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Consider starting a candle-making business or doing it as a hobby. Wax is the foundation of all candles. The fuel allows the candle to burn and determines properties like scent throw, burn time, and the amount of energy or toxins released.
Choosing the suitable wax for your candle makes all the difference. You may have narrowed it down to two natural contenders among your many options: coconut wax vs soy wax. In your quest to avoid toxic ingredients in your scented candles, these two plant-based types of wax are obvious choices. Let's get to know them better so you can make an informed decision.
What Is Coconut Wax?
Coconut wax is made from coconut oil that has been hydrogenated to raise the melting point, harden the wax, and improve its colour and stability. It has excellent fragrance retention, scent throw, and a long burn time.
What Is Soy Wax?
Soy wax is made from soybean oil. Since soy wax flakes has a lower melting point than traditional waxes, they are usually container candles. Still, they can also be made into pillar candles if such additives are mixed into the soy wax.
Difference Between Coconut Wax And Soy Wax
Both coconut and soy wax is derived from natural sources and has numerous benefits, so let us compare them and determine the difference between coconut oil and soy wax. When deciding between coconut wax and soy wax, consider the following factors:
- Nature Derived: Although both waxes are naturally derived, they are suitable for you and the environment. Soy waxes are grown in large quantities on farms, which reduces their cost. Many pesticides are used in farming to grow soy, which is then used to make soy wax. This does not affect the users' health, but it may have a long-term impact on the environment. Coconuts Wax on the other hand, do not require pesticides or fertilisers to grow. They are eco-friendly because they are made organically and harvested by hand. Coconuts, unlike soy, are also non-GMO and have no genetic modifications.
- Soot Emission: When you light an aromatherapy candle, you want to improve your mood, relax your muscles, and enjoy the lovely aroma. Nobody wants to breathe in soot! Both coconut and soy wax candles are known for burning cleanly. They are both natural forms of wax derived from plant materials. They are made from all-natural oil, which is stated to produce candle wax. While soy wax candles emit less soot than paraffin candles, coconut wax takes the cake.
- Toxicity: Coconut wax candles outperform all other waxes in clean burning and are non-toxic. When lit, they produce no soot particles, so you don't have to worry about the release of carcinogens or toxicants in your home. When scented candles made of coconut wax or soy wax are lit, they emit soot and other harmful toxins into the air. So, ideally, you'd want something that burns cleanly and doesn't emit toxic fumes. And coconut wax candles are precisely that! Coconut wax candles emit slightly less soot than soy wax candles.
- Burning Time: When you buy your favourite scented candle, you expect it to last a long time and leave a lovely aroma in your home. Soy wax candles, on the other hand, burn slowly and produce an even scent throw. Soy wax is ideal for mass-producing scented candles. Coconut wax candles have one of the most extended burn times and ensure a consistent burn. Slow and even burn time means you get good value for money and your favourite fragrance lasts a long time in your home.
- Melting Point: The melting point of coconut wax is lower than that of soy wax. If unblended and without additives, the melting point of coconut wax can be as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit lower than soy wax. This is fine in the winter, but it will cause candles to bend in the summer. To improve the melting point of coconut wax, many manufacturers combine it with other natural waxes. Soy wax is one such wax. Coconut and soy wax are recommended to be mixed together to produce the best candle. This will also save you money, which we will discuss later.
- Scent Throw: Soy wax has a weaker scent throw than coconut wax. One of the most significant disadvantages of soy wax candles is their lacklustre scent throw. Furthermore, coconut wax is well-known for its excellent scent throw. On the other hand, soy wax is a natural alternative to paraffin wax. It has a higher throw than synthetic waxes. It is also less expensive than both coconut waxes. Coconut wax is recommended for small projects, while soy wax is recommended for large projects.
- Price: Coconut wax costs twice as much as soy wax. Any coconut wax that is comparable in price is most likely blended with soy wax or paraffin wax. So exercise caution when purchasing supplies. Soy wax is less expensive due to its availability, whereas coconut wax is significantly more expensive. That is why some candle manufacturers mix coconut wax with soy wax. This reduces the cost while also adding structure to the wax. Although blended soy wax candles are widely available, coconut wax's clean and natural properties are obviously diminished.
Is Soy Wax Better Than Coconut Wax?
Coconut wax is the softer of the two. Because of the fewer ingredients, the softness of coconut wax results in a cleaner burn.
This makes it easier to work with and allows for a more robust overall fragrance blend. On the other hand, Soy wax is slightly stiffer and has many similar properties.
Conclusion
Coconut wax is unquestionably superior to soy wax but is also more expensive, sometimes even double. So, what should you do? Which is better, coconut wax or soy wax? We recommend combining them for protection to get the best of both worlds. Visit VedaOils.com for premium quality waxes.
