When shopping for candles, scent strength is a big deal. After all, no one wants a candle that barely fills the room. With the rise of scented soy candles, many people wonder: do soy wax candles smell better than traditional paraffin ones? Let’s break it down.

What Determines a Candle’s Scent Strength?

Before we compare, it helps to understand what actually affects how strong a candle smells:

• Wax type – Different waxes hold and release fragrance oils differently.
• Fragrance load – The percentage of scent oil mixed into the wax.
• Burn temperature – Higher heat can throw scent farther, but it also burns the candle faster.
• Wick type & size – A properly sized wick ensures even burning and maximum scent diffusion.

So, where does soy wax stand in all of this?

Do Soy Wax Candles Smell Better Than Paraffin?

Scented soy candles do have some advantages when it comes to fragrance quality, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Soy Wax Burns Cleaner, So You Get a Pure Scent

Paraffin candles can release soot and chemicals that might interfere with the fragrance. Soy wax candles burn cleaner, meaning you smell more of the actual scent and less of the byproducts.

Slower Burn = Longer Lasting Fragrance

Paraffin wax burns at a higher temperature than soy, so it releases fragrance faster rather than gradually. While paraffin might give an instant hit of scent, scented soy candles offer a more even, long-lasting fragrance experience.

The ‘Cold Throw’ vs ‘Hot Throw’ Debate

• Cold throw (how the candle smells when unlit) – Soy candles tend to have a softer cold throw than paraffin because soy wax doesn’t hold as much fragrance oil.
• Hot throw (how it smells when burning) – A well-made soy candle with the right wick and fragrance load can provide a strong, steady scent release.

Why Some Soy Candles Smell Weaker (and How to Fix It)

If you’ve ever bought a scented soy candle and felt disappointed by the strength, here’s why that might have happened:

• Low-quality fragrance oils – Not all oils perform well in soy wax.
• Too little fragrance load – High-quality soy candles should contain at least 8-10% fragrance oil.
• Wick is too small – A wick that’s too small won’t burn hot enough to release the scent properly.

How to Choose a Strong-Smelling Soy Candle: ✓ Look for 100% soy wax – Avoid blends with paraffin if you want a cleaner burn.  ✓  Check for high fragrance loads – The best soy candles use premium oils and a strong concentration.  ✓  Choose larger-sized candles – Bigger candles with wider wicks tend to have a better scent throw.  ✓  Let the wax pool fully – On the first burn, allow the wax to melt evenly to the edges to prevent tunnelling and ensure proper scent release.

So, Are Soy Candles Stronger?

Soy wax candles are not necessarily stronger, but definitely have many benefits like being cleaner, more natural and longer-lasting. If you prefer an instant, intense scent, paraffin might win. But if you love a slow, consistent fragrance that burns without toxins, scented soy candles are the way to go.

Ultimately, the best candle is the one that suits your preferences. Want a strong scent? Choose a high-quality soy candle with a proper wick and fragrance load. That way, you get both performance and peace of mind.