Paraffin and Soy Dessert Candles - The Difference in Appearance

 

There are so many kinds of candle makes, sizes, shapes, scents and designs that you can see in the market today. With so many choices, it is quite difficult for one to decide on which ones to use as home accents for your home, or as gifts or holiday giveaways to your friends and loved ones. Now, when it comes to candle designs that appeal to both young and old, dessert candles are definitely the ones that are making huge waves amongst candle enthusiasts and makers alike. With this in mind, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the different base materials used to make your favorite scented candles.

What is Paraffin?

This is a kind of wax that comes from hydrocarbon extracted from crude oil. First discovered in the 1850s, it is a natural bi-product created when animals and plants decay over time. This is considered to be the most popular material used in candle making.

What is Soy Wax?

Discovered back in the 1990s, this is a great alternative to paraffin. It is renewable, recyclable, bio-degradable and completely non-toxic. This is derived from the hydrogenated version of soy bean oil. It is easy to melt and mold.

Difference between Paraffin and Soy Candle Wax

Whether you are trying to make your own dessert candles or looking for the best kinds to use, sell or give as gifts, it is important for you to know which type of candle wax makes the most realistic and most appealing look. Out of several types of wax that you can choose from, two are considered to lead the pack: those made using paraffin and the ones that make use of soy wax. Aside from their compositions, what are the differences between the two?

Longevity of Burn and Melting Point

Soy wax, when made in to dessert and Mason jar candles, burns longer compared to the paraffin ones. This type of wax also requires less heat. Paraffin wax on the other hand, requires more heat to burn. And while soy based candles burn longer, they also melt faster compared to the well-defined crystal structures of the paraffin wax.

Appearance and Texture

Paraffin wax is sturdier and more brittle compared to the soft texture of soy wax. However, when it comes to lifelike appearance, soy wax dessert candles definitely takes the cake. So when you look at cupcake, cake, macarons and other delicious scented candles, you will know if they are made of soy when the texture is smoother, matte and appear close to the original. Those made of paraffin wax take a glossier or shinier appearance. They also flake easily.

Scents and Flavors

It is true that paraffin can really hold scents well, but when it comes to dessert themed candles which are required to give off tasty aromas without the smell of burning wick or melting wax, soy based wax candles work better.

Why Choose Soy Wax?

There are several reasons why you should choose soy based candles, especially the dessert themed ones, over paraffin:

  • Carries scents longer and stronger
  • Bio-degradable
  • Non-toxic and produces less soot
  • All natural

Now that you know the difference between paraffin and soy wax, you are most certainly ready to make your own candles or purchase dessert candles this Holiday Season.

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