Soy Wax vs. Paraffin vs. Beeswax: Why We Choose Soy (And What It Means for You)
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Walk down the candle aisle (or browse online), and you'll see candles made from various waxes: paraffin, beeswax, soy wax, coconut wax, and blends. Does the type of wax really matter? Absolutely! It affects everything from burn time and scent throw to environmental impact and even the candle's appearance.
At Ritter House of Scent, we proudly craft our candles using soy wax. Here's a look at how soy compares to the other common waxes and why we believe it's an excellent choice for a high-quality, enjoyable candle experience.
Meet the Waxes
Soy Wax
| Source |
Made from hydrogenated soybean oil, a vegetable product derived from soybeans – a renewable agricultural crop. |
| Pros |
Renewable resource, biodegradable, burns cleaner (less soot) than paraffin, burns slower and cooler, often resulting in a longer lifespan than paraffin candles, and easy cleanup with soap and water. Good scent throw, though sometimes considered milder than paraffin. |
| Cons |
Can sometimes have appearance quirks like "frosting" or "wet spots" (natural characteristics, not defects), scent throw might be perceived as less intense than paraffin by some. Often mid-range to higher price point. |
Paraffin Wax
| Source |
A byproduct of petroleum refining (crude oil) – a non-renewable resource. |
| Pros |
Widely available, generally the least expensive option, known for having a very strong scent throw. Typically has a smooth, uniform appearance. |
| Cons |
Non-renewable sources can produce more soot than soy or beeswax, potential to release toxins like benzene and toluene when burned (especially if poorly made or burned improperly). Not biodegradable. |
Beeswax
| Source |
A natural wax produced by honeybees – renewable, but supply depends on bee health and populations. |
| Pros |
Natural, burns very cleanly and slowly, and has the highest melting point. Often has a subtle, natural honey scent. Some claim it purifies the air (evidence is debated). Biodegradable. |
| Cons |
Typically, the most expensive wax type. It can be difficult to fragrance effectively without masking its natural scent. Supply is more limited. |
Why Ritter House of Scent Chooses Soy Wax
We believe soy wax offers the best balance of benefits for creating the kind of candles we want to share with you:
| Eco-Conscious Choice |
It comes from a renewable resource (soybeans) and is biodegradable, aligning with our desire for more sustainable practices. |
|
Cleaner Burn |
Soy wax produces significantly less soot than paraffin, contributing to better indoor air quality. |
|
Longer Lasting |
The lower melting point means soy candles typically burn longer than paraffin candles of the same size, giving you more hours of enjoyment. |
| Great Scent Delivery |
While sometimes perceived as milder than paraffin, high-quality soy wax effectively releases fragrance oils, filling your space with beautiful scents, especially when burned correctly (allowing a full melt pool to form). |
| Supporting Agriculture |
Using soy supports farmers and the agricultural industry. |
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We acknowledge the natural characteristics of soy, like potential frosting, and see them as signs of an authentic, natural product rather than flaws. We pair our soy wax with high-quality, IFRA-compliant fragrance oils and focus on meticulous crafting and safety standards.
By choosing a Ritter House of Scent soy candle, you're selecting a product thoughtfully made with performance, sustainability, and your well-being in mind.