Apricot Wax vs Soy Wax: Which Makes the Better Candle?
· Bougie Rouge
If you have shopped for natural candles lately, you have probably seen "100% soy" on almost every label. Soy wax earned its place as the go-to alternative to paraffin. But there is another natural wax that candle lovers are quietly switching to: apricot wax, often blended with coconut wax.
At Bougie Rouge, every candle we pour in Montreal uses a coconut and apricot wax blend. Here is why, and how it compares to soy.
What is soy wax?
Soy wax is made from soybean oil that is hydrogenated so it becomes solid at room temperature. It is plant-based, widely available and affordable, which is why so many candle brands use it.
It does have a few quirks. Soy wax is fairly hard and brittle, so it can show frosting (a white, crystal-like film on the surface) and uneven tops after burning. Its scent throw can also be on the softer side, especially when the candle is cold.
What is apricot wax?
Apricot wax comes from the oil pressed from apricot kernels, the seeds inside the fruit. Like soy, the oil is hydrogenated into a soft, creamy wax. It is a more premium ingredient and is often blended with coconut wax, which is made the same way from coconut oil.
The result is a wax with a smooth, luxurious texture that looks beautiful in the jar and feels lovely on the skin, which is exactly why we also use it in our massage candles.
Apricot wax vs soy wax, side by side
- Texture: apricot and coconut wax are soft and creamy with a smooth finish. Soy is harder and more prone to frosting and rough tops.
- Scent throw: the softer blend holds and releases fragrance well, so the room fills evenly. Soy tends to be gentler.
- Burn: a well-made coconut and apricot candle melts in an even, wide pool, which helps you get the most out of every jar.
- Look: the blend sets with a creamy, polished surface. Soy often looks matte or patchy over time.
- Price: soy is cheaper to produce. Apricot and coconut wax cost more, which is why you mostly find them in small-batch, artisan candles.
Why we chose coconut and apricot wax
We wanted candles that feel as good as they smell. Our coconut and apricot blend gives every Bougie Rouge candle a creamy surface, a generous melt pool and a scent that carries across the room. Each one is hand-poured and packaged in small batches in Montreal.
Not sure where to start? Browse by scent family and find the mood that suits you.
Three candles to try first
- Palo Santo & Rosemary: woody, herbal and grounding, one of our most loved scents.
- Vanilla Butter: warm, soft and comforting for cozy nights in.
- Unscented: all the glow of a natural wax candle, with no fragrance at all.
The bonus of apricot wax: massage candles
Because apricot and coconut wax melt at a low temperature into a silky oil, they are perfect for massage candles. Light it, let it melt for a few minutes, blow it out, then pour the warm oil straight onto the skin. Try Citrus Embrace, with mandarin, petitgrain and vanilla.
The verdict
Soy wax is a solid, affordable choice. But if you want a candle with a creamier finish, a fuller scent and a little more luxury, apricot and coconut wax are worth the upgrade.
Shopping for someone else? A Bougie Rouge gift card lets them pick their own scent.