Soy wax and paraffin wax are the two most common candle waxes, and the short version is this: soy is a natural, plant-based wax that burns slower and cleaner, while paraffin is a petroleum by-product that is cheaper and throws scent strongly but burns faster and sootier. We pour our candles in soy wax for the cleaner, longer, more natural burn.

	Soy wax	Paraffin wax
Made from	Soybeans, plant-based	Petroleum by-product
Burn time	Longer, burns slower	Shorter, burns faster
Soot	Very little	More
Scent throw	Even and true	Strong, sometimes sharper
Natural	Yes, renewable	No

Why we pour in soy

Soy wax holds and releases fragrance evenly, burns more slowly, and leaves far less soot on the glass. It is renewable, and it suits the way we make things, by hand, in small batches. A 30cl soy candle from us burns for thirty-five to forty-five hours with good care. Everything we make is vegan and cruelty free.

Is soy always better?

Not for everyone. Paraffin is cheaper and can give a sharper initial throw, which is why it is common in mass-produced candles. But for a cleaner, longer, more natural burn, soy is the wax we trust.

Common questions

Do soy candles smell as strong as paraffin?

Yes, when they are made well. A properly fragranced soy candle fills a room evenly; it simply does it more gently and cleanly than paraffin.

Is soy wax better for the air in my home?

Soy burns cleaner with less soot, which many people prefer. Whatever the wax, burn any candle in a ventilated room and follow the care notes.

Explore our soy candles, hand-poured in Glasgow.