Candle Education and FAQ's

Candle Education & FAQs

Everything you need to know to get the most out of your Sweet Bliss products.

Soy vs. Paraffin

Soy wax is made from soybean oil through a process called hydrogenation, which converts the oil into a solid wax at room temperature. Every manufacturer has their own proprietary process, but the foundation is the same. Soy wax has the following general properties:

  • Non-toxic — soy wax is not poisonous.
  • Made from 100% soybean oil or a blend with other natural vegetable or animal-based materials.
  • Clean-burning — meets federal regulations classifying it as a clean-burning fuel source.
  • Colorless — the wax itself contains no color and typically appears opaque.

About Paraffin Wax

While paraffin is one of the most widely used candle waxes, there are some important things to be aware of when comparing it to natural alternatives like soy:

  • Petroleum-derived: Paraffin is a byproduct of petroleum refining, meaning it is not a plant-based or renewable resource.
  • Soot: Paraffin candles can produce black-carbon soot, particularly when improperly wicked, exposed to drafts, or burned under incomplete combustion conditions. This soot can leave black deposits on walls and furnishings.
  • Particulate pollution: Burning paraffin candles generates fine and ultrafine particles that contribute to indoor air pollution. The EPA lists burning candles as an indoor source of particulate matter.
  • Combustion emissions: Research has measured emissions from paraffin candles including VOCs, aldehydes, PAHs, and particulate matter. The amount varies depending on wax purity, fragrance, wick type, and burning conditions.
  • Poor burning conditions worsen emissions: Flickering flames, drafts, oversized flames, and smoldering can dramatically increase soot and particulate output.
  • Environmental consideration: Because paraffin originates from petroleum, those looking to reduce their use of fossil-fuel-derived products may prefer plant-based waxes like soy.
  • Potential indoor-air irritation: Fine particulate matter can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat and may aggravate respiratory symptoms — a general concern with any particulate pollution.

Scent Throw

Scent throw refers to the intensity of a candle's fragrance. Several variables affect scent throw, including the type of wax used. Paraffin candles generally have a stronger scent throw than soy candles because paraffin is less dense and burns at a higher temperature, releasing fragrance more quickly. Soy wax, being denser, requires more heat and time to release its fragrance — but the result is a slower, cleaner, and longer-lasting burn.

Wick Trimming

Always keep your wick trimmed to 1/4 of an inch. We recommend trimming the wick every 4 hours of burn time. To trim properly, extinguish the flame, allow the candle to return to room temperature, trim the wick, and then relight. Properly trimmed wicks maintain the quality of your candle, promote an even burn, and help maximize scent throw.

Melt Pool

A melt pool is the area of melted wax that forms around the wick during burning. A full melt pool means the wax has melted all the way to the edges of the container. In a properly wicked candle, the melt pool should grow approximately one inch per hour. A full melt pool should be 1/4" to 1/2" deep, which allows the fragrance to disperse fully into the room. Always allow a complete melt pool to form before extinguishing your candle to prevent tunneling. (Credit: Umisay)

What Is Frosting?

If you've ever seen a whitish coating on chocolate, you have a good idea of what frosting looks like in soy wax. Frosting is a completely natural byproduct of pure soy wax — it's caused by tiny crystal growth that forms on the top and sides of the wax. It does not affect the burn quality or fragrance of your candle in any way. In fact, frosting is a sign that your candle is made with high-quality, natural soy wax. Nothing to worry about! (Credit: CandleScience)

Frosting example Frosting example Frosting example

Frequently Asked Questions

What is soy wax?

Soy wax is a vegetable wax made from the oil of soybeans. After harvesting, the beans are cleaned, cracked, de-hulled, and rolled into flakes. The oil is extracted and then hydrogenated, which converts some of the fatty acids from unsaturated to saturated — dramatically raising the melting point and making the oil solid at room temperature. The leftover bean husks are commonly used as animal feed. The U.S. grows the vast majority of the world's soybeans, primarily in Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana. (Credit: CandleScience)

Why is soy wax better than paraffin or a parasoy blend?

Soy wax is non-toxic and cleaner-burning. It contains no toxins, carcinogens, or pollutants, making our candles less likely to trigger allergies. As a vegetable-based wax, it does not produce harmful byproducts or the black soot that can stain walls and curtains — a common issue with paraffin and parasoy blends. (Credit: waxpoeticcandlebar.com)

Have more questions? Don't hesitate to reach out — I'm always happy to help! 💗