Are Coconut Wax Candles Better Than Soy? Things To Know

Are coconut wax candles better than soy? There can be quite a debate when asking candle enthusiasts.

Generally, both are perfect choices for candle-making but there are still some things you’ll need to know before making the right choice for you.

In this article, I’ll share the top things you’ll need to compare when choosing between coconut wax candles and soy candles. I’ll also include a list of factors you should consider before making your decision.

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Overview of Coconut and Soy Wax Candles

Natural candles have taken the market by storm, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paraffin candles. With the rise in environmental consciousness, consumers are gravitating towards sustainable options like coconut and soy wax candles. However, each type has its unique properties and benefits.

Coconut wax is derived from the meat of coconuts through a process of hydrogenation, which turns the coconut oil into a solid form suitable for candle making. On the other hand, soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil.

Are Coconut Wax Candles Better Than Soy?

While there are differences between coconut wax candles and soy candles, there are quite a lot of similarities as well.

Here is a table I’ve created to compare some important properties of coconut wax candles and soy candles.

Aspect	Soy Candles	Coconut Candles
Source	Soybeans (renewable)	Coconuts (renewable)
Scent Throw	Good, but may be lighter	Excellent, strong fragrance throw
Burn Time	Long	Longer than soy
Burn Quality	Clean burn, minimal soot	Clean burn, minimal soot
Melting Point	Higher melting point, harder wax	Lower melting point, softer wax
Appearance	Smooth, matte appearance	Creamy, glossy finish
Renewability	Highly renewable	Highly renewable
Production Process	Minimal processing, often hydrogenated	Minimal processing, less energy-intensive
Carbon Footprint	Low	Low
Biodegradability	Biodegradable	Biodegradable
Chemical Additives	Often contains additives to improve performance	Rarely needed, natural state
Environmental Impact	Low	Low
Price	Generally more affordable	More expensive due to production costs
Availability	Widely available	Less widely available, growing in popularity
Air Quality	Clean burn, minimal toxins	Clean burn, purifies air
Texture	Harder, suitable for various types of candles	Softer, better for container candles
Color	Natural creamy-white	Natural creamy-white
Sustainability	Sustainable farming practices	Sustainable farming practices
Allergen-Free	Generally hypoallergenic	Generally hypoallergenic

In terms of sustainability, both coconut wax and soy wax are derived from renewable resources. Both waxes are biodegradable and should not cause harm to the environment in the long term. However, some may question the ethicality of modern-day farming and the intensive agricultural processes involved.

Both waxes also burns cleanly, producing minimal soot – making them suitable for indoor use.

When it comes to candle-making, coconut wax is generally preferred for it’s longer burn time and stronger scent performance. However, it can be more pricey due to less availability and can be easily affected by changes of environment temperature.

For this reason, some candle makers may choose to mix coconut wax and soy wax to create soy coconut blend candles as it creates a more stable candle. If you’re on a budget, sticking to soy candles is a wise move.

6 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Candle Wax

Here’s a list of six factors you should consider when deciding between the two waxes.

• Scent Throw: Coconut wax has a stronger scent throw compared to soy wax. It can hold and release fragrance more effectively, filling a room with a rich and lasting aroma.
• Burn Time: Candles made from coconut wax tend to burn longer and more evenly. This slower burn rate means your candles will last longer, providing more value.
• Environmental Impact: Although both comes from renewable resources, the farming of coconuts requires fewer pesticides and fertilizers, making it more eco-friendly. Soybean farming can sometimes involve more intensive agricultural practices, which may impact sustainability.
• Appearance: Coconut wax candles have a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing finish. It has a creamy texture and can produce a glossy look in candles. Soy candles typically has a more matte finish and may have a frosted appearance, which can be less appealing.
• Health and Safety: Both waxes are non-toxic and free from harmful chemicals, making it safe for use around children and pets.
• Cost: Coconut wax is more expensive, while soy wax is a more affordable option, suitable for hobbyists and large-scale producers.

Your choice between coconut and soy wax may ultimately come down to personal preference. If you prioritize a strong scent throw and longer burn time, coconut wax might be the better option. If you prefer carrying a more readily available product, soy wax could be your go-to.

When comparing coconut wax vs. soy wax price, the former is generally more expensive. Consider your budget and how much you are willing to invest in your candles. Both types offer excellent performance, so you can’t go wrong with either choice.

Best Practices for Choosing the Best Candle

Here are two things you should do when choosing candles.

• Check ingredients: Always check the ingredients list when purchasing candles. Look for candles made from 100% coconut or soy wax, with no harmful additives. High-quality candles will often list their ingredients clearly on the label.
• Understand labels: Be wary of misleading labels. Some candles labeled as “soy” or “coconut” may contain a blend of waxes, including paraffin. Ensure you are getting a pure product by reading the fine print and doing a bit of research on the brand.

Bottom Line

Both waxes have their own merits. When used for candle-making, coconut wax generally stands out for the reasons explained above. However, there’s no wrong in choosing soy wax – if it fits all your needs!

Your choice will ultimately depend on what aspects you value most in your candles and what you believe would appeal to your target audience.

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try offering both and see what kind of sales you can get. You may be surprised!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)