Soy wax vs paraffin: what is the difference?

Where each wax comes from, how it burns and what changes in practice. A simple comparison to help you choose.

Almost every candle on sale is made from one of two waxes: paraffin or a plant-based wax, of which soy is the most common. They can look the same. The difference lies in where they come from and how they behave.

Where each one comes from

Paraffin is a petroleum by-product, obtained during refining. It is the most widely used wax in the industry because it is cheap, stable and easy to work with.

Soy wax is plant-based: it is made from soybean oil, hydrogenated until it is solid at room temperature. It comes from a renewable raw material.

How they burn

Soy wax melts at a lower temperature than paraffin. In practice this usually means a slower burn and a calmer flame — although burn time also depends on the wick, the size and the shape of the candle.

Any candle can smoke if the wick is too long or if it burns in a draught. With a well-trimmed wick, a soy wax candle generally burns cleanly.

Look and feel

Soy wax has a matt, creamy finish and is softer to the touch. It is also more sensitive: over time it can develop a slight whitish bloom or small variations on the surface. This is not a defect — it is a natural trait of plant wax and does not affect the burn.

What about scent?

Paraffin tends to release fragrance more strongly. Soy wax diffuses it more gently and gradually. Which is better is a matter of taste: people who prefer a discreet atmosphere usually feel more at home with soy.

In short

  • Origin — soy: plant-based and renewable; paraffin: petroleum-derived.
  • Burn — soy: lower melting point, generally slower.
  • Finish — soy: matt and creamy; paraffin: smoother and glossier.
  • Care — soy is more sensitive to heat and sunlight; keep it somewhere cool and shaded.
  • Cleaning — soy wax comes off surfaces more easily, with warm water and soap.

Why we chose soy wax

At Amavela, every candle is made by hand in Porto in soy wax. We chose it for its plant origin, for the matt finish that flatters sculptural shapes and for the calm way it burns. Discover our scented candles and decorative candles, and read our guide on how to light and care for a candle to get the most out of them.

See also: soy wax candles.