What your candle is made from matters.
When selecting a candle, fragrance, style and price often take centre stage. But the type of wax used is just as important. Since candles are made mostly of wax, understanding the difference between wax types can help you make a better-informed decision.
Below, we compare common wax types and explain why Maison Blanche has always chosen soy. And why we continue to lead with it today.
Paraffin Wax
Made from the residue of crude oil refining. Paraffin is a petroleum by-product, non-renewable, and commonly used due to its low cost.
Soy Wax
Derived from soybeans. It is natural, biodegradable, renewable and widely produced in the USA.
Beeswax
Produced by bees and harvested as a by-product of honey collection. While clean-burning and renewable, it is not vegan.
Palm Wax
Made from palm oil, a renewable but highly controversial crop. Its cultivation often contributes to deforestation and habitat destruction.
Coconut Wax
Extracted from the meat of coconuts. Often blended with other waxes, but when used in pure form, it is biodegradable and renewable. Most coconut wax comes from the Philippines.
Paraffin Wax
As a petroleum derivative, paraffin contributes to environmental harm through oil extraction and processing. When burned, it may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some of which have been linked to poor air quality.
Soy Wax
Soy is plant-based and biodegradable. It burns cleanly with less soot. However, like any crop, soybean farming depends on responsible agricultural practices.
Beeswax
A clean and natural option. But unsustainable beekeeping can negatively affect bee populations.
Palm Wax
Despite being renewable, the palm industry is a leading cause of deforestation, threatening biodiversity and contributing to carbon emissions.
Coconut Wax
More sustainable than palm, but environmental impact varies depending on how it is grown and transported.
Burn Time
Soy wax has a lower melting point, allowing it to burn slowly and evenly. This extends the life of each candle and offers better value over time.
Scent Throw
Paraffin wax is often considered the strongest for scent throw, especially when hot. However, soy wax performs exceptionally well, offering a consistent and balanced fragrance experience with both cold and hot throw.
Cleanliness
Soy wax burns cleaner, reducing soot buildup on walls, ceilings and candle vessels. It also minimises indoor air pollution, creating a more refined burn experience.
Ease of Cleanup
Spilled soy wax is easy to clean. It requires only warm water and soap, unlike harder waxes that can be more difficult to remove.
Value
Paraffin wax is inexpensive for manufacturers and often sold at a lower retail price. It is also increasingly labelled as “mineral wax” to sound more natural, though it remains a petroleum by-product. This rebranding has even found its way into high-end candles sold at premium prices. While paraffin may seem more affordable upfront, it is not the best value. Soy wax burns longer, cleaner and more efficiently. Over time, the cost difference is minimal, but the quality, performance and environmental benefits of soy are significantly greater.
At Maison Blanche, we have always chosen ingredients with intention. When we began making candles in 2011, we selected pure soy wax for its clean burn, natural origin and superior performance. Over the years, through extensive in-house testing and manufacturing advances, we have refined that choice even further.
Today, we use a wax blend exclusive to Maison Blanche. A combination of soy and coconut wax. This custom blend allows for an even smoother burn, enhanced fragrance throw and a more stable finish. It is also produced by suppliers who follow better-managed environmental practices, aligning with our sustainability goals.
Our wax is not a trend. It is a standard. One we have upheld and elevated since day one.
Not all candles are created equal. The wax used matters. Not just for performance, but for your health, your home and the planet. At Maison Blanche, we have invested over a decade refining our wax to deliver the cleanest, most consistent burn possible. When you choose one of our candles, you are choosing quality, integrity and fragrance that truly fills the room.
