đŸ•Żïž Are Soy Candles Better? A Candle Lover’s Honest Breakdown - Mandy and Co

đŸ•Żïž Are Soy Candles Better? A Candle Lover’s Honest Breakdown

đŸ•Żïž Are Soy Candles Better? A Candle Lover’s Honest Breakdown

Let’s be real—candle shopping today is like dating apps. Everything claims to be natural, long-lasting, and non-toxic. But just like that one guy who said he was “6 feet” (and showed up 5’7”), not all candles are what they claim to be.

As a small-batch candle maker and candle hoarder (guilty as charged), I’ve tested all kinds—paraffin, beeswax, coconut, soy, blends. And today, we’re diving into the question I get most:

“Are soy candles really better?”

Grab your chai and let’s decode the wax drama!

đŸ§Ș The Wax Line-Up: What Are Your Options?

Let’s meet the main characters in the wax world:

Wax Type Made From Common Use
Soy Wax Soybean oil Natural candles, eco brands
Paraffin Wax Petroleum byproduct Cheap scented candles
Beeswax Bees’ honeycomb residue Premium artisan candles
Coconut Wax Coconut oil & additives Luxury natural candles

 

đŸ§Œ Soy Wax vs. Paraffin Wax: The Clean Burn Battle

Paraffin candles are like fast food—cheap, everywhere, and you’ll regret it later. They’re made from petroleum byproducts and release black soot and chemicals like benzene when burned. Yikes.

On the other hand, soy candles are:

  • Made from renewable soybeans

  • Burn cleaner with minimal soot

  • Last longer (slow burn = more bang for your buck)

  • Easier on sensitive noses

✹ Personal Note: I once burned a paraffin candle in my study and unfortunately close to a wall and only after a few hours I realised that the wall had huge black soot marks which refused to go away! That was the end of our toxic relationship!!

đŸ”„ Verdict:

Soy candles win for clean air, longer life, and peace of mind.
Paraffin may be cheaper, but your lungs and home will pay the price.

🐝 Soy Wax vs. Beeswax: The All-Natural Showdown

Beeswax candles are like the Ayurvedic face oils of the candle world—natural, healing, expensive. They:

  • Purify the air by releasing negative ions

  • Burn longest among all waxes

  • Have a natural honey scent

But they:

  • Are very pricey

  • Don’t hold added fragrances well

  • Aren’t vegan (just FYI for conscious consumers)

Soy wax, in contrast:

  • Holds fragrances beautifully (hello vanilla-lavender dreams)

  • Is budget-friendly

  • Is 100% vegan and renewable

🐝 Fun Fact: I once made a rose-scented beeswax candle. It smelled
 like rose dipped in honey. Not bad. Just... not very rose.

đŸ”„ Verdict:

Beeswax is queen if you're into air purification and subtle scent.
Soy wins if you love fragrance, are on a budget, or prefer vegan options.

đŸ„„ Soy Wax vs. Coconut Wax: The Luxe Dilemma

Coconut wax is like that influencer with perfect skin—smooth, expensive, and oh-so-lovely. It:

  • Burns beautifully, even at low temps

  • Holds scent very well

  • Has a creamy, soft texture

But:

  • It’s hard to find in India

  • Usually blended with soy or paraffin (read labels!)

  • Expensive for mass gifting

Soy wax, on the other hand:

  • Is easy to source

  • Works great for jar and molded candles

  • Offers good scent throw at a fraction of the cost

đŸ„„ Tip: Many luxury brands use a soy-coconut blend—best of both worlds!

đŸ”„ Verdict:

Coconut wax is a luxe pick, but for value + availability, soy still wins.

♻ The Eco-Conscious Angle: Why Soy Wax Scores Big

If you’re the type who separates wet and dry waste, you’ll love this:

  • Soy wax is biodegradable

  • It’s made from renewable crops

  • It supports farmers, not fossil fuel industries

  • Most soy candles are also phthalate-free and cruelty-free

So when you light a soy candle, you’re not just lighting a room—you’re supporting a cleaner, greener world.

👛 But... Is Soy Wax Cheaper?

Yes and no.

  • Cheaper than beeswax & coconut wax

  • Slightly costlier than paraffin

  • But since soy candles burn 30–50% longer, they often give better value

đŸ›ïž Need proof? Try our Budget 3-Pack Soy Candle Set—crafted with natural soy wax, clean fragrance, and love from Gurgaon.

📝 Final Verdict: Are Soy Candles Better?

✅ For clean air? YES

✅ For fragrance throw? YES

✅ For gifting & home use? YES

✅ For sustainability? YES

❌ For ultra-luxury or air purifying? MAYBE (Beeswax or coconut wins there)

 

đŸ”„ TL;DR – Soy Wax vs Others

Feature Soy Wax ✅ Paraffin ❌ Beeswax đŸ€” Coconut Wax 💅
Clean burn ✅ ❌ Sooty ✅ ✅
Scent hold ✅ Great ✅ Strong ❌ Light ✅ Excellent
Burn time ✅ Long ❌ Short ✅ Longest ✅ Medium–Long
Eco-friendly ✅ Renewable ❌ Petroleum ✅ Natural ✅ Natural
Budget-friendly ✅ Yes ✅ Cheapest ❌ Expensive ❌ Expensive
Vegan ✅ Yes ✅ Yes ❌ No ✅ Yes

 

💡 Final Thoughts

So, are soy candles better?

In most cases—yes.
They’re the sweet spot of scent, sustainability, and affordability. If you're into pretty jars, cozy scents, clean air, and conscious choices, soy candles are your BFF.

And if you ever need help picking the right one, just drop by our shop at Mandy & Co. — we’re kind of obsessed with getting candles just right.

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