Do Soy Candles Burn Longer Than Paraffin?

Soy candles and paraffin candles are two of the most popular candle types. Both are made from different waxes that produce unique burning properties. Soy candles are made from soybean wax, a natural vegetable wax derived from soybeans. Paraffin candles are made from paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct. When comparing soy candles versus paraffin candles, there are a few key differences to consider in terms of burn time, melting point, fragrance, smoke, wax pooling, price, and environmental impact.

Composition

Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil along with small amounts of other additives like fragrance oils or stabilizers. The main component of soy wax is soybean oil. In contrast, paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct created from crude oil. It contains a complex mixture of straight-chain hydrocarbons.

While soy wax contains naturally derived soybean oil, paraffin wax is produced from non-renewable crude oil. From a composition standpoint, soy wax could be considered more environmentally friendly since it utilizes vegetable oil rather than fossil fuels. However, paraffin wax is highly refined during production which removes impurities.

Both soy and paraffin wax contain hydrocarbon molecules needed to provide the proper burning characteristics in candles. But soy wax offers a renewable plant-based alternative for candle making.

Burn Time

Soy candles typically burn longer than paraffin candles. The exact burn time depends on the size and shape of the candle. As a general rule, smaller candles like votives burn for around 7-9 hours per ounce of wax. Larger pillar candles burn wax faster and may last around 20-85 hours total.

According to House of Two Trees, their small soy candles burn for 20-30 hours, medium jars for 50-60 hours, and large jars for 70-85 hours [1]. The Bottle Store estimates a paraffin votive burns for 6-8 hours while a soy votive burns for 10-11 hours [2]. In general, soy candles burn 15-20% longer than paraffin candles of the same size and shape.

Melting Points

The melting point of a wax impacts how quickly it melts and pools when burning a candle. Soy wax has a lower melting point compared to paraffin wax. According to Mastering Fragrance Performance in Candle Making, soy wax has a melting point between 49-52°C while paraffin wax melts between 54-71°C.

The lower melting temperature of soy wax means that it will melt more quickly once the candle is lit. This allows the wax to pool faster, which in turn helps the fragrance of soy candles become airborne quicker than paraffin. However, the higher melting point of paraffin wax means it can retain its shape in warmer environments compared to soy.

Fragrance

When it comes to fragrance retention, soy candles tend to perform better than paraffin candles. Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, allowing fragrances to be released more readily as the candle burns (https://jessicawellinginteriors.com/how-to-make-candles-smell-stronger/). The natural soy wax also does not retain odors like paraffin can. This allows soy candle fragrances to come through cleaner and stronger. With proper wick size and fragrance load, soy candles can provide excellent hot and cold scent throw. However, adding too much fragrance oil can cause issues like sooting. Finding the right balance is key to maximizing fragrance in soy candles.

Smoke

One of the key differences between soy candles and paraffin candles is the amount of smoke produced when burned. Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum refining, whereas soy wax is made from soybean oil. When burned, paraffin candles tend to produce more soot and smoke compared to soy candles.

According to Rocky Creek Candles, soy wax creates no soot when burned and doesn’t create carcinogens. Paraffin wax, on the other hand, can produce black smoke and soot which contains small particulate matter that can be irritating to breathe.

An article by Allure notes that paraffin wax burns hotter than soy, which causes the wax to liquify quickly and create more smoke. The soot released from paraffin candles isn’t healthy to inhale regularly. Soy wax has a lower melting point, burns cooler, and produces very little soot and smoke in comparison.

For those concerned about indoor air quality, soy candles are the better choice over paraffin. The minimal smoke produced by soy wax while burning makes it gentler on indoor environments.

Wax Pooling

One key difference between soy and paraffin wax candles is how the wax pools or melts when burning. Paraffin wax tends to pool unevenly, leaving edges unmelted while creating a deeper center pool. Soy wax pools more evenly across the top as it burns. This is because soy wax has a lower melting point and becomes liquid at lower temperatures than paraffin.

According to research from The Candle Review, the size and evenness of the wax pool is important for optimal fragrance dispersal and burn time. With an uneven wax pool, the wick may tunnel down the center without melting all the wax, leading to wasted wax and uneven burns.¹ Soy wax’s more even pooling helps prevent tunneling and makes for better quality burns.

Price

Soy candles tend to be more expensive than paraffin candles. On average, soy candles cost $1-2 more per candle compared to paraffin candles of the same size and shape. This price difference is due to the higher cost of soy wax compared to paraffin wax. Soy wax costs around $5-8 per pound, while paraffin wax costs $1-3 per pound.

However, some consumers are willing to pay the premium for soy candles because they are perceived as more natural and environmentally-friendly than paraffin candles. The higher price point positions soy candles as more of a specialty, luxury candle option.

According to this source, prices for soy candles range from $1.50 for a small 4oz container candle to $15-20 for large premium pillar candles. Comparable paraffin candles are generally $1-5 cheaper across all sizes.

Environmental Impact

When it comes to environmental impact, soy wax has some advantages over paraffin wax. Soy wax is made from soybeans, which is a renewable resource that can be replanted year after year. Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is a petroleum byproduct and not renewable. Furthermore, soy wax is biodegradable and less toxic than paraffin wax if accidentally released into the environment (source). Paraffin wax does not biodegrade easily and contains compounds like benzene and toluene that can be harmful to ecosystems.

However, soy wax production is not without environmental concerns. The soybeans used need land and require pesticides and fertilizers to grow, which can lead to soil erosion, reduced biodiversity, and water pollution. There are also emissions associated with transporting and processing the soybeans into wax (source). Furthermore, some soy is genetically modified which carries additional environmental risks. Overall, soy wax has less impact than paraffin but is not completely eco-friendly.

Conclusion

When choosing between soy candles and paraffin candles, there are a few key differences to consider. Soy candles are made from natural soybean wax, while paraffin candles use a petroleum-based wax. Soy candles typically burn longer, up to 50% longer than paraffin. They also burn cooler, which helps prevent burning the container or releasing more scent and smoke. Soy wax has a lower melting point, so the wax pools and releases fragrance more evenly. Both candle types produce some smoke while burning, but paraffin tends to emit more. In terms of price, soy candles are generally more expensive due to the higher cost of soybean wax compared to paraffin. Finally, soy is a renewable and biodegradable resource, making it more environmentally-friendly than paraffin derived from fossil fuels.

In conclusion, for those concerned about burn time, fragrance, and environmental impact, soy candles are generally the better choice. Paraffin candles can be more affordable, but release more smoke and utilize non-renewable resources. Consider your priorities when deciding between these two popular candle options.