Soy vs Paraffin: What’s the Difference in Your Candles and Melts?

If you’ve ever wandered down the candle aisle or scrolled through a million wax melts online, you’ve probably noticed two main types of wax: soy and paraffin. They both make things smell good and feel cozy, but they’re actually very different in terms of ingredients, performance, and health impact. So which one should you be burning in your home? Let’s break it down.

What is Paraffin Wax?

Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum. It’s been around forever because it’s cheap and holds fragrance well. You’ll find it in a lot of big-name candles at big-box stores. While paraffin candles have been tested and deemed generally safe for home use, they can emit small amounts of compounds like benzene and toluene when burned. Whether those trace levels pose any real risk is still debated, but many people choose alternatives for peace of mind. Paraffin also tends to produce more soot, which can blacken your jar and your walls over time.

What is Soy Wax?

Soy wax is made from soybeans (surprise!), making it a plant-based, renewable option. It burns cleaner than paraffin, meaning less soot and fewer byproducts in the air. Soy wax also burns slower, so you get more hours of scent and ambiance per candle. That said, soy doesn’t always throw scent as aggressively as paraffin—but that’s actually a good thing if you prefer a more natural, not-overwhelming fragrance experience.

How Do They Compare?

Why Mountain City Candles Stands Out:

Soy Blends vs. 100% Soy

Here’s a little industry secret: many big-name candle brands (looking at you, Bath & Body Works, Yankee Candle, Goose Creek Candles, and so many others) will advertise their candles as "soy" when they’re actually made with a soy blend — meaning soy wax mixed with paraffin or other additives. This helps them get the marketing benefits of soy while still using cheaper ingredients to boost scent throw and shelf life. 

At Mountain City Candles, we don’t do blends. We use 100% soy wax with no additives or Prop 65 chemicals. That means you get a candle that’s not just cozy, but actually clean-burning, long-lasting, and better for your home.

So Which One is Better?

Honestly, it depends on what you value. If you're looking for the cheapest candle with the strongest scent, paraffin might fit the bill. But if you care about air quality, clean ingredients, and supporting renewable resources (hi, farmers!), soy is the way to go. Many people also report headaches or sensitivities when burning paraffin wax candles—especially in small spaces or with strong synthetic fragrances. Choosing soy can be a great way to avoid that while still enjoying a warm, inviting scent.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be a chemist to make a good choice for your home. Just knowing what’s in your candle makes a big difference. So next time you light a wick or melt a cube, you’ll know exactly what you’re breathing in—and feel good about it.

Curious what a truly clean-burning candle feels like? Check out our bestsellers and see for yourself.