Scented candles are a great way to tie a room together, but when filtering through the abundance of candles on the market, it can be difficult to determine which candle will work best for you. Not all candles are built the same – in fact, the different materials that can be used to create candle bases can significantly impact the functionality of a candle as well as its environmental impact. The most common candle base ingredients are soy wax and paraffin wax, and while burning either of these scented candles is a fun way to add dimension to a living space, it is important to evaluate the differences these waxes can make before making the decision of which candle to buy.

• Soy candles are made from different ingredients than paraffin wax candles

Soy candles are considered natural because they are made from, you guessed it, soybeans. This sustainable candle base is an environmentally friendly option because there is always the possibility to grow more soybeans to create more natural candles.

Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, and though this original wax base is effective for candles to burn, this non-renewable resource emits fossil fuels in the air which causes more harm to the environment compared to soy candles.

• Candles made from soy and paraffin wax burn at different rates

Soy candles have a low melting point compared to paraffin wax candles, meaning the candle wax turns to liquid at lower temperatures. With less heat required for a candle to burn, a soy candle will burn more slowly, allowing you to enjoy the candle for longer.

Paraffin wax has a large crystalline chemical structure that causes it to have a higher melting point than soy candles. When these candles require a high temperature to burn, these candles not only put you in danger of getting burned by the hot wax, but they also melt much more quickly than a soy candle of the same size and shape.

• The strength of the fragrance varies between soy and paraffin wax candles

The purpose of scented candles is to enjoy the beautiful fragrance released while it is burning, and the natural base of soy candles is known to release a stronger scent than paraffin wax. Compared to paraffin candles, the natural ingredients of soy candles have a pure, rich scent that travels throughout a room.

Although the toxins found in paraffin wax candles are in low enough quantities that they aren’t thought to be harmful to human health, the chemical byproducts emitted while burning these candles often have smells that compete with the fragrance of the scented candle when lit, making the fragrance less pure than soy candles.

When you are choosing between soy or paraffin wax candles to add to your collection, choosing a high-quality soy wax candle is the perfect option that is environmentally friendly, slow-burning, and strong-smelling. Scented candles can change the atmosphere of your home, so if you are ready to fall in love with your living space again, treat yourself to a natural soy candle from Forever and More Candles!