Soy Wax vs. Paraffin: What's Healthy, Sustainable, and Instagrammable?
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Soy wax candles are healthier, more sustainable, and last longer than paraffin. Large candles like the Blueberry Waffle Offer a guilt-free fragrance experience. So make a conscious choice for yourself, your home, and the planet.
✅ View our complete collection of soy wax scented candles

You're burning a cozy, large candle on the table. The atmosphere is perfect. But... what are you actually inhaling? Paraffin? Soy wax? Or something in between? More and more candle lovers are asking this question. And rightly so, because the type of wax says a lot about the quality, safety, and sustainability of your favorite fragrance. In this blog post, you'll discover why soy wax is preferred by conscious brands and why even your Blueberry Waffle scented candle is more than just a pleasant fragrance.
What exactly is paraffin (and why is it so popular)?
Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct. It's inexpensive, easy to process, and ensures a candle burns for a long time. That's why many major brands still use paraffin as their main ingredient.
However, there are disadvantages:
- When burned, paraffin can release harmful substances such as benzene and toluene
- It is not biodegradable
- It is extracted from fossil sources
In other words, paraffin candles aren't exactly friendly to you or the environment. Especially with large candles that burn for extended periods, this can impact indoor air quality.
Why do we at ToHotToCandle® consciously choose soy wax?
More and more people want a healthier and more sustainable way to create a cozy atmosphere at home. That's why at ToHotToCandle®, we choose 100% soy wax. Not because it's a trend, but because it's simply better. For your health, the environment, and the fragrance experience.
Our benefits at a glance:
- Natural & plant-based: soy wax is made from soybeans, so no petroleum
- Cleaner combustion: minimal soot formation, better for your air quality
- Long burning time: more candle pleasure per evening
- Environmentally friendly: biodegradable and renewable
Every candle in our collection of the unscented tulip The iconic Blueberry Waffle is made with pure soy wax and a cotton wick. That's our standard, not an exception.

Blueberry Waffle: A Picture of Healthy Indulgence
Take our Blueberry Waffle scented candle. You'll smell blueberries, warm waffles, and a hint of vanilla. But the beauty lies in the base: pure, no-nonsense soy wax. No questionable fumes, no unnecessary additives. Just ambiance and fragrance with peace of mind.
✅ Discover the Blueberry Waffle scented candle
Paraffin vs. Soy Wax: A Comparison
| Feature | Paraffin | Soy wax |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Petroleum | Vegetable (soybean) |
| Combustion | More soot and toxins | Cleaner & safer |
| Burning time | Shorter | Longer |
| Environment | Non-biodegradable | Biodegradable |
| Fragrance diffusion | Strong, sometimes dominant | Subtle but effective |
In short: paraffin scores on price, but loses on all other fronts.
What does science say?
Research from South Carolina State University, among others, showed that paraffin candles can release harmful substances with prolonged use, which can cause asthma or headaches. Soy wax candles, on the other hand, did not release any harmful substances in this study.
So it's not just hype, but a logical choice based on health, sustainability, and performance. That's what we call logos in marketing jargon: the rational argument.
What if you are allergic or have sensitive airways?
Then it is extra important to choose:
- Scented candles without paraffin
- Products with cotton wicks (no metal)
- Candles with natural fragrances
The Tulip unscented soy candle is perfect for this: completely odorless, completely plant-based and ideal for a serene atmosphere without stimuli.

My personal experience: from migraine to mindfulness
When I was still burning those "2 for €5" paraffin candles from the supermarket, I often got a headache after an hour. I thought it was the scent, until I switched to soy wax. No more headaches, no black edges on the ceiling, just pure fragrance. Since then, I've never wanted anything else.
And believe me: a large, good quality candle really does burn longer and cleaner than three cheap alternatives combined.