When launching a scented candle line, one of the first and most critical decisions you will make is choosing the right wax.
As a candle manufacturer based in Ningbo, we often hear this question from our clients: “Should I use soy wax or paraffin wax?”
The answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no.” It depends on your brand positioning, target audience, and budget. In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision for your next custom order.
1. Paraffin Wax: The Classic Choice
Paraffin wax has been the industry standard for over a century. It is a byproduct of petroleum refinement.
The Pros:
Superior Scent Throw: Paraffin holds fragrance oil very well and releases a strong scent (both cold throw and hot throw). This is why many luxury brands still use it.
Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than natural waxes, allowing for better profit margins.
Smooth Finish: It creates a perfectly smooth, glossy top without much effort.
The Cons:
Soot: It can produce black soot if the wick isn’t trimmed properly.
Not Eco-Friendly: Being a petroleum product, it is not renewable, which may turn away eco-conscious consumers.
2. Soy Wax: The Modern Favorite
The Pros:
100% Natural & Renewable: A huge selling point for modern, eco-conscious brands.
Cleaner Burn: Soy wax burns with significantly less soot than paraffin.
Longer Burn Time: It has a lower melting point, meaning a soy candle will burn 30-50% longer than a paraffin candle of the same size. Customers feel they get more value.
The Cons:
Subtler Scent: Soy wax is denser, so the scent throw can be more subtle. (However, at Hongfeng, we use advanced blending techniques to maximize scent performance in our soy candles).
Frosting: Pure soy wax can sometimes develop white crystal-like marks (frosting). This is natural but requires skilled manufacturing to minimize.
3. The Best of Both Worlds: Custom Blends
Can’t decide? You don’t have to. Many successful brands opt for a Parasoy Blend (a mix of Paraffin and Soy) or explore other premium options like Coconut Wax or Beeswax.
A blend can offer the strong scent throw of paraffin with the slow burn and creamy look of soy wax.
Conclusion: How to Choose?
Choose Paraffin if: You want the strongest possible scent and a lower cost, and your customers prioritize fragrance impact over eco-credentials.
Choose Soy Wax if: You are positioning your brand as “Natural,” “Eco-friendly,” or “Non-toxic.” This is the preferred choice for most mid-to-high-end indie brands today.
Still Not Sure? Test Before You Buy!
At Hongfeng Arts & Crafts, we offer a wide range of wax types including Soy, Paraffin, Coconut, and Beeswax.
We recommend doing a side-by-side burn test.
Contact us today to request sample candles made with different waxes, so you can see and smell the difference yourself.