Spiked Eggnog 3-Wick Candle - Affinati

What Are Soy Candles? Benefits, Burn Time & Bestsellers | Affinati

Soy candles have become one of the most talked-about products in the home fragrance world — and for good reason. From cleaner burns and longer burn times to smoother scent diffusion, soy candles are often positioned as a premium alternative to traditional paraffin candles. But what exactly are soy candles, how do they work, and are they truly better?

In this complete guide, we’ll break down what soy candles are, how they compare to other candle types, their real benefits, expected burn time, and what to look for when choosing a high-quality soy candle. We’ll also explore why soy-blend candles are often preferred by luxury brands and highlight what makes certain soy candles bestsellers year after year.

Whether you’re new to soy candles or looking to upgrade your candle collection, this guide will give you everything you need to know.

Shop Affinati

What Are Soy Candles?

Soy candles are candles made using soy wax, a vegetable-based wax derived from soybean oil. Unlike paraffin wax — which is a petroleum byproduct — soy wax is created from a renewable plant source, making it a popular choice for people who value cleaner-burning and more natural home fragrance options.

Soy wax is hydrogenated soybean oil that has been processed into a solid wax suitable for candle making. It has a lower melting point than paraffin, which directly affects how soy candles burn, how they release fragrance, and how long they last.

Are All Soy Candles 100% Soy?

No — and this is an important distinction.

Many high-quality candles use a soy wax blend rather than 100% soy wax. A soy blend combines soy wax with other plant-based waxes or performance-enhancing components to improve:

  • Scent throw

  • Burn consistency

  • Wax appearance

  • Glass adhesion

  • Longevity

Pure 100% soy wax can sometimes struggle with scent performance or uneven burning, especially in larger containers. That’s why many premium candle brands choose soy-blend waxes that retain the benefits of soy while improving overall performance.

Shop Affinati 3-Wick Candles

Soy Candles vs Paraffin Candles

Understanding the difference between soy and paraffin candles helps explain why soy candles have become so popular.

Paraffin Candles

Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum. It’s inexpensive and widely used in mass-market candles because it holds fragrance well and produces strong cold throw. However, paraffin candles tend to burn faster and can produce more soot when not properly formulated.

Soy Candles

Soy candles burn at a lower temperature, which leads to:

  • Slower burn time

  • Less visible soot

  • More even wax pooling

  • Better long-term fragrance diffusion

While paraffin candles can smell strong immediately, soy candles are often praised for their balanced, smooth scent release over time.

Benefits of Soy Candles

1. Cleaner Burn

Soy wax burns cleaner than many traditional waxes. Because it has a lower melting point, it produces less smoke and soot when burned correctly. This makes soy candles a popular choice for people who burn candles frequently or prefer a cleaner indoor environment.

2. Longer Burn Time

One of the biggest advantages of soy candles is burn time. Because soy wax melts slowly, soy candles generally last 30–50% longer than paraffin candles of the same size.

For example:

  • A 10 oz soy-blend candle can burn 45–60 hours

  • A paraffin candle of the same size may burn 30–40 hours

This slower burn makes soy candles more cost-effective over time.

3. Even Wax Pooling

Soy wax melts evenly across the surface of the candle, reducing tunneling when burned properly. This means you get more use out of the entire candle instead of leftover wax stuck to the sides of the jar.

4. Better Scent Experience Over Time

Rather than releasing all fragrance at once, soy candles tend to provide a steady and consistent scent throw. This makes the fragrance feel smoother, less overpowering, and more natural as the candle burns.

5. Renewable & Plant-Based

Soy wax is made from soybeans, a renewable crop. While not every soy candle is fully eco-perfect, soy wax is widely considered a more sustainable option than petroleum-based waxes.

Shop Affinati Wooden Wick Candles

How Long Do Soy Candles Burn?

Burn time depends on several factors:

  • Candle size

  • Wax blend

  • Wick type

  • Fragrance load

  • Burn habits

Typical Soy Candle Burn Times

  • 8 oz soy candle: 35–45 hours

  • 10 oz soy candle: 45–60 hours

  • 17 oz soy candle: 70–90 hours

  • 3-wick soy candle: 50–80 hours (depending on formulation)

Proper candle care — like trimming the wick and allowing a full melt pool — plays a major role in maximizing burn time.

Why Wick Choice Matters in Soy Candles

Soy wax behaves differently than paraffin, which means wick selection is critical. High-quality soy candles are wick-tested extensively to ensure:

  • Clean burns

  • Minimal soot

  • Even wax melt

  • Proper fragrance release

Cotton wicks and wooden wicks are commonly used with soy wax, depending on the container size and fragrance profile.

A poorly wicked soy candle can tunnel or burn weakly, which is why quality control matters more than wax type alone.

Are Soy Candles Strongly Scented?

Yes — when made correctly.

A common misconception is that soy candles are weaker than paraffin candles. In reality, soy candles can be strongly scented, but the scent is delivered differently.

Instead of an overwhelming initial blast, soy candles:

  • Build fragrance gradually

  • Maintain scent strength longer

  • Feel smoother and more balanced

High-quality soy-blend candles can easily fill medium to large rooms without being overpowering.

Soy Candles and Indoor Air Quality

While no candle is completely emission-free, soy candles are often preferred by people who are sensitive to heavy smoke or strong synthetic odors.

Benefits include:

  • Reduced soot buildup

  • Cleaner burn when trimmed properly

  • More controlled fragrance diffusion

For households that burn candles often, soy candles are generally considered a better long-term option.

Shop Affinati Original Candles

Common Myths About Soy Candles

Myth 1: Soy Candles Don’t Smell Strong

False. Strong scent throw depends on formulation, not just wax type.

Myth 2: 100% Soy Is Always Better

Not necessarily. Soy blends often outperform pure soy in burn quality and scent.

Myth 3: Soy Candles Are Always Expensive

While premium soy candles cost more upfront, their longer burn time often makes them a better value.

What Makes a High-Quality Soy Candle?

Not all soy candles are created equal. Look for:

  • Soy wax blend formulated for performance

  • Proper wick size and material

  • Balanced fragrance load

  • Clean jar adhesion

  • Even burn testing

  • Clear scent descriptions with note breakdowns

A well-made soy candle should burn evenly, smell consistent from first light to last, and leave minimal residue.

Why Soy Candles Are Popular for Home Décor

Soy candles aren’t just functional — they’re aesthetic.

Because soy wax burns evenly and looks smooth in glass containers, soy candles are popular for:

  • Coffee tables

  • Shelving

  • Bedrooms

  • Bathrooms

  • Entryways

Minimalist candle designs paired with soy wax create a refined, modern look that fits seamlessly into most interiors.

Best Rooms for Soy Candles

Soy candles work well in nearly every room, but they shine especially in:

  • Living rooms: Balanced scent without overpowering

  • Bedrooms: Clean, calming fragrance

  • Bathrooms: Continuous scent with minimal soot

  • Offices: Subtle focus-friendly aromas

The slow burn makes them ideal for long sessions.

Soy Candles vs Other Natural Waxes

Soy vs Coconut Wax

Coconut wax is extremely smooth and luxurious but more expensive. Many brands blend coconut with soy for optimal performance.

Soy vs Beeswax

Beeswax burns clean but has limited scent throw and a natural honey aroma.

Soy vs Palm Wax

Palm wax can be sustainable but is controversial due to sourcing concerns.

Soy wax remains the most widely used plant-based candle wax due to its balance of performance, cost, and availability.

Why Soy-Blend Candles Are Often Bestsellers

Many bestselling candles use soy blends because they offer:

  • Longer burn time

  • Stronger scent throw

  • Better consistency

  • Cleaner burn

  • Premium feel

Soy blends combine the best qualities of multiple waxes into one reliable formula.

Choosing the Right Soy Candle for You

When shopping for soy candles, consider:

  • Room size

  • Scent preference

  • Burn duration needs

  • Container size

  • Single-wick vs multi-wick

Matching the candle to the space ensures the best experience.

Are Soy Candles Worth It?

For most people, yes.

Soy candles offer:

  • Better burn efficiency

  • Cleaner performance

  • Longer use

  • More refined scent delivery

While they may cost more upfront, their longevity and quality often make them the better value.

Final Thoughts: Why Soy Candles Continue to Grow in Popularity

Soy candles have earned their place in modern home fragrance because they strike the right balance between performance, sustainability, and experience. When made well, a soy-blend candle burns longer, smells better over time, and enhances a space without overpowering it.

As consumers become more intentional about what they bring into their homes, soy candles remain one of the most trusted and versatile choices available.

Read More:

1. Strongest Candle Brands | Bold, Room-Filling Scents

2. Are Bath & Body Works Candles Toxic? Safe Alternatives

3. Why You Should Not Buy Yankee Candles: A Cleaner Candle Alternative

 

Back to blog

Affinati Collections