Candles are more than home décor—they influence your air quality, mood, and wellness. Whether you’re a conscious shopper or researching for a healthier home, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about soy wax vs. paraffin wax with science-backed facts.
If you want clean-burning, eco-friendly candles, explore our handcrafted soy candles at ShivoraCandles.ca.
1. What Is Soy Wax?
Soy wax is a natural vegetable wax derived from hydrogenated soybean oil. It is:
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100% plant-based
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Renewable
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Biodegradable
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Cleaner burning
Premium brands—including Shivora Candles—use soy or coconut-soy blends to achieve a slow, clean burn with natural fragrance diffusion.
2. What Is Paraffin Wax?
Paraffin is a petroleum-derived wax, created as a by-product of crude oil refinement. Characteristics:
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Fossil-fuel based
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Not biodegradable
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Emits soot
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Produces more toxins when burned
This is why many eco-conscious brands have moved away from paraffin.
3. Soy Wax vs. Paraffin: The Clear Comparison
| Feature | Soy Wax | Paraffin Wax |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Natural soybeans | Petroleum |
| Burn Quality | Slow & clean | Fast & smoky |
| Indoor Air Safety | High | Low |
| Sustainability | Renewable | Non-renewable |
| Scent Quality | Balanced aroma | Artificially strong |
| Biodegradable | Yes | No |
Soy wax is the obvious winner for clean living and long-term value.
4. Soy Wax Burns Cleaner (40–50% Less Soot)
Soy wax burns at a cooler temperature and contains no petrochemicals.
Benefits:
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Cleaner walls and ceilings
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Less indoor soot
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Safer air quality
Paraffin candles release benzene and toluene—chemicals linked to air quality concerns.
For a cleaner home environment, choose candles like our soy candles.
5. Health Benefits: Why Soy Is Safer Indoors
People with asthma, allergies, pets, or children prefer soy wax because it:
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Emits fewer toxins
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Produces minimal soot
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Reduces respiratory irritation
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Helps maintain healthy indoor air
Paraffin is harsher because it combusts petro-wax faster and hotter.
6. Soy Wax Lasts Longer (Up to 50% More Burn Time)
Soy burns slower due to its molecular structure. A typical 8 oz soy candle can last 30–50% longer than a paraffin candle.
This means:
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Better value
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Longer fragrance enjoyment
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Less tunneling
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Smoother melt pool
Try our long-lasting 8 oz candles like Sandalwood Amber, Blue Cedar Lavender, Pumpkin Crumble, Love Spell, and more at ShivoraCandles.ca.
7. Soy Wax Is Eco-Friendly & Sustainable
Soybeans are renewable and biodegradable.
🌱 Benefits for the planet:
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Grown annually
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Supports agricultural farmers
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Breaks down naturally
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Low environmental footprint
Paraffin comes from a finite resource: petroleum.
8. Cleaner, More Natural Scent Quality
Soy wax holds fragrance oils more naturally, releasing a smooth, true-to-life aroma.
Your home will smell:
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Less chemical
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More balanced
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Naturally fragrant
Shivora Candles uses premium fragrance oils that are phthalate-free and paraben-free, providing clean scent release.
9. Vegan, Cruelty-Free & Ethical
Soy wax is:
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Plant-derived
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Vegan
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Cruelty-free
Perfect for conscious shoppers who value ethical home products.
10. Smooth Aesthetic Finish
Soy wax sets with a creamy, smooth finish—ideal for luxury brands.
It pairs beautifully with:
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Matte jars
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Amber jars
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White jars
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Wooden lids
Shivora Candles uses premium jars and minimal-frost soy wax for an elegant look.
11. Supports Local & Small-Batch Makers
Soy wax is ideal for artisans because it works well in small-batch pours.
When you buy soy candles, you're supporting:
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Local craft makers
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Eco-focused brands
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Higher quality ingredients
Shop handcrafted small-batch candles made in Ontario at ShivoraCandles.ca.
12. Environmental Impact: Real Numbers
Soy wax reduces lifecycle carbon emissions significantly:
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Up to 50% less CO₂ than paraffin
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Biodegrades in months
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Less environmental waste
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Better for the future of clean living
13. Why Big Brands Still Use Paraffin
Simple:
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It’s cheap
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It produces a strong artificial scent
But health-conscious shoppers now prefer natural soy wax because they value clean air over chemical strength.
14. How to Identify Real Soy Candles
Look for:
✔ “100% Soy Wax”
✔ “Soy-Coconut Blend”
✔ Cotton or wooden wicks
✔ Clean fragrance oils
✔ Clear ingredient transparency
Shivora Candles provides genuine ingredient transparency on every product page.
Conclusion: Soy Wax Is the Superior Choice
Whether you’re choosing candles for wellness, sustainability, or long-lasting value, soy wax offers unmatched benefits compared to paraffin.
Soy wax is:
✔ Cleaner
✔ Longer-burning
✔ More eco-friendly
✔ Safer for indoor air
✔ More luxurious
For a better candle experience, explore handcrafted soy candles at ShivoraCandles.ca.
📦 Ready-to-Burn Clean?
Shop our bestsellers:
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Sandalwood Amber
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Blue Cedar Lavender
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Apple Cinnamon
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Pumpkin Crumble
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Love Spell
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Smoked Vanilla & Tuberose
👉 Browse the full collection:
https://shivoracandles.ca/collections