Coconut Wax vs Soy Wax for Candles

Candles are a staple in creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere in any home. But with the rise of eco-friendly and sustainable products, the type of wax used in candles has become a hot topic. Two popular options are coconut wax and soy wax, both of which are known for being vegan and natural. In this article, we'll explore the differences between coconut wax and soy wax and help you decide which one is the best choice for your cozy candle needs.

What is Coconut Wax?

Coconut wax is a natural wax made from the oil of coconuts. It is a byproduct of the coconut industry and is considered a sustainable and eco-friendly option for candle making. Coconut wax is known for its clean burn and ability to hold fragrance well.

Benefits of Coconut Wax

• Sustainable: Coconut wax is made from a renewable resource, making it a sustainable choice for candle making.
• Clean Burn: Coconut wax has a clean burn, meaning it produces minimal soot and smoke.
• Holds Fragrance Well: Coconut wax has a high fragrance load, meaning it can hold a large amount of fragrance oil, resulting in a strong and long-lasting scent.
• Vegan: Coconut wax is a vegan option, making it a popular choice for those who follow a plant-based lifestyle.

Drawbacks of Coconut Wax

• Price: Coconut wax is generally more expensive than other types of wax, making it a less budget-friendly option.
• Soft Texture: Coconut wax has a soft texture, which can make it difficult to work with for some candle makers.

What is Soy Wax?

Soy wax is a natural wax made from soybean oil. It is a byproduct of the soybean industry and is considered a renewable and eco-friendly option for candle making. Soy wax is known for its clean burn and ability to hold fragrance well.

Benefits of Soy Wax

• Renewable: Soy wax is made from a renewable resource, making it an eco-friendly choice for candle making.
• Clean Burn: Soy wax has a clean burn, meaning it produces minimal soot and smoke.
• Holds Fragrance Well: Soy wax has a high fragrance load, meaning it can hold a large amount of fragrance oil, resulting in a strong and long-lasting scent.
• Vegan: Soy wax is a vegan option, making it a popular choice for those who follow a plant-based lifestyle.

Drawbacks of Soy Wax

• Price: Soy wax is generally more expensive than other types of wax, making it a less budget-friendly option.
• Soft Texture: Soy wax has a soft texture, which can make it difficult to work with for some candle makers.
• GMO Concerns: Some soy wax is made from genetically modified soybeans, which may be a concern for those looking for a completely natural option.

Coconut Wax vs. Soy Wax: Which is Better for Candles?

Both coconut wax and soy wax have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, making it difficult to determine which one is better for candles. Ultimately, the decision will come down to personal preference and what is most important to you as a consumer.

Scent Throw

When it comes to scent throw, both coconut wax and soy wax have a high fragrance load and can hold a large amount of fragrance oil. However, coconut wax is known for having a stronger scent throw, meaning it can fill a room with fragrance more quickly and effectively.

Burn Time

Coconut wax and soy wax both have a similar burn time, with coconut wax having a slightly longer burn time. This means that candles made with coconut wax may last a bit longer than those made with soy wax.

Eco-Friendliness

Both coconut wax and soy wax are considered eco-friendly options for candle making. However, coconut wax may have a slight edge in this category as it is made from a byproduct of the coconut industry, while soy wax is made from a byproduct of the soybean industry, which is often associated with genetically modified crops.

Texture

Coconut wax and soy wax both have a soft texture, which can make them difficult to work with for some candle makers. However, coconut wax is known for being slightly harder than soy wax, making it easier to work with for some.

How to Choose the Right Wax for Your Candles

When deciding between coconut wax and soy wax for your candles, there are a few factors to consider:

• Budget: Coconut wax and soy wax are both more expensive than traditional paraffin wax, so if budget is a concern, you may want to consider using a blend of the two waxes to keep costs down.
• Fragrance Load: If you want a strong and long-lasting scent, both coconut wax and soy wax are great options. However, if you want a slightly stronger scent throw, coconut wax may be the better choice.
• Eco-Friendliness: Both coconut wax and soy wax are considered eco-friendly options, so this may not be a deciding factor for everyone. However, if sustainability is important to you, you may want to do some research on the sourcing of the wax you choose.
• Texture: If you have experience working with soft waxes, both coconut wax and soy wax should be easy to work with. However, if you are new to candle making, you may want to start with soy wax as it is slightly softer and easier to work with.

Real-World Examples of Coconut Wax and Soy Wax Candles

One popular brand that uses soy wax for their candles is Aromance. Their soy wax candles are known for their strong and long-lasting scents, and their use of soy wax is a contributing factor to this.

In Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between coconut wax and soy wax for your candles, there is no clear winner. Both waxes have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, and the decision will ultimately come down to personal preference. However, both coconut wax and soy wax are great options for those looking for a vegan and natural wax for their candles. Whichever wax you choose, you can feel good knowing that you are making a sustainable and eco-friendly choice for your home.