The first thing to be mentioned is that there is a number of significant features that beeswax candles and soy candles share in common. First of all, both of them include no kerosene wax. This is when they are produced from pure soy or beeswax, rather than any questionable soy or mixed beeswax.
So both of them are fine, and both of them are preferable to a standard kerosene candle.
However, which one is the preferable option is not that easy to say. The reason is here…
So what’s wrong with paraffin wax?
The trouble with paraffin candles is that they may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during combustion. They are the same volatile organic compounds that are also released from diesel fumes, which are benzene and toluene.
Unnecessary to mention, VOCs are poisonous. They are inherently cancer-causing, but they can also harm the liver, kidneys, and the central nervous system, along with producing short-term side effects like irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as headaches, sickness, tiredness, and vertigo.
If you occasionally burn a paraffin candle in a well-ventilated area, it is unlikely to present a substantial health risk.
However, if you do suffer from any allergies, paraffin candles are clearly not going to be of any help.
Plus, you don’t really want to be adding something that might be hazardous to you and your loved ones’ health, particularly if you can get a much safer and more natural option that provides a cleaner burn, plus a more soothing and pleasant scent.
What is beeswax?
Beeswax is the wax that is made by honeybees of the species Apis. This is the most ancient material used to make candles. This wax is shaped into scales by eight wax-forming adenoids located in the ventral parts of worker bees. The worker bees inside the beehive use it to create the cells necessary to hold honey and for protecting the larvae and pupae within the beehive.
Beeswax is a totally natural, non-toxic product that is cruelty-free and vegetarian since the bees are not harmed during the extraction of beeswax. Moreover, beeswax has the lowest toxicity among candle materials; it releases no harmful byproducts or severe soot into the air. Indeed, when beeswax candles burn, they release negative ions that remove the dust, mildew, and bad smells. As a result, they are perfect for people suffering from asthma, allergies to hay fever, or dust allergies.
The beeswax is a dripless material, thus making it safer and easier to burn. In addition, it creates a pure and bright light, very similar to natural sunlight.
What is soy wax?
Soy wax is made from soybean oil. Soy wax was developed in 1996. Soy wax is softer and melts at a lower temperature than kerosene wax. Also, compared to kerosene candles, soy candles smell less and are completely biodegradable. Soy wax is actually a vegetable wax that is extracted from soybeans in a lengthy process. The soybeans are treated until they become flakes, then the oil is extracted and then hydrogenated. During the hydrogenation of soybean oil, certain unsaturated fatty acids are converted into saturated fats, which changes the melting temperature of the oil.
Soy wax is an easy component of the process. It is very adaptable, extremely malleable, and can be mixed with other types of wax if needed! Because of its properties, soy wax is easy to color and perfume with fewer additives than other types of wax, such as paraffin.
The low melting point ensures that soy wax is solid at room temperature, but also ensures that soy candles last a long time. Soy candles have many advantages over disadvantages. First of all, soy wax is made from vegetable oil, so soy candles do not harm nature. They are environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and renewable sources.
SOY CANDLES VS. BEESWAX CANDLES
If you choose to get the candle yourself, both of these waxes are clean burning and will keep the soot out of your home. If you favor fragranced candles, you should choose a soy candle, since it is known to be challenging to add fragrance to a beeswax candle.
Soy candles, however, are known to give off their scent nicely, making them perfect if you wish to fill the space with a delicious aroma.
Beeswax is most suitable if you suffer from allergies. Burning it emits negative ions that can help remove dust in your home. If you think about the cost, soy candles are actually less expensive than beeswax.
SOY WAX VS. BEESWAX FOR CANDLE MAKING
When thinking about creating your home candles, you might be curious about the differences between the two kinds of wax. Although most of the differences are fairly slight, there are a few that can greatly impact your buying consideration.
Following are a number of points to be aware of:
- Expenses
When you are still getting started and you can still make mistakes, it is best to go with the less costly soy wax than beeswax to get started. Due to its manufacturing method, beeswax tends to be among the most high-priced kinds of wax, so losing it as a result of beginner’s mistakes could impact your budget.
- Ethics
Although there is nothing bad for bees in the use of beeswax, vegans may want to avoid beeswax since it is produced by animals. Soy is a plant-based product, meaning it is vegan and you can use it easily.
- Health
If you care about your candle becoming the healthiest it can be, beeswax could be a superior option for you. Beeswax is supposed to cleanse the air when it is burned, thus being great for people experiencing asthma along with related health conditions. This has not been proven by research, though.
- Perfume
If you need a candle without fragrance, beeswax is a good choice. However, if you plan to use essential oils or perfume your candle, you should choose soy instead.
- The type of candle
Beeswax is great for stick and pillar candles, while soy wax is better for container candles or wax melts. If you want to make a special type of candle, you need to choose the wax that is suitable for the type of candle you want to make.
You can use either soy wax or beeswax to make candles, and one is not automatically superior to the other. If you need to make a final decision, make a list of what you expect from a candle and find out which wax is best for you.
Are soy candles safe?
Soy wax is a plant-based wax. Soybeans are a sustainable resource, thus rendering soy candles an eco-friendlier option than paraffin candles. In addition, soy wax is also biodegradable. So when you use soy wax candles, you won’t need to worry about feeling bad if you toss the soy wax as soon as the fragrance dissipates (which is much longer-lasting with soy wax candles compared to paraffin candles!)
In addition to the eco issues, soy candles are also way better for your overall health. Paraffin wax is a by-product of petroleum, and the burning of paraffin candles creates huge quantities of petrol carbon soot. In addition, there are a number of cancer-causing agents in paraffin candles, polluting the indoor air when burned.
A few of the best candles to be mindful of are made with 100% non-GMO soy wax. The soy wax burns cleanly and creates no possibly fatal fumes or hazardous toxins that can fill your home or lungs, or taint your walls and ceilings with black carbon soot.
When kerosene burns, it emits toxic substances into the air, among them benzene and toluene, which are both common carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals).
Although soy is a naturally growing plant, candles containing soy wax are created from the oil of the soybean. The terrific feature of soy wax is that not only does it have a clean burn. Soy wax candles usually have much greater longevity too, lasting up to 50% longer than their paraffin wax equivalents. They might be more high-priced, but they will keep in your home for much longer as well.
They also burn evenly, without the “mushroom effect” that occurs with cheaper kerosene candles, and don’t form an oily film on their glass holders. (This way you can still use the holders for your own candles or for cut flowers or pens).
Are beeswax candles safe?
Yes, beeswax candles are safe, however, like any candles, they shouldn’t be left burning unsupervised. Virgin beeswax candles are obviously smoke-free and have no chemical fragrances. The subtle fragrances of beeswax candles are largely the result of the nectar and honey that had been initially stored in the honeycombs!
It is also not advised to light beeswax candles in hurricane jars since beeswax candles burn at a higher temperature in comparison to other wax candles. Being one of the thickest waxes, beeswax possesses a very high melting center of approximately 149 Fahrenheit. If properly trimmed, beeswax candles will burn cleanly with minimal smoke.
Benefits of soy candles
Eco-friendly
Soy candles will be kinder to the planet since they create less soot in comparison to other candles. Since they produce 90% less soot compared to kerosene, they reduce indoor air pollution. This allows you to breathe in a cleaner environment while avoiding potential health risks from toxic substances. Soy also has a much smaller carbon footprint, reducing the impact of global warming and other climate threats.
In addition, soy is biodegradable, non-carcinogenic, and a sustainable resource. Therefore, soy candles tend to be greener when compared to the rest.
Vegan
For those of you who are against animal cruelty, soy candles are a perfect choice. Of the many candles that rely on animal products, soy candles use only harvested soybeans. Therefore, they can be safely used and enjoyed even by vegans!
Durable
This wax features a lower melting point, meaning it can burn at cooler temperatures. This means the candle will be able to stay burning in the cold weather for a very long time during the winter, providing you with the necessary warmth. The candles produced from other materials will not keep burning for such a long time, although they may be the same size.
Economical
Soy is among the most reasonably priced choices for candles available today. They cost considerably less than either beeswax or premium paraffin candles.
Therefore, if you are on a strict spending limit for your forthcoming candlelit party or would like to bring some extra warmth to your modest home, soy candles would be a perfect option.
Great for home use
When your family includes a child or children, consider using soy candles rather than other candles. Kids often grab the candle wax from their curiosity. Soy wax does absolutely not burn their skin when they touch it. Plus, you can clean this water-soluble wax from the top much easier than other options.
Anywhere it is spilled, it can be cleaned up easily with soap, plain water, and a washing cloth. This is why soy candles make a superior option for domestic use.
Drawbacks of soy candles
Deforestation
Although there are several companies that promote the eco-friendly manufacturing of soy candles, the traditional way is associated with the deforestation of tropical forests. Moreover, the production process involves the use of many pesticides to crop soybeans. Thus, verify that the brand you opt for is not liable for such kinds of methods.
The presence of paraffin
The majority of us understand the harmful impact that paraffin causes on the surrounding environment. Although it’s a smart thing to change from paraffin wax to soy wax, earlier candles might in fact still include some paraffin.
Also, candles that say they are 100% soy will have some degree of paraffin in their formulation. So if you wish to avoid paraffin and thus choose to opt for alternative candles, then soy is not an appropriate option for you.
Benefits of beeswax candles
Environmentally friendly
Beeswax material is highly eco-friendly because it is mostly 100% natural, biodegradable, non-carcinogenic, and harmless. These candles create almost no soot, which helps maintain clean indoor air.
Moreover, they are entirely free from the inexpensive, but notorious paraffin. Beeswax candles present no threat to the natural world, instead of encouraging the significance of nature by placing bees at the center of attention. What it does is encourage people to consider investing in beehives and producing more beeswax as beekeepers.
Hypoallergenic
Beeswax candles not only help protect the environment but also purify the air. While the candle is burning, it produces negative ions that enhance the oxygen flow to the brain and boost mental energy.
These ions then counteract the harmful substances that exist in the environmental air, like dust, mold, and odors. Consequently, people will not experience allergic responses if these candles are burning.
Therefore, if you are familiar with people with asthma and related respiratory issues, beeswax may be a splendid gift option for their particular events.
Natural
Beeswax is as a rule the most natural candle wax available to you. To begin with, the initial raw material originates mostly from bees, which are unquestionably a key component of our ecological system. As this wax is perfumed already by nature, there is no reason for manufacturers to include chemical formulas for fragrance. And also the color of the wax, varying from white to light brown, is naturally derived.
But some brands whiten the wax to lend it a somewhat whiter finish. These specific beeswax candles do not emit the rich smell of honey.
For this reason, you must be careful to buy the proper type of beeswax candles. That way, you will be confident that your new candle comes completely free of artificial agents and components in all aspects.
High melting center
Beeswax’s higher melting temperature makes it easier for the candle to light in any kind of weather. That property also cuts down on the stress of a business owner making an investment in candles, because they can endure any shipment temperature. So in many countries, there is a strong desire for export – irrespective of the weather conditions in that country.
What is the best wax for candles?
Perhaps our sense of smell is the most underestimated and underappreciated of our senses. Yet a simple hint of a nice, comforting fragrance can easily put us in a brighter mood and a different way of thinking. It is no surprise that an increasing number of people are attracted to candles. They are readily available and exist in all kinds of styles to suit every lifestyle and budget.
But since there are so many choices, which candle is best for you? Following are the two most common wax materials for candles – soy, and beeswax – and we will tell you which choice is the smartest.
Soy
Soy wax candles are produced from hydrogenated soybean oil, which comes from the exact same source as tofu, which makes it, in theory, a much more sustainable option – perfect for everyone striving for a vegan/vegetarian approach to life. The main concern, though, is that soy wax isn’t durable on its own. While most soy candles still include paraffin, even those marked as 100% soy wax have to be handled with a low quantity of paraffin. An additional potential complaint is that 90% of soy oil is presently genetically modified, and in fact, even 100% soy oil blends are compounded with vegetable oils like coconut or other waxes. Although there are candles that are promoted as wax-soy blends, for those who are seeking really natural options, they must be careful. While soy is surely a preferable choice over kerosene, it also comes with many downsides.
Beeswax
Beeswax is the most ancient material used in candles. Beeswax candles were even discovered in the pyramids of ancient Egypt! Beeswax is a natural, non-toxic material secreted by bees after they have visited flowers and consumed honey. It is used to create honeycomb, and when harvested, beeswax is great for candles.
Beeswax creates a powerful bond with the earth and points to the beauty and productiveness of nature. There are no bees damaged in the process of extracting beeswax, which makes it a cruelty-free, vegan/vegetarian-friendly choice.
Beeswax is also the least toxic of candle materials, emitting no toxic byproducts or severe soot into the air. Rather than adding contaminants, beeswax candles actually counteract them. When burned, beeswax candles emit negative ions that remove dust, mold, and offensive smells. This is particularly useful for people suffering from allergies, asthma, and hay fever.
Beeswax in its own right has many natural relaxing characteristics. Its light sweet honey fragrance is a great addition to any fragrance that is blended with it. It is a dripless material by nature, so there is no waste or mess, thus making it simpler and safer to burn. The light it creates is the cleanest and the brightest, which is the most like natural sunlight, thus making it a superb light source that is minimally stressful to the eyes.
In order to produce one pound of beeswax, 33 million flower visits are needed. Thus, the product comes at a greater price, but in the end, provides more advantages for the demanding customer.
Both types of wax do not need additives, and in the case of beeswax candles, no need for additives. Moreover, these waxes – beeswax and soy – used in candles are kinder to the ecology than paraffin and are derived from plant sources.
Beeswax candles are a bit safer than soy candles. Moreover, beeswax candles possess a natural anti-stress action and are anxiety-relieving. Beeswax is not environmentally harmful, it burns longer when compared to other candles, has a nice natural fragrance, and is not tested on animals! Therefore, if anyone is searching for something totally eco-friendly and completely natural, beeswax candles are a superior choice.
But if you would like a different scent, color, and something prettier, you may want to choose soy candles. Beeswax candles lose their usefulness if their natural fragrance is taken away to put on another one, or if they are bleached to alter their color; that’s senseless as additives and chemicals are put in, so they are nearly the same as soy candles, yet more costly. Therefore, if you would like a pink colored candle with a flowery fragrance, go ahead and buy a soy candle.
Both kinds of wax are more suitable for making candles than any other. In fact, they are the safest and natural candles on the market. Both of them have more pros than cons in comparison to other candles. Choose which one to get based on your preference!
The candle world is huge and wide, there are quite a few ways to pick the best type of candle for every consumer. Each person is looking for slightly different things and has different tastes. Today, candles are more than a source of lighting!
The difference between soy and beeswax candles
- Uses
Obviously, as both are candles, there isn’t a huge difference in the uses of the candles. But one aspect in which they do differ is in their capacity to resist higher temperatures. In this case, beeswax candles gain, because they can burn even in hot weather. The high melting point of the candle makes this trick possible.
Thus, beeswax candles are suitable for use in any setting, whereas soy candles are used only in cooler areas.
- Fragrance
In comparison to soy, beeswax creates a much sweeter, pleasing, and more natural scent. In addition, the fragrance usually stays longer since beeswax candles retain more oil. Therefore, if you wish to infuse your home with a divine aroma, be sure to choose beeswax!
- Design aesthetics
The 100% natural beeswax candles may range from white to brown in appearance. Their surface is usually smoother than that of soy candles. The latter may have blemishes and bumps after prolonged burning. Regarding the color, soy candles may show a great range of tones with the use of pigments.
- Eco-friendly
You likely would not consider that the environment would matter in a conversation about soy or beeswax candles, yet it certainly does. The reason is that soy candles are made from soy wax, which is extracted from soybean oil. Lots of soy wax candles have GMO soy in them (although there are non-GMO soy wax candles). Traditional soy production involves the use of many pesticides, the waste of a lot of water, and the cutting down of rainforests.
- Paraffin content
When comparing soy and beeswax candles, one of the key differences is the amount of paraffin. You may think that both kinds of candles do not contain kerosene, but in fact, all soy candles have at least a tiny portion of paraffin wax in them. This is just part of the production method. And because there are no rules for the marking and kerosene content of soy candles, it is entirely likely that a candle marked vaguely as a “soy candle” may in fact include a great deal of paraffin.
- Burning quality
Beeswax has proven itself over time and is in high demand from ancient Egypt to the present day. Its flame is burning big and light, many people compare it with the magnificence of the sunlight!
Although the flame is so powerful, it barely burdens the eyes.
While the flame of soy candles is quite similar to that of beeswax when it comes to brightness and size, it is somewhat weaker than that of beeswax.
- Price
As we pointed out, beeswax is far less common than soy. It implies that the bees must be fed sufficiently and have adequate amounts of energy to consistently produce wax. On the other hand, soy is much more easily available. As a result, beeswax comes at a far higher price tag when compared to soy candles.
Conclusion
Following this extensive and comprehensive review of soy candles and beeswax candles, you will find the solution to your issue to be straightforward. The soy candles will be the most perfect option for you if the price is your foremost consideration. For all other purposes, beeswax is a preferable option since it is a completely natural product, gives a sweeter, long-lasting aroma, cleans the air, and will burn in any weather conditions. Furthermore, some soy candles are considered guilty of rainforest cutting, meanwhile, beeswax candles support the flourishing of beehives. As a result, beeswax gains by a close margin when it comes to environmental benefits as well.
Additional Questions
Which is superior, beeswax or soy wax?
When considering the benefits of both, it’s widely accepted that soy wax prevails over beeswax in terms of cost-effectiveness, aesthetic appeal, oil retention, and being vegan and eco-friendly. Despite this, beeswax takes the lead in terms of the burn temperature and sweetness of the aroma. As a seasoned candle enthusiast myself, I’ve sampled my fair share of both varieties, and I can testify to the advantages of each. However, the final call depends on your personal preferences.
Why does beeswax hold an edge over soy?
Interestingly, beeswax candles have been known to outlive soy candles due to their higher melting point, resulting in a burn time that is approximately 50% longer than their soy counterparts. Having experimented with both varieties in my home, I can attest to the endurance of beeswax candles – they simply last longer!
Are beeswax candles healthier than soy candles?
Yes, beeswax candles are considered healthier than soy candles. This is attributed to their ability to release negative ions when burned, effectively neutralizing positive ions found in most indoor pollutants and purifying the air we breathe. This property could potentially offset triggers for allergies and headaches often associated with scented soy candles. From an overall wellness perspective, it has been my experience that beeswax candles noticeably improve air quality, offering a tangible health benefit.
Which wax is best suited for making healthy candles?
Undoubtedly, beeswax is the healthiest choice for crafting candles. Derived from honeycomb caps produced by bees, these candles burn clean, possess a long lifespan, and release a comforting, natural scent as they burn. Speaking from personal experience as a long-time candle enthusiast, beeswax candles have defied typical wax behavior — they are dripless when burned appropriately, and they deposit negative ions into the air, contributing towards a cleaner home environment.
