· By Loren Lewin
Coconut Wax vs. Soy vs. Paraffin—Which Candle Wax Is Best?
Not all candles are created equal—especially when it comes to the wax. Whether you're lighting up for ambiance, odor control, or self-care, the type of wax you burn matters more than you might think.
So what’s the real difference between coconut wax, soy wax, and paraffin wax? And which one is best for your health, your home, and your pet?
Let’s break it down.
🌰 Paraffin Wax: The Industry Standard (But Not in a Good Way)
What it is: A petroleum byproduct derived from crude oil
Why it’s popular: It’s cheap, easy to blend with fragrance, and burns consistently
What to watch out for:
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When burned, paraffin wax releases benzene and toluene, both of which are known carcinogens
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Produces black soot that can irritate lungs and stain walls
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Not biodegradable or eco-friendly
Verdict: 🚫 Avoid if you want a clean, safe burn—especially around pets or kids
🌿 Soy Wax: The "Better Than Paraffin" Option
What it is: A wax made from soybean oil
Why people like it: It’s plant-based, more natural, and cleaner than paraffin
What to consider:
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Often mixed with paraffin to improve scent throw or reduce cost (read labels carefully!)
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Soy is a major GMO crop, and not all soy wax is sustainably sourced
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Burns slower than paraffin, but can tunnel or leave wax residue if not wicked properly
Verdict: ✅ A decent step up from paraffin—but not all soy candles are created equal
🍊 Coconut Wax: The Cleanest Candle Wax (That You Probably Haven’t Heard Of)
What it is: A soft, creamy wax made from the meat of coconuts
Why it’s the best:
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Ultra-clean burning with minimal soot
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Excellent scent throw without needing additives or toxins
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Eco-friendly: harvested from renewable coconut crops
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Burns longer and more evenly than both paraffin and soy
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Naturally white and creamy with no bleaching needed
Verdict: ⭐️️ The gold standard for clean, pet-safe, and high-performance candles
Why We Use a Coconut-Soy Blend at Companion Candles
We believe candles should elevate your space—not pollute it. That’s why we use a proprietary coconut-soy wax blend in every Companion Candle. It gives us the best of both worlds:
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The clean, long-lasting burn of coconut wax
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The structure and stability of soy
Plus, it holds our non-toxic, pet-considered fragrance blends beautifully.
Every candle we pour is:
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Free of over 250 harmful toxins (including paraffin, phthalates, and mutagens)
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Made with wood wicks
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Designed for homes that love their pets like family
Final Thoughts: Choose Wax Wisely
If you’re investing in a candle for your home, your health, or your fur baby—start with what’s inside. Wax isn’t just filler. It’s the foundation of your fragrance.
And when you choose clean wax? Everything else falls into place.
Looking for candles made with coconut wax and nothing sketchy?