Wondering to yourself – are soy or coconut candles better? It can be confusing to know in the beginning. Here’s what you should know to decide!
Choosing the right wax for your candles is essential to ensure they burn beautifully and release the perfect scent. Soy and coconut waxes are two popular options.
In this article, I’ll discuss the differences between soy candles and coconut candles, including reasons why you should get them.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link!
Related Posts:
- Soy Candles vs Coconut Candles for Candle-making
- How To Make Coconut Wax Candles with Essential Oils
- How Long Do Coconut Wax Candles Need To Cure?
Overview of Soy and Coconut Candles
For us to fully compare the differences between soy candles and coconut candles, we’ll need to understand their underlying properties, as well as their benefits and drawbacks.
Both candles are made of natural ingredients that are sustainable, biodegradable and renewable.
What are Soy Candles?
Soy candles are made from soy wax that is derived from soybean oil, a renewable resource. They are widely used today thanks to their affordability and eco-friendliness compared to paraffin wax.
Candles made of soy wax are known for their clean burn and excellent scent throw, making them a favorite among eco-conscious consumers.
Benefits of Soy Candles
Soy candles come with several advantages that make them popular among candle enthusiasts.
- Eco-friendly: Soy wax is derived from soybeans, a renewable crop that supports sustainable farming practices.
- Clean burning: One of the standout features of soy candles is their clean burning nature. They produce minimal soot, ensuring that your walls and indoor air quality remain unaffected.
- Long burn time: Soy wax candles generally burn longer than paraffin wax candles, offering you extended enjoyment.
- Scent throw: Although not as great as paraffin wax, soy wax has a good scent throw and can effectively disperse fragrance throughout a room, enhancing the ambiance.
Drawbacks of Soy Candles
Despite their many benefits, soy candles have some drawbacks.
- Cost: Soy wax can be more expensive than paraffin wax, which might be a consideration if you’re on a tight budget.
- Frosting: Soy wax candles can develop a frosted appearance over time. Although this does not affect the candle’s burning performance, it can be unattractive for some.
- Soot production: While soy wax produces less soot than paraffin, it can still produce some, especially if the wick is not trimmed properly.
What are Coconut Candles?
Similar to soy candles, coconut candles are made of coconut wax that is derived from coconut oil through the process of hydrogenation. They are also loved by eco-conscious candle makers as they offer a longer burn and a better scent throw compared to soy candles.
Coconut candles often have a luxurious appearance, making them an ideal choice for high end candles.
Benefits of Coconut Candles
Coconut candles are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique benefits.
- Renewable resource: Coconut wax is made from the oil of coconuts, a highly renewable and sustainable resource.
- Excellent scent throw: Coconut wax has an exceptional scent throw, often surpassing that of soy wax, making it ideal for scented candles.
- Smooth and luxurious texture: The creamy texture of coconut wax gives candles a smooth, luxurious appearance that is aesthetically pleasing.
- Long burn time: Coconut wax burns for longer compared to soy wax, providing good value for your money.
Drawbacks of Coconut Candles
Coconut candles are not without their challenges.
- Cost: Coconut wax tends to be more expensive than other types of wax, which can increase the overall cost of candle-making.
- Availability: Coconut wax can be harder to find compared to more common waxes like soy or paraffin.
- Lower melting point: The lower melting point of coconut wax can be an issue in warmer climates, as candles may soften or melt prematurely.
Key Differences Between Coconut Candles and Soy Candles
Need a comprehensive comparison of coconut candles and soy candles? These are some key differences you should know when it comes to candle-making.
| Aspect | Coconut Candles | Soy Candles |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Made from coconut wax derived from refined coconut oil | Made from soy wax derived from soybean oil |
| Sustainability | Eco-friendly, biodegradable, renewable | Eco-friendly, biodegradable, renewable |
| Burn Quality | Burns cleanly with minimal soot | Burns cleanly with minimal soot |
| Scent Throw | Excellent scent throw, holds fragrance well | Good scent throw, but generally not as strong as coconut candles |
| Texture | Smooth and creamy | Smooth, but can have a slightly frosted appearance |
| Melting Point | Lower melting point, around 100-110°F (38-43°C) | Slightly higher melting point, around 120-130°F (49-54°C) |
| Burn Time | Long burn time, consistent burn | Long burn time, consistent burn |
| Color | Naturally white, can be colored easily | Naturally off-white to beige, can be colored |
| Fragrance Compatibility | Compatible with a wide range of fragrance oils and essential oils | Compatible with a wide range of fragrance oils and essential oils |
| Environmental Impact | Low impact, supports sustainable agriculture | Low impact, supports sustainable agriculture |
| Use in Candle Making | Ideal for container candles, smooth finish | Ideal for container candles, smooth finish |
| Availability | Growing in popularity, becoming more widely available | Widely available and commonly used |
| Cost | Generally higher due to production processes | More affordable, cost-effective |
| Health Concerns | Non-toxic, safe for indoor air quality | Non-toxic, safe for indoor air quality |
| Hardness | Softer, may need blending for certain candle types | Slightly harder, holds shape well in various candle types |
| Appearance | Smooth, glossy finish | Smooth, with occasional frosting |
Summary of Differences: Soy Candles vs Coconut Candles
In summary, both soy candles and coconut candles are highly sought after for their eco-friendliness. There are some questions regarding the sustainability of soy wax as intensive farming practices may have environmental impacts.
If you have respiratory issues or sensitivities, both soy candles and coconut candles are safe choices for indoor use. They are non-toxic and burns cleanly, releasing minimal soot – coconut candles produces even less.
When it comes to burning performance, both soy wax and coconut wax candles have long burn times, providing extended enjoyment. If you’re interested in scented candles, coconut candles hold fragrances better than soy candles and has an excellent scent throw to disperse fragrance effectively throughout a room.
Candle lovers may also be interested in the appearance of candles as they are considered to be home decor. Coconut candles generally has a smooth, creamy appearance that looks more luxurious compared to soy candles which may develop frosting over time.
If cost is a factor to consider when making a purchase, coconut candles are also more expensive than soy candles. This may also be due to the fact that coconut wax is not as widely available as soy wax, making it sometimes harder to source.
Bottom Line
There can be quite a dilemma when deciding between coconut candles or soy candles. The decision is even harder if you’re a candle-maker unsure whether to use coconut wax or soy wax for your candles.
If you’re just a candle user, it’s best to buy both candles in the same type of fragrance and light them up to test whether you actually like them. Results can vary given the different properties of both candles and even across different candle manufacturers.
There isn’t usually a big difference between soy candles and coconut candles – unless you’re particular about scent throw, candle stability and appearance. So just choose the right one for you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The healthiest candles to burn are those made from beeswax. Beeswax candles are natural, renewable, and burn cleanly, producing minimal soot and smoke. One of the unique benefits of beeswax is that it releases negative ions when burned, which can help purify the air by attracting and neutralizing pollutants, dust, and allergens. Beeswax candles do not contain harmful chemicals or synthetic fragrances, reducing the risk of indoor air pollution and respiratory irritation. Additionally, they have a natural, subtle honey scent that doesn’t require artificial additives. Other healthy alternatives include soy wax and coconut wax candles, which also burn cleanly and are made from renewable resources.
Coconut wax and soy wax both have their unique advantages. Coconut wax is known for its excellent scent throw, both hot and cold, which means it can disperse fragrances more effectively than soy wax. This makes coconut wax ideal for scented candles. It also has a creamy texture and smooth finish, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the candles. However, it tends to be more expensive and softer, sometimes requiring blending with harder waxes. Soy wax, on the other hand, is more affordable and widely available. It burns cleanly with minimal soot and is relatively easy to work with, making it a popular choice for beginners.
One primary drawback of coconut wax is its higher cost compared to other waxes like soy or paraffin. This can make coconut wax candles more expensive for consumers and less economical for large-scale production. Additionally, pure coconut wax is quite soft and has a low melting point, which can make it challenging to use on its own. This softness can lead to issues with candle stability, especially in warmer climates or during shipping, often necessitating blending with harder waxes for better structural integrity. It is also less widely available which can limit sourcing options and increase costs.
Coconut and soy candles offer numerous benefits, making them popular choices among candle enthusiasts. Coconut wax candles are celebrated for their excellent scent throw and clean burn. They produce minimal soot, enhancing indoor air quality and keeping candle jars cleaner. Coconut wax is also a natural and renewable resource, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Soy candles, on the other hand, are highly regarded for their affordability and ease of use. Soy wax burns cleanly with minimal soot, is biodegradable, and comes from a renewable resource, making it environmentally friendly. Soy wax candles have a longer burn time compared to many other wax types, providing extended enjoyment. Both coconut and soy candles are excellent choices for those seeking high-quality, eco-friendly, and clean-burning candles.
