In stores, all candles look pretty much the same. But what's inside the jar changes a lot: how long it lasts, how the scent spreads, and even how clean it burns. Here's a quick, no-fuss rundown of the differences between waxes.
Paraffin: the most common wax
Paraffin is a petroleum by-product. It's cheap, which is why you'll find it in most candles sold in big-box stores. It throws scent well, but it usually burns faster and can leave more black soot on the jar.
Soy wax: a plant-based wax
Soy wax is made from soybean oil, a renewable resource. It burns at a lower temperature than paraffin, which helps it last longer. It also produces little soot when the wick is well trimmed.
Coconut wax: the creamy little extra
Added to soy wax, coconut wax makes the texture smoother and helps the scent spread nicely through the room. It's the blend we use for our candles: soy and coconut, for a long burn and great scent throw.
So, which one should you choose?
| Paraffin | Soy and coconut | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Petroleum | Plant-based, renewable |
| Burn time | Shorter | Longer |
| Soot | More common | Little, if the wick is trimmed |
| Price | Cheaper | A bit more expensive, but lasts longer |
If you light candles often and want them to last, plant-based wax is worth the investment. For example, our 9 oz candles burn for about 55 to 60 hours, and our 5 oz minis for about 30 to 35 hours.
3 tips to make your candle last even longer
- Trim the wick to 5 mm before each burn: less smoke, steadier flame.
- The first burn is the most important: let the wax melt all the way to the edge of the jar to avoid tunnelling.
- 4 hours max at a time, then put the lid back on once the wax has cooled to keep the scent in.
All our tips are in our article on how to take good care of your candle.
Our soy candles made in Québec
At Ok Bye, every candle is hand-poured in Québec with soy and coconut wax, a lead-free wick and quality fragrances. Discover all our scents or take the quiz to find yours.