What Are Some Substitutes for Soy Wax in Candles?

Soy wax is one of the most popular natural waxes used in candle making—but it’s not the only option! Whether you’re exploring new materials or curious about different wax types, this post will walk you through the most common substitutes for soy wax and how they compare.

At Karessa Candles, we specialize in handmade soy candles because of their clean burn, long life, and eco-friendliness. But let’s explore some of the other waxes used in the candle-making world.

Why Look for Soy Wax Substitutes?

You might be looking for an alternative to soy wax if:

• You have a soy allergy

• You want a different scent throw or texture

• You're experimenting with different finishes or burns

• You're interested in exploring other sustainable materials

Let’s dive into the top substitutes.

1. Beeswax

Beeswax is one of the oldest and most natural waxes used in candle making. It has a subtle, natural honey scent and burns very cleanly.

Pros:

• 100% natural and non-toxic

• Longest burning wax

• Naturally scented (sweet honey aroma)

• Great for dripless candles

Cons:

• More expensive than soy wax

• Less flexible with fragrance oils

Many natural candle lovers prefer beeswax, but if you love strong, customizable scents, soy wax candles might still be the better choice.

2. Coconut Wax

Coconut wax is made from the meat of coconuts and is often blended with other waxes. It’s soft, creamy, and has excellent scent throw.

Pros:

• Extremely smooth and creamy finish

• Excellent fragrance release

• Renewable and eco-friendly

Cons:

• Softer wax (not great for pillars or freestanding candles)

• Higher cost

• Usually blended with soy or paraffin

At Karessa, we stick to 100% soy wax for our scented jar candles, but coconut wax is a lovely option if you want a velvety finish.

3. Palm Wax

Palm wax comes from palm oil and creates a beautiful crystalline or feathered pattern in the wax.

Pros:

• Creates decorative finishes

• Long burn time

• Good scent throw

Cons:

• Environmental concerns over palm oil harvesting

• Can be tricky to work with

If sustainability is your top priority, be cautious when using palm wax unless it’s certified sustainable.

4. Paraffin Wax (Petroleum-Based)

Paraffin wax is a petroleum by-product and is commonly used in commercial candles due to its low cost.

Pros:

• Holds fragrance and color well

• Inexpensive

• Easy to work with

Cons:

• Releases toxins when burned

• Not eco-friendly

• Often avoided by clean-living consumers

At Karessa Candles, we intentionally avoid paraffin and focus on clean-burning soy candles you can feel safe using in your home.

Explore our eco-conscious candle collection.

5. Rapeseed (Canola) Wax

A lesser-known wax derived from canola oil, rapeseed wax is gaining popularity in Europe for its renewable and biodegradable qualities.

Pros:

• Renewable and non-toxic

• Burns clean

• Vegan-friendly

Cons:

• Less common in the market

• May be harder to source

It’s worth exploring if you want to experiment with lesser-known, plant-based waxes.

6. Blended Waxes

Some candle makers use blends of soy, coconut, beeswax, or paraffin to achieve specific textures, burns, or scent throw qualities.

Blends can give you the best of both worlds, but always check the ingredients if you're looking for all-natural candles.

At Karessa, our handmade candles are made with 100% soy wax, ensuring a clean, eco-friendly burn every time.

Which Wax Is Right for You?

Final Thoughts

There are several great alternatives to soy wax, each with its own feel, fragrance performance, and sustainability level. While soy wax continues to be our wax of choice at Karessa Candles—thanks to its clean burn and eco-friendly profile—you can always explore other waxes depending on your needs.

Want candles that are already tested, safe, and stunning?

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