If you’re comparing soy wax vs paraffin vs beeswax , this guide sums up the key differences in cost, hot throw, and burn behavior, plus quick wick tips and climate notes for local testing. Use this as a practical starting point before you order wax and wicks.
Quick comparison (at a glance)
| Wax | Cost | Hot Throw | Burn Behavior | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soy | Medium | Good (needs testing) | Cooler melt; can tunnel if under-wicked | Natural vibe, container candles |
| Paraffin | Low–Medium | Strong | Hotter melt; smooth surfaces | Strong scent throw, colored candles |
| Beeswax | Medium–High | Subtle (has its own aroma) | Higher melt point; slower melt | Premium look, pillars/tapers, “natural” positioning |
For most makers comparing soy wax vs paraffin vs beeswax, the decision is a balance between price, scent goals, and brand positioning (natural vs performance-first).
Cost notes (Pakistan)
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Paraffin usually offers the lowest cost per kg and supports higher fragrance loads.
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Soy is mid-range; pricing can vary by brand and blend.
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Beeswax costs more, but it delivers a premium look and natural angle—great for pillars and gift lines.
Hot throw & fragrance loads
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Paraffin: Typically the easiest for strong hot throw; many fragrances work well at standard FO% ranges.
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Soy: Can achieve good hot throw but needs proper cure time and wick/fragrance tuning.
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Beeswax: Has a natural scent; hot throw of added fragrances is more subtle—choose oils that perform well in beeswax and keep loads conservative.
Burn behavior & common issues
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Soy: Cooler burn → more prone to tunneling if the wick is too small or first burn is short.
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Paraffin: Burns hotter and smoother; watch for sooting if wick is oversized or fragrance is too heavy.
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Beeswax: Higher melt point; often needs a hotter wick to open the melt pool. Can mushroom if wick is too big—trim to ~5 mm.
Wick selection (quick starts)
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Soy containers: Start with ECO/CD families and size up if you see tunneling.
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Paraffin containers: Often a smaller size than soy for the same jar diameter.
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Beeswax containers/pillars: Size up versus soy; test for mushrooming and soot, keep wicks trimmed.
👉 Shop wicks and test multiple sizes: Candle Wicks
Pakistan climate tips
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Hot rooms & drafts change the flame and melt pool. Always test in the same room you’ll use or sell for.
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In summer, softer containers may need shorter first burns to control heat; in winter (Lahore/Islamabad), allow longer first burns to reach a full melt pool.
Which should you pick?
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Choose paraffin if you want maximum scent impact and smooth, consistent surfaces with a lower cost.
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Choose soy if you want a plant-based story and a softer aesthetic—plan on careful wick/fragrance testing.
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Choose beeswax for premium, natural positioning (pillars/tapers/containers) and a warm, honeyed glow.
FAQs
Does soy always have weaker hot throw than paraffin?
Not always—many makers achieve good throw with the right wick, fragrance, and cure time. It just needs more testing.
Can I blend waxes?
Yes. Some makers blend soy + paraffin or use beeswax + a softer wax for a balance of performance and positioning.
Is beeswax safer?
All candles require proper wicks, safe containers, and supervision. Beeswax is “natural,” but safety depends on correct sizing and use.
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