Soy Wax versus Paraffin Wax, which is best

On a Wick are experienced manufacturers of both paraffin and soy candles and so have no commercial motives for favouring one or other type of wax so we can bring you the Definitive Answer

You will find fact not hype. We give facts not sales pitches.
We site our sources for information.

• Paraffin wax is toxic.                          False
• Soy wax is water soluble.                   False.
• Soy wax is biodegradable while Paraffin wax is not.                       False.
• Candles made with “natural” ingredients are safer.                        False.
• Soy candles do not soot and paraffin candles cause soot.             False.
• Soot from candles is harmful.         False.

Source: The National Candle Association, the governing body of candle manufacturers in the United States.

Candle Wax Facts

All waxes are primarily hydrocarbons, whether the wax is of animal, vegetable, or petroleum origin. The chemical composition of all waxes used for candle-making is similar.

Waxes burn with a yellow flame due to the presence of carbon.

No specific type of wax or wax blend is considered "best" for candlemaking. All candle waxes - when provided in high-quality format - have been shown to burn cleanly and safely.

No candle wax has ever been shown to be toxic or harmful to human health.

There is no such thing as a soot-free wax. All organic compounds when burned will emit some carbon (soot) due to incomplete combustion. Sooting is primarily a factor of wick length and disturbance of the flame's steady teardrop shape.

our source

The National Candle Association (NCA)

The NCA is the major trade association representing U.S. candle manufacturers and their suppliers both soy and paraffin makers.

Founded in 1974, NCA acts as the collective voice for the candle industry in promoting the safe use and enjoyment of candles, pursuing product excellence through quality formulation, monitoring and responding to issues impacting the industry, and advancing the industry as a whole.

The National Candle Association is widely recognized as the leading technical authority on candles and candle manufacturing. Its member companies account for more than 90 percent of all candles made in the United States.

The following were taken directly from the NCAs frequently asked questions web page:
http://www.candles.org/about_faq.html