Paraffin vs natural wax: Pros & Cons

You know that feeling when it’s raining outside, and you’ve just settled onto the sofa with a hot cuppa?

You light a candle, and suddenly, the room feels instantly warmer and happier.

It’s a lovely ritual.

But have you ever paused to wonder what is actually burning inside that glass jar?

The choice between paraffin vs natural wax isn’t just about which one looks prettier on the mantelpiece.

It is actually a massive decision for the air quality in your home.

We often grab candles because they smell nice or are on offer at the supermarket.

I’ve done it plenty of times myself!

But knowing what goes into your candle is key to making sure your relaxation time is safe.

Let’s have a quick chat about the differences and find out which one is the best choice for you.

What is paraffin, really?

Paraffin has been the go-to wax for big candle brands for donkey's years.

If you pop into a high-street shop, most of the budget candles you see are made of this stuff.

But what is it?

Simply put, paraffin is a by-product of petroleum. It is the leftovers from refining crude oil to make petrol for cars. Because it’s industrial waste, it is incredibly cheap to buy.

Why do companies use it? 

It’s not all bad news. Paraffin does have some technical perks:

• It’s cheap: This keeps the price of the candle low.

• Big smell: It throws scent across the room very quickly.

• Easy to shape: It’s great for making those rigid pillar candles.

The Not-So-Good Bits

Here is the tricky part. When you burn a paraffin candle, you are basically burning a fossil fuel in your living room.

Studies suggest this can release nasties like benzene and toluene. These are toxins you definitely don’t want to be breathing in.

Plus, have you ever noticed a black mark on the wall above a candle? That is petro-carbon soot.

It’s messy, it stains your curtains, and it’s not great for your lungs. If anyone in your house has asthma, paraffin can sometimes be a bit of a trigger.

Why Natural Waxes

On the flip side, we have natural waxes. These have become massive favourites for anyone who loves a bit of "clean living."

We are talking about waxes made from soy, coconut, rapeseed, or beeswax.

Unlike paraffin, these come from plants or bees. That means they are renewable and biodegradable. Nature approves!

Why we love them 

The best thing about them? A clean burn.

A good natural candle won’t fill your room with black soot. But that’s not all:

• They last longer: Natural wax burns cooler and slower. Your candle could last up to 50% longer than a paraffin one. Value for money!

• No toxins: You can breathe easy knowing the quality is better.

• True scent: The smell is often more authentic, without that chemical "burning" smell in the background.

Are there any downsides?

To be totally honest, there are a couple of small things:

• The price: Because it’s a quality ingredient, it costs a bit more than oil waste.

• The look: Sometimes natural wax looks a bit bumpy or "frosted" when it dries. Personally? I think it adds to the natural charm.

Suggestion: Read our quick guide on how to take care of your candles.

Quick Comparison

Still not sure? Let’s break it down simply so you can compare paraffin vs natural wax:

Which should you choose?

If you care about keeping your home healthy, natural wax is the clear winner.

Yes, you might pay a few pounds more upfront. But when you realise the candle burns for hours longer, it actually works out as great value.

Plus, there is nothing quite like the peace of mind knowing you aren’t polluting your own lounge.

Natural candles offer a bit of everyday luxury.

They let you relax properly, without the worry. Plus, by buying natural, you are often supporting smaller British makers who pour their candles with love, rather than machines in a factory.

Next time you are out shopping for a treat, flip that candle jar over. Have a quick look at the label.

Choosing between paraffin vs natural wax is a tiny change, but it makes a huge difference to your home environment. Go for natural, breathe deep, and enjoy the glow.

We’d love to hear from you!

Have you swapped to soy or coconut wax yet? Did you notice the difference? Pop a comment below and tell us what you think, or share this with a friend who loves a good candle!