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📑 Contents
Soy wax vs Paraffin wax: comparison chart
| — | 🫘 Soy wax | 🕯️ Paraffin wax |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Plant-based | Mineral (petroleum) |
| Melt point | 46–54 °C (115–129 °F) | 52–64 °C (126–147 °F) |
| Pour temperature | 55–65 °C (131–149 °F) | 65–85 °C (149–185 °F) |
| Max fragrance load | 10 % | 10 % |
| Hot throw | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Burn time | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Price | €€ | € |
| Vegan | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | container candles, wax melts and tealights | container candles, pillar candles, votive candles, tealights, floating candles and taper candles |
Typical values: each manufacturer publishes its own on the wax’s spec sheet.
Verdict
- Paraffin wax has a stronger scent throw than Soy wax.
- Soy wax burns longer than Paraffin wax.
- Paraffin wax is easier to work with than Soy wax.
- Paraffin wax is more affordable than Soy wax.
Soy wax
Soy wax is the go-to natural wax for container candles: creamy, beginner-friendly and known for a slow, clean burn.
- Plant-based, renewable and vegan
- Slow burn with a calm flame
- Low melt point and easy to work with
- Cleans up with hot soapy water
Paraffin wax
Paraffin wax is the most versatile and affordable candle wax: it takes bold colors, releases easily from molds and delivers the strongest scent throw.
- Strongest scent throw
- Inexpensive and easy to find
- Vivid colors and a glossy finish
- Releases easily from molds
Best soy wax in stock
American Soy Organics Freedom Soy Wax Beads, All-Natural Candle Wax, 5 lbs
American Soy Organics Freedom Soy Wax Beads, All-Natural Candle Wax, 10 lbs
American Soy Organics Freedom Soy Wax Beads, All-Natural Candle Wax, 1 lb
Best paraffin wax in stock
Gulf Wax Household Paraffin Wax 1 Pound Bars (3 Packs)
Fully Refined Paraffin Candle Wax Slab, 10 lb Bulk Wax for Candle Making
See more paraffin wax on Amazon →
Other comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Soy wax or Paraffin wax?
It depends on the type of candle: Soy wax stands out for wax melts and Paraffin wax for pillar candles, votive candles, floating candles and taper candles. Check the chart to compare temperatures, scent throw and burn time.
Can you mix soy wax and paraffin wax?
Many commercial waxes are already blends. If you blend your own, run small tests, write down the ratios and repeat the burn test: blending changes the wick size and the fragrance load the wax can hold.
Do soy wax and paraffin wax need the same wick?
Not always. Each wax has a different viscosity, so the wick size usually changes. Use the wick calculator as a starting point.