Soy wax is a great candle base to use. It gives off less soot than paraffin wax and is 100% natural, and therefore biodegradable. However, when creating candles without containers, such as pillar candles, it is best to use paraffin wax as it has more integrity to stand on its own. The scent-throw of paraffin-based candles is also greater than soy due to the molecular structure of the wax.