What is the Difference Between Soy and Paraffin Wax

The main difference between soy and paraffin wax is that the soy wax candles do not release soot while the paraffin wax candles release petro-carbon soot.

Paraffin is one of the most common materials people use in candle-making. However, it is not an environmentally friendly wax. Nowadays, many new alternatives for paraffin are available in the market. Soy wax is one such option. Soy wax is a processed form of soybean oil and therefore, it is a natural product.

Key Terms Covered

1. What is Soy Wax
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Paraffin Wax
     – Definition, Features
3. What is the Difference Between Soy and Paraffin Wax
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Paraffin Wax, Paraffin Wax Candle, Soy Wax, Soy Wax Candle

What is Soy Wax

Soy wax is a natural wax made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It is ideal for making container candles since soy wax has a lower melting point than other types of wax. Moreover, we can mix additives into soy wax to raise the melting point of the wax. Importantly, the soy wax candles are completely soot-free. Thus, the lower soot levels can help to maintain pure air quality. In addition to these, the soy wax tends to be softer than paraffin wax.

However, most soy wax candles are not pure soy wax. They contain a blend of different waxes like paraffin and beeswax. Even the candles labelled as 100% soy wax need to be treated with a small amount of paraffin. Also, another issue with soy candles is that 90% of soy is genetically modified, and oil may be mixed with vegetable oils.

What is Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax is a soft, colourless petroleum-based solid. It is created using crude oil/fossil fuel extracted from the earth. Crude oil is actually a combination of hydrocarbons formed as a result of the decomposition of plants and animals that lived many years ago. Once extracted, the oil is sent to refineries and turned into finished products like lubricating oil. Paraffin wax is a byproduct from the lubricating oil refining process.

At room temperature, paraffin wax is a solid, and it begins to melt above approximately 37 °C. Its boiling point is above 370 °C. Thus, paraffin is one of the most popular material for candle wax. It’s also the least expensive. Candlemakers use paraffin to make different types of candles, including containers, pillars, tealights, tapers, votives, and tarts.

Moreover, paraffin wax doesn’t contain any additives; hence we also call it a straight wax. However, paraffin candles can produce soot. Soot refers to solid particles released by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, mainly petroleum-based fuels. We call this petro-carbon soot. Since paraffin has a petroleum base, it releases some amount of petro-carbon soot.

Difference Between Soy and Paraffin Wax

Definition

Soy wax is a natural wax we take from hydrogenated soybean oil while the paraffin wax is a soft, colourless solid we obtain by distillation from petroleum.

Soot

Soy wax candles do not release soot while paraffin wax candles release petro-carbon soot.

Types of Candles

While soy wax is ideal for container candles, paraffin can make any type of candle.

Additives

Moreover, soy wax candles tend to have various additives in them, but paraffin wax candles don’t contain any additives.

Texture

Soy wax tends to be softer than paraffin wax.

Conclusion

The main difference between soy and paraffin wax is that soy wax candles do not release soot while paraffin wax candles release petro-carbon soot. Moreover, while soy wax is ideal for container candles, paraffin is perfect for any variety of candles.

Reference:

“Choosing the Right Candle Wax For Making Candles.” Candlewic, 21 Oct. 2020, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “1162219” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “2290216” (CC0) via Pixabay