Walk down any candle aisle and you'll see the same labels: soy, paraffin, blends. Does the wax really matter? If you care about how a candle burns, how it smells, and what it's made from, the answer is yes. Here's a simple breakdown of soy vs. paraffin candles.
What Is Paraffin Wax?
Paraffin is the most common candle wax. It's made from petroleum, a byproduct of the oil refining process. It's inexpensive and holds a lot of fragrance, which is why so many mass-produced candles use it.
What Is Soy Wax?
Soy wax is made from soybean oil, a plant-based, renewable resource. It's softer than paraffin and melts at a lower temperature.
Why Many People Prefer Soy
- It's plant-based and renewable. Soybeans can be grown again every season.
- It tends to burn slower. Because soy wax melts at a lower temperature, soy candles often last longer than paraffin candles of the same size.
- It burns cleaner. Soy candles generally produce less black soot on jars and walls.
- Easy cleanup. Soy wax spills can usually be cleaned with warm, soapy water.
How to Get the Best From a Soy Candle
Soy candles love a full first burn. Let the wax melt all the way to the edge the first time you light it, and trim the wick before every use. Our Candle Care 101 guide walks you through every step.
Why The Lampley Chose Soy
Every Lampley candle is hand-poured with soy wax. We wanted candles that feel as good as they smell, something you can light at the end of a long day without a second thought.
- Hand-Poured Tribute Candle (11oz), earthy and sophisticated
- 11oz Tribute Candle, rich, clean, and long-lasting
- 13.75oz Hand-Poured Soy Candle, fruity, fresh, and never overpowering
- "The Lou" Scented Candle, a warm, grounding blend in memory of my father
Candles That Give Back
A portion of proceeds from every candle supports CTE and thyroid disease research. When you choose a Lampley candle, your calm helps someone else too. Want to do more? Visit our Pour It Forward campaign.
