Soy Vs Paraffin Candles
What’s the Difference and Why It Actually Matters
When people choose a candle, fragrance usually takes centre stage. What often gets overlooked is the wax itself, even though it plays a major role in how a candle burns, how scent behaves, and how it fits into everyday use.
Paraffin candles have dominated the market for decades, largely because they are inexpensive and easy to manufacture. Soy based candles, particularly modern blends, offer a different experience altogether.
Understanding the difference is less about labels and more about intention.
What candle wax really does
Wax is not just a carrier for fragrance. It controls how heat is released, how scent travels through a room, and how long a candle lasts.
A candle that burns too hot can release scent aggressively, soot more easily, and shorten burn time. A candle that burns more slowly allows fragrance to unfold gradually and feel integrated into the space rather than overwhelming it.
This is where the choice of wax becomes important.
Paraffin candles: why they’re common
Paraffin wax is a petroleum by product. It is widely used because it is stable, affordable, and holds fragrance efficiently.
Because paraffin burns hotter, it tends to release scent quickly. In some spaces, this can feel intense or short lived, especially if the candle is not burned with care.
Paraffin candles are not inherently “bad”, but they are designed for mass production rather than long, considered use.
Soy blend candles: a more considered approach
Soy wax is derived from soybeans, a renewable plant based resource. On its own, soy burns at a lower temperature than paraffin, which allows for a slower, more even melt pool and a softer scent release.
At The Waft, our candles are made using a soy blend enriched with coconut oil and shea butter. This combination improves burn quality, scent diffusion, and the overall feel of the wax.
Coconut oil helps create a smoother melt and enhances fragrance throw without needing high temperatures. Shea butter adds creaminess and stability to the wax, contributing to a longer lasting, cleaner burn.
The result is a candle that feels intentional rather than aggressive.
A cleaner burn, and a gentler by product
Because soy blend candles burn at a lower temperature, they tend to produce less visible soot when used correctly. This makes them better suited to regular use in living spaces and bedrooms.
An added benefit of a soy, coconut, and shea blend is that the melted wax itself is skin friendly. Once cooled slightly, it can be gently applied to cuticles or dry skin as a light moisturiser.
This is not a medical treatment and should not be used on sensitive areas, but it is a practical reflection of the quality of the ingredients used.
It also means there is less waste and more intention behind the product.
Environmental and ethical considerations
Soy wax is made from a renewable crop, whereas paraffin wax is derived from non renewable petroleum sources.
Choosing a soy based candle supports a more sustainable material cycle and aligns with lower impact manufacturing practices.
Soy blend candles are also:
• Vegan friendly
• Cruelty-free
• Free from animal derived ingredients
For many people, these factors matter as much as fragrance itself. It is about choosing products that align with how you want to live, not just how you want your home to smell.
How scent behaves differently in soy vs paraffin
Paraffin candles tend to release fragrance quickly and intensely, especially at the beginning of a burn. This can feel satisfying in short bursts but less balanced over time.
Soy blend candles allow fragrance to build gradually. The scent settles into a room rather than dominating it, making it more suitable for longer burn sessions and everyday use.
This difference becomes especially noticeable in smaller rooms or shared living spaces.
Which is better for your home?
The better choice depends on how you use candles.
If candles are an occasional accent and you prefer immediate intensity, paraffin may meet your expectations.
If candles are part of your daily or weekly routine and you value a cleaner burn, longer lifespan, gentler scent release, and better ingredient transparency, a soy blend candle is often the better fit.
Neither choice is about being right or wrong. It is about matching the product to your space and habits.
Final thoughts
Candles are not just decorative objects. They shape atmosphere, mood, and how a space feels over time.
Understanding the difference between soy blend and paraffin wax allows you to choose with intention rather than assumption. When the wax, fragrance, and use case align, scent becomes part of the space rather than something you notice and switch off.
That difference is subtle, but once you experience it, it’s hard to go back.
If you’re still deciding which format or scent suits your space, our home fragrance guide breaks it down by room and mood.