Soy Wax Vs Beeswax. What is The Best Wax For Candles?

Beeswax and soy wax stand out as two environmentally friendly choices for candles. It’s remarkable how many similarities these candle options share, encompassing aspects like their ecological impact, safety considerations, and visual appeal.

Despite these parallels, variations arise in burn duration, scent options, cold throw, and pricing, with the added distinction that soy wax suits vegans exclusively. Let’s explore beeswax vs soy wax candles, weighing their attributes and differences in sustainability, health, aesthetics, and more.

Beeswax

Beeswax is a type of wax produced by worker bees. It is the fundamental building block of their hives, providing structural integrity and protection. Combining fatty acids and long-chain alcohols, beeswax is renowned as a natural plastic with a low melting point. Its versatile qualities encompass waterproofing and lubrication. Whether purchased as blocks or pellets, it is embraced by the vegetarian community.

Moreover, beeswax holds historical significance as an ancient candle-making material. The inherent qualities of these non paraffin wax candles, such as their clean burn and resemblance to natural sunlight, establish them as a safer, illuminating choice.

Soy Wax

Soy wax undergoes a process that renders it solid at room temperature, with a distinctive white appearance. Derived from refined hydrogenated soybean oil, soy wax boasts a lower melting point than traditional waxes, making it a popular choice for container candles.

Notably, unlike traditional paraffin candles, these candles burn cooler and last longer than several coconut wax types, excluding beeswax. Besides its eco-friendly origin from fast-growing, low-impact soybean plants, soy wax candles produce a safe, pollution-free, and allergy-resistant alternative, aligning with natural and health-conscious preferences.

Features Of Both Candles

Let’s have a detailed look at the features of both candles:

Beeswax Candles

1.      Natural and Non-Toxic:

Beeswax is a natural and renewable resource, the main ingredient in most candles. This characteristic is especially beneficial for individuals with asthma or allergies.

2.      Clean Burning and Negative Ions:

When these burn, they release negative ions that help purify the air. It contributes to a healthier indoor environment. The natural scent of beeswax is pleasant and enhances the ambience.

3.      Long Burn Time:

Beeswax candle burns longer than soy wax ones. This extended burn time adds to the value of the beeswax container candle. Generally, when considering the same sized candle, beeswax burns for a longer time than soy wax.

4.      Environmental Considerations:

Beeswax production can impact bee colonies, which are crucial in pollination. However, beeswax releases negative ions and has a high melting point. It remains the best among eco friendly candle options, requiring less industrial processing.

Soy Wax Candles

1.      Cost-Friendly:

Soy wax is generally more affordable and not beeswax. It makes soy candles an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

2.      Fragrance Retention:

Soy wax blends well with fragrances and retains scents effectively, making it a popular choice for any scented candle. However, a small amount of wax might be added during candle making to enhance fragrance retention, which can raise concerns about toxicity.

3.      Deforestation Impact:

Soy production in the soy industry, particularly from genetically modified soybeans, can contribute to deforestation as agricultural land is expanded. It raises ecological concerns and highlights the environmental impact of soybean cultivation.

4.      Flame Characteristics:

A soy candle emits a cooler-toned white flame when burned. While the visual effect may differ from a beeswax candle, the preference for flame colour is subjective. Therefore, soy products are also very common.

Soy Wax vs Beeswax: Which is better?

When checking soy wax candles vs beeswax, it’s clear that beeswax offers a more natural and eco-friendly option and a higher melting point. It burns cleanly and has a pleasant scent and natural makeup. However, soy wax’s affordability and fragrance retention properties make it a popular choice, despite concerns about chemical exposure and its ecological impact. Ultimately, the decision between both soy wax and beeswax candles depends on balancing personal preferences, health considerations, and environmental consciousness.

What Is The Healthiest Wax?

Beeswax is often considered the healthiest candle wax having natural colouring and a positive environmental impact. Beeswax candles produce clean burns without any harmful toxins or soot. It is naturally sweet and emits ions that can help improve indoor air quality by reducing allergens and pollutants.

What Wax Holds The Most Fragrance?

Unlike any normal paraffin candle, soy wax is known for its excellent fragrance-holding capacity. Its porous nature and natural oil scent allow it to absorb and retain fragrances effectively, resulting in a strong and consistent hot throw when the candle is burned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Use Soy Wax if:

·         You prioritize sustainability: Derived from soybeans, soy wax is a renewable resource for environmentally conscious individuals.

·         Clean burn matters: Soy wax, unlike paraffin wax, produces minimal soot and toxins, ensuring a healthier indoor environment.

·         Budget-friendly choice: Cost-effective, making it ideal for regular wax enthusiasts.

Use Beeswax if:

·         Longevity matters: Beeswax candles burn slowly, providing extended enjoyment and value.

·         Seek purity: Appreciate the natural, unprocessed nature of beeswax.

·         Invest in luxury: Beeswax candles, though pricier, offer a premium feel that elevates any setting.