
Wax type affects almost everything about how a candle performs: how evenly it burns, how strong the fragrance is, and how long it lasts. The two most common options are soy wax and paraffin wax, with blends sitting somewhere in between.
Made from soybean oil, soy wax is a natural, renewable option that burns cooler and slower than paraffin. It tends to produce less soot and often has a cleaner burn, which is part of why it has become popular in home fragrance. Scent throw can be slightly softer than paraffin, especially in cold rooms, but it generally provides a long, even burn.
Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct that has been used in candle making for well over a century. It holds fragrance oils well and often produces a stronger scent throw, which is why it is common in heavily scented and decorative candles. It does burn a little hotter and can produce more soot than soy if the wick is not trimmed regularly.
Blended waxes aim to combine the strong scent throw of paraffin with some of the cleaner-burning qualities of soy. They are common in decorative and speciality candles, where a strong fragrance and a distinctive design both matter.
If you burn candles often and prioritise a clean, natural burn, soy wax is usually the better everyday choice. If you want the strongest possible scent throw for a large room, a paraffin or blended wax candle may perform better. Either way, trimming the wick before every burn makes the biggest difference to how clean and even the candle burns.























