Candles are more than just sources of light; they're mood setters, scent diffusers, and even little pieces of art. And at the heart of every great candle is its wax. If you're looking to create your candles or want to understand what's burning in your living room, you've likely come across the coconut versus soy debate.
Candle-makers and consumers need to be aware of the properties of coconut wax and soy wax. While both are natural options, they differ in their benefits, how they work, their environmental impact, and their overall value. It is worth taking a closer look at each wax to make an informed choice.
Let's break down these popular waxes to help you choose the best one for your needs.
Soy wax and coconut wax are both natural waxes, plant-based alternatives to petroleum-derived waxes, commonly used in candles, cosmetics, and industrial applications. Here's a quick breakdown of each:
Soy wax is a renewable, biodegradable wax made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It has a smooth texture and moderate scent throw. It is clean-burning, affordable and tends to burn longer than paraffin candles. However, soy wax is prone to frosting. Although this does not impact the candle’s burn time, some find it messy and unattractive. It also has a softer texture than most waxes, making it more likely to melt in warmer temperatures.
Coconut wax is made from the meat of coconuts and has a luxuriant, creamy and smooth texture. Like soy wax, it is a clean-burning and renewable resource that is considered sustainable. It offers a longer burn time and a stronger scent throw than soy wax. It is eco-friendly, requiring minimal processing and water use, but tends to be more expensive due to its premium rating as a wax and its visual appeal. It's also a newer option on the market, gaining popularity for its luxurious qualities.
Coconut wax and soy wax are both popular choices for candle-making and other industrial applications, offering natural, sustainable alternatives to paraffin-based waxes. Choosing between them depends on several factors, including burn quality, scent throw, environmental impact, and cost. Below is a detailed comparison of these two waxes.
Coconut wax has a lower melting point than soy wax. It thus requires less heat to create a melt pool. This means coconut wax candles burn 10-15% longer than soy wax candles. Paradoxically, soy wax has a higher melting point, and this might be the secret to your candles burning longer in some instances. However, soy wax is prone to “tunnelling” (burning down the centre, leaving wax on the sides) if it is not formulated correctly. Frosting (white patches) is also a common issue, although it doesn't affect the burn. Additionally, some soy wax blends include additives to enhance burn time.
Both waxes give you a cleaner burn than traditional paraffin wax. Coconut wax is unique in that it produces almost no soot. This makes coconut wax ideal for confined spaces or if you're concerned about air quality. Soy candles generally emit a tiny amount of soot, depending on the purity of the wax. Sometimes, soy wax can produce a slightly sooty flame if the wick isn't properly sized or if the fragrance load is too high.
Verdict:Coconut wax surpasses soy wax by providing better fuel efficiency since it burns longer and cleaner than soy wax.
What sets these waxes apart is how they handle fragrance. Both waxes offer a decent scent throw, both cold (when the candle is unlit) and hot (when the candle is burning). Coconut wax can hold more scent due to its higher oil retention capacity and because it bonds well with fragrance oils. This natural affinity creates a more robust aroma that quickly permeates your space. Also, because it holds scent so well, you may need less fragrance oil to achieve the desired intensity, saving you money on fragrance costs.
Soy wax has a slightly less potent scent, requiring more fragrance oil to achieve the same fragrance diffusion as coconut wax. Fragrance oils can affect the burn of soy wax, and excessive amounts can cause issues. However, it is a matter of personal preference, since some people prefer the gentler scent of soy wax.
Verdict:Coconut wax typically has a superior scent throw, making it a preferred choice for candles with strong scents.
These plant-based waxes leave different marks on our environment. Coconut farming generally has a lower environmental impact compared to soy farming. Coconuts often grow in areas where other crops are less viable, potentially reducing pressure on deforestation. Coconut wax comes from trees that produce lots of fruit and need fewer resources to grow. These trees keep producing for decades.
Furthermore, coconuts rarely require pesticides and aren't typically genetically modified organisms (GMOs). However, transportation can be a factor, depending on where the coconuts are grown and where the wax is processed. Coconut wax also requires minimal processing.
Soy wax, although renewable and biodegradable, raises concerns about its environmental impact. Soy farming methods include monoculture farming, the use of pesticides, water consumption and deforestation to create farmlands. Although generally, soy wax requires less processing than paraffin wax, it does require more processing than coconut wax.
To offset these environmental effects, it is essential to source soy wax from responsible and sustainable farms. Local soy wax is better for the environment because it reduces global greenhouse gas emissions associated with shipping the product.
Verdict:Coconut wax tends to be more sustainable, though responsibly sourced soy wax can also be eco-friendly.
The price gap between these waxes is steep. Coconut wax costs roughly double the price of soy wax because it is harder to make and not readily available. It is a premium wax, and the higher cost reflects the production process and its desirable qualities, including better scent throw and cleaner-burning properties.
Soy wax is generally less expensive than coconut wax because it is more readily available. This contributes to the lower price point, making it ideal for mass-market candle production. Soy wax makes a budget-friendly starting point and works well. Many candle makers mix both of these waxes (usually 50/50 or 70/30) to get the best of both worlds. Some soy wax blends incorporate cost-saving additives, which reduce purity but enhance usability. This creates stronger candles with better scents at a reasonable price.
Verdict:Soy wax is more budget-friendly, while coconut wax is a premium option with added benefits.
The best wax for you depends on your priorities:
Both coconut wax and soy wax are natural products with a clean burn. Coconut wax has an even burn without the “tunnelling” effect and a powerful scent throw. It is biodegradable, more expensive than other waxes and generally considered a deluxe option in candle-making. However, pure coconut wax cannot be used on its own and has to be combined with other waxes. It is a good idea to consider blending the two waxes to enjoy the best qualities of each.
Soy wax is a renewable option with a good fragrance throw. However, certain fragrance oils may cause some of these waxes to sink to the bottom. Soy wax may also contain traces of pesticides and GMOs because of modern farming methods used for growing soybeans.
The best wax for you is, in the final instance, a matter of personal preference. Testing small quantities of each wax with your preferred fragrance oils can help you decide based on their performance and appearance. This requires a process of trial and error until you find the right fit.
It's also worth noting that many candle makers use wax blends, combining soy and coconut wax, or even adding other waxes, such as beeswax, to achieve specific properties. Blends can offer the benefits of both waxes, such as the good scent throw of coconut and the affordability of soy.
Ultimately, the best way to choose between coconut and soy wax is to experiment! Try candles made with both types of wax and see which one you prefer. Consider your budget, priorities, and the specific needs of your environment, and you'll be well on your way to enjoying the perfect candle experience.
