If you've ever gotten a headache from a scented candle, or noticed black soot creeping up your wall, there's a good chance the culprit was paraffin wax.
What is paraffin wax?
Paraffin is a byproduct of petroleum refining. It's the most common wax used in mass-market candles because it's cheap and holds fragrance well — but burning it releases small amounts of soot and can carry trace toxins into the air, which is part of why sensitive noses (and lungs) react to it.
What is soy wax?
Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil — a renewable, plant-based source. It burns cooler and cleaner than paraffin, producing little to no soot, and it doesn't carry the same petroleum byproducts into your air.
The real differences
- Burn time: Soy wax burns slower and cooler, which typically means a longer-lasting candle.
- Clean burn: Less soot means no black residue on your walls, jars, or lungs.
- Renewable source: Soybeans are a replenishable crop; petroleum is not.
- Scent throw: Paraffin is often praised for stronger scent throw, but a well-formulated soy candle still fills a room beautifully — without the tradeoffs.
Why we only use soy
Every Handcrafted Glow candle is 100% soy wax, phthalate-free, and hand-poured in small batches. If you've ever avoided candles because of headaches or breathing sensitivity, this is exactly the kind of switch that tends to make a real difference.
Ready to try it for yourself? Shop our candles →