Why We Choose Soy Wax (and Why Big Brands Don’t)

Why We Choose Soy Wax (and Why Big Brands Don’t)

By Daisy Candles

When you light a candle, you’re creating a mood—a moment of calm, joy, or warmth. But what exactly are you burning? At Daisy Candles, we use soy wax because it’s cleaner, more natural, and better for both you and the planet.

Let’s explore why soy wax stands out—and why many big candle brands still choose other types of wax.

🌱 Soy Wax: Clean, Natural, and Responsible

Soy wax is made from soybeans—a renewable, plant-based crop. It’s biodegradable, sustainable, and burns clean. Here’s why we love it:

• Non-toxic & eco-friendly
  Soy wax doesn’t release harmful chemicals into your home.
• Slower burn = better value
  It burns cooler, giving you more hours of enjoyment.
• Great scent throw
  It holds and releases fragrance beautifully without being overpowering.
• Supports agriculture—not oil companies
  Soy wax supports farming communities instead of fossil fuel industries.

🕯️ Paraffin Wax: The Cheap Industry Standard

Used by most large candle companies, paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum. It’s easy to mass-produce—but comes with serious drawbacks:

• Not eco-friendly
  Paraffin is derived from non-renewable fossil fuels.
• Releases toxins
  It can emit carcinogens like benzene and toluene when burned.
• Burns quickly
  You may save money at first, but the candle won’t last as long.

Used by: Yankee Candle, Bath & Body Works, and other mass-market brands.

🔮 Gel Wax: Pretty but Problematic

Gel wax looks beautiful in clear containers—but it’s made from mineral oil and synthetic polymers.

• Not biodegradable or plant-based
• Higher burn risks due to hotter flame temperatures
• Mainly for visual appeal, not performance or sustainability

🌴 Palm Wax: Natural—but Controversial

Palm wax is plant-based—but often not sustainably sourced.

• Linked to deforestation and habitat destruction
• Gorgeous crystalline finish, but with a high environmental cost
• Only eco-friendly if certified sustainable

💛 Why Big Brands Avoid Soy

Let’s be honest: paraffin is cheaper. It molds easily, scales fast, and costs less to produce. That’s why many big brands keep using it—even at the expense of quality and sustainability.

At Daisy Candles, we choose differently.
We pour every candle using soy wax because we care about what goes into your space. And as we continue to grow, we’re excited to explore plant-based blends like coconut-soy that stay true to our clean, conscious values.

🌼 Smarter Ingredients. Better Candles.

Shop our hand-poured soy wax collections and bring home a cleaner kind of candle.

👉 Shop our clean-burning soy wax candles →

 

🌿 Candle Wax Comparison: Why We Choose Soy

Wax Type	Source	Eco-Friendly	Burn Quality	Scent Throw	Used by Big Brands	Notes
Soy Wax 🌱	Soybeans (plant-based)	✅ Yes	Slow, clean burn	Excellent	❌ Rarely	Renewable, biodegradable
Paraffin Wax	Petroleum byproduct	❌ No	Fast, soot-prone	Strong but artificial	✅ Yes	Releases toxins, non-renewable
Gel Wax	Mineral oil & resin	❌ No	Hot, can be unstable	Moderate	❌ No	Mostly decorative, synthetic
Palm Wax	Palm oil (plant-based)	⚠️ Depends	Clean, unique finish	Good	❌ Rarely	Only eco-friendly if sustainably sourced