a safer and superior product than what was available in stores. Nearly all candles available in stores are either 100% paraffin or made of a paraffin/soy wax blend.

There are many reasons why we feel that soy wax is superior to paraffin, and below we have listed some of the points we feel are most important: 

• Soy candles are non-toxic and release no carcinogens into the air while burning. They are a much healthier option for your home and for the environment.
• Soy wax burns slower than paraffin wax and releases fragrance more efficiently because of its lower melting point.
• Soy candles burn up to 30% longer than paraffin candles, making them very cost efficient. Our 8 oz candles will burn up to 40-50 hours with proper usage.
• Soy candles do not require any additional chemicals to enhance their scent throw, so the scent they release is more natural and easier on the senses. 
• Soy wax has a natural white appearance and we do not use any dyes or colors to highlight this fact. Most paraffin wax candles experience a degree of frosting, which creates visual imperfections in the final product.
• Soy wax is very easy to clean up with just soap and water. If you have ever spilled paraffin wax on your carpet, floors, or furniture, you know how difficult (impossible) it can be to remove. 
• The soy wax that we use is produced from Soy Beans grown in the U.S., which is a leader in soy bean production.  We are glad to help contribute to this sustainable resource!

Pictured below is an image of how we receive our soy wax in its white flake form:

We hope that this information has provided you an insight to a healthier, more environmentally friendly option than paraffin wax candles. We are confident that once you try one of our soy candles that you will never go back to paraffin again!