Soy wax versus paraffin wax: Which is better for candle making
If you are into candle making (whether DIY or industrial candle making), you should know that the wax is an essential component of candles. People use different types of wax to make candles. The main waxes used for the production of candles are: Soy wax, palm wax, paraffin wax, beeswax, gel wax, coconut wax, and rapeseed wax. These types of waxes are all good for candle making. However, the two most important of these are the soy wax and the paraffin wax. These waxes are usually mentioned in candle making as the top choices. So, what are the differences between them?
1). Production method: Paraffin wax is produced from petroleum. It is done when the waxy element of crude oil is extracted. Soy wax is produced when oil from Soybeans is hydrogenated. This makes soy wax a natural type of wax.
2). Sustainability: Soy wax is a natural wax for candle making that is sustainable because it can be obtained from growing soybeans which is a sustainable wax production method. Paraffin wax is non-sustainable since fossil fuels (petroleum) are not easily renewed.
3). Emission of soot: Most paraffin wax candles produce a lot of soot, compared to soy wax candles. Soy wax candles produce a far lesser amount of soot making a lot of more important for indoors than paraffin wax candles. Paraffin wax candles are made from crude oil which makes it a good soot-producing material.
4). The amount of toxins released: Besides emitting soot. Paraffin wax are also known to emit other elements. When we burn or melt paraffin wax, 11 toxins are released. Of these 11 toxins, 2 of them are carcinogenic (they cause cancer). However, soy wax is produced from soybeans and is a type of wax that is biodegradable. It does not contain any toxins and it is not carcinogenic. Thus, soy wax is a good environmentally friendly wax and is good for the family, you, and the pets.
5). Burning time: When placed in equal room conditions, candles made from soy wax can burn about 30% and 50% longer compared to paraffin candles. Soy wax is a material that has a slow burning property. Which means that its candles will last for a longer time compared to paraffin candles.
6). Melting points: Paraffin wax has a much higher melting point when compared to Soy wax. Its melting point is between 49-71°C (120 – 160°F), which means that paraffin wax candles need a lot of heat to burn. This can be impossible to use in very cold conditions and the burns from paraffin candles can be painful and severe. Soy wax has a relatively lower melting point. This means that you can easily use soy wax candles at colder seasons or cooler environment. The lower melting point helps minimize the risks involved if you burn yourself mistakenly. While paraffin waxes are more brittle and harder, soy wax are more pliable and softer.
7). Fragrance: Soy wax do not produce toxins and soot during use. This means that candles made from soy wax come with a stronger scent compared to candles from paraffin wax. Chemicals are usually emitted by paraffin waxes, which usually eclipse the scent during use which affects the purpose of burning the candles.
