Soy Wax vs Beeswax

Candles have been a beloved source of warmth, light, and ambiance for centuries. In recent years, they’ve transformed from utilitarian items to a must-have decor piece. They are not only light but also a sense of calm and serenity to our homes.

Today, a wide variety of candles are available in the market, each with its unique attributes, scents, and benefits. Among the most popular are soy and beeswax candles. But what makes these two types stand out from the rest? And how do they compare to each other?

Choose between soy and beeswax candles based on your preferences. Soy candles are vegan and burn longer, while beeswax candles offer a sweet aroma and higher burn temperature. Your choice can depend on cost, burn temperature, and eco-friendly properties.

Here we’ll delve into the benefits and drawbacks of both soy and beeswax candles. Simply, soy and beeswax candles both offer natural alternatives for eco-conscious consumers. Soy candles are vegan, long-lasting, and entirely natural, while beeswax candles have a sweeter aroma and burn at higher temperatures. Your choice between these two depends on factors like cost, candle Life, burn temperature, vegan-friendliness, and environmental impact. So, whether you’re a candle connoisseur or a curious newbie, join us as we explore the fascinating world of soy and beeswax candles.

What is Beeswax?

As its name, Beeswax is naturally produced by honey bees. It’s the material they use to construct their intricate honeycombs. When it’s harvested, it can be processed and used for many purposes, one of the most popular being candle making. Beeswax candles are beloved for their long burn time, their bright, steady flame, and the gentle, sweet aroma they give off when lit. Additionally, beeswax is completely biodegradable and a renewable resource. Beeswax is a fantastic option for those who want to enjoy candles but also care about their environmental impact.

Benefits of beeswax candles

There are many benefits of beeswax candles, i would like to list some as below:

Long Burning: Beeswax candles burn longer compared to other types due to their high melting temperature. This means a beeswax candle will last longer than your soy wax candle.
Natural and Non-Toxic: Beeswax is a natural substance that doesn’t produce toxic byproducts or heavy soot when burned.
Hypo-allergenic: They can help purify the air, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers.
Bright Flame: Beeswax candles emit a brighter flame than most other candles.
Subtle Fragrance: They give off a natural, honey-like fragrance when lit.
Environmentally Friendly: Beeswax is a renewable resource and its candles are biodegradable.
No Added Chemicals: Pure beeswax candles don’t need color or scent additives to enhance their natural beauty.
Dripless: In a draft-free environment, beeswax candles are often dripless.

What is Soy Wax?

As its name, Soy wax is naturally produced by soybeans. Soy wax is a vegetable wax derived from the oil of soybeans. After harvesting, the beans are cleaned, cracked, and rolled into flakes. The oil is then extracted and hydrogenated, turning it into the wax we use in candles. Soy wax candles are known for their clean burning properties and longer burn time compared to traditional paraffin candles. They also hold fragrances well, making them a popular choice for scented candles. Soy wax candles are a more environmentally friendly option for candle enthusiasts.

Benefits of soy wax candles

There are many benefits of soy wax candles, I would like to list some below:

Long Burning: Soy wax has a lower melting point which allows it to burn slower and longer than paraffin, but the burning time is shorter than beeswax.
Clean Burning: Soy candles produce little to no soot, making them a healthier option for indoor use.
Fragrance Retention: Soy wax holds onto scents well, allowing for a gradual release of fragrance.
Biodegradable: Soy wax is eco-friendly as it is made from a renewable resource and is biodegradable.
Easy to Clean: Accidental spills are easier to clean with soap and water.
Supports Farmers: Buying soy wax candles supports soybean farmers.
Less Heat: Soy candles burn cooler which can mean a safer burn.
Vegan: Soy wax comes from soybeans, making it a plant-based, vegan option.

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Soy and beeswax are both natural products, one being a plant and the other being made by bees that consume plants. We are going to tell you the difference between soy wax and beeswax from production processes, Environmental impact, Cost comparison, Performance, and burning characteristics, Health Concerns / Clean Burn, Scents & Fragrance, Flame, Aesthetics, Candle Life, Vegan, Chemical Processing.

Production Processes

Beeswax: Produced naturally by honey bees, and harvested directly from beehives.
Soy Wax: Made by hydrogenating soybean oil, a process that involves industrial methods.

Chemical Processing

Beeswax: Minimal processing, just a simple filtering process. Beeswax is very natural, minimally treated and non-toxic, making it a great choice for a clean burning beeswax candle, and also a great choice for those that suffer from asthma or allergies of any sort.
Soy Wax: Requires more processing, including hydrogenation. Soy wax is commonly made from genetically modified soybeans and soybeans treated with chemicals and pesticides making many soy wax candles slightly more toxic in nature.

Environmental Impact

Beeswax: Sustainable and eco-friendly, but bee populations may be affected by over-harvesting.
Soy Wax: Biodegradable and renewable, but its production can sometimes involve deforestation and use of pesticides.

Cost Comparison

Beeswax: Generally more expensive due to the labor-intensive extraction process.
Soy Wax: Usually less expensive because soybeans are widely grown and easily harvested.

Health Concerns / Clean Burn

Beeswax: Burns cleanly with little soot and can help purify the air.
Soy Wax: Also clean-burning, emits fewer pollutants than many other types of candles.

Scents & Fragrance

Beeswax: Has a natural, subtle honey-like scent. Beeswax releases negative ions, which help purify, and also has a naturally sweet and pleasant scent.
Soy Wax: Generally unscented, but holds and releases added fragrances well.

Flame

Beeswax: Produces a bright, warm flame. Beeswax candles produce a more natural light that is within the same spectrum of sunlight.
Soy Wax: Gives off a softer, more ambient light. Soy candles tend to produce a white, cool-toned flame.

aesthetics

Beeswax: Beeswax candles are generally amber or yellow. Typically has a rich, golden color and a smooth texture.
Soy Wax: Usually white in color and can sometimes have a more rustic, “frosty” texture.

Candle Life

Beeswax: Beeswax has a higher burn temperature than soy wax, and this causes beeswax burns for a longer time than soy wax.
Soy Wax: Also has a good lifespan, burning slower because of a lower melting point.

If comparing roughly 100g of wax, poured beeswax would take approximately 29 hours to burn while Soy would burn for 18 hours. Paraffin would burn for only 15 hours.

Vegan

Beeswax: Not vegan as it’s a by-product of bees.
Soy Wax: Vegan-friendly, made from plant-based soybeans.

Environmental Impact

Beeswax: Sustainable and eco-friendly, but bee populations may be affected by over-harvesting.
Soy Wax: Biodegradable and renewable, but its production can sometimes involve deforestation and use of pesticides.

Comparison Factor	Beeswax	Soy Wax
Production Processes	Naturally produced by honey bees	Produced by hydrogenating soybean oil
Chemical Processing	Minimal processing, natural, non-toxic	Requires more processing
Cost	More expensive due to labor-intensive extraction	Less expensive due to abundance of soybeans
Health/Clean Burn	Burns cleanly with little soot	Also clean-burning, fewer pollutants
Scents & Fragrance	Natural honey-like scent	Generally unscented but holds added fragrances well
Flame	Bright, warm flame	Softer, more ambient light
Aesthetics	Rich, yellow color and smooth texture	Typically white, can have a rustic, “frosty” texture
Candle Life	Longer due to high melting point	Also long, due to slower burn rate
Vegan	Not vegan as it’s a by-product of bees	Vegan-friendly, made from plant-based soybeans
Environmental Impact	Sustainable but over-harvesting can impact bee populations	Biodegradable but production can involve deforestation

Factors to Consider when Choosing

When it comes to choosing between beeswax and soy candles, there are a few things to think about. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:

Smell: Do you like a natural, sweet smell? Go for beeswax. If you like a variety of different scents or no scent at all, soy might be right for you.
Long-Lasting: Both beeswax and soy candles burn for a long time. But if you want the longest burning candle, beeswax is the winner.
Health: Both candles are better for your health than regular candles, but beeswax can help clean the air in your home too.
Price: If you’re on a budget, soy candles are usually cheaper than beeswax.
Animal-Friendly: If you’re a vegan or care about animals, choose soy. Beeswax is made by bees, so it’s not vegan.
Environment: Both are better for the environment than regular candles, but making soy candles can sometimes harm forests, while making beeswax can sometimes harm bees.
Look and Feel: Beeswax candles are usually yellow and smooth, while soy candles are white and can look a bit frosty. Choose the one that you think is prettiest!
Chemicals: Beeswax candles are very natural, while soy candles need a bit more processing to make. Soy wax is often produced from genetically modified soybeans and treated with chemicals and pesticides.

Remember, the best candle for you will depend on what matters most to you. Happy candle hunting!

Conclusion

In conclusion, both beeswax and soy candles have their unique benefits. Soy wax is cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, retains oils well, and is vegan and eco-friendly, making it a strong competitor to beeswax. However, beeswax wins in terms of sweetness, nature, and burn temperature.

It’s important to note that soy wax is often produced from genetically modified soybeans and treated with chemicals and pesticides. This can make soy wax candles slightly more toxic in nature. If you prioritize quality and safety in your home, it is better to make the switch to beeswax candles.

We hope this guide helps you find the perfect candle to light up your space. Happy candle shopping!

FAQ:

Beeswax candles are naturally scented and produce a bright, warm light. They also purify the air by releasing negative ions. Soy candles, on the other hand, are known for their long, clean burn and ability to retain scent. They’re also vegan and a renewable resource. Both have their advantages depending on personal preferences. (Source: National Candle Association, www.candles.org)

Both beeswax and soy wax are excellent for candle making but they have different characteristics. Beeswax candles burn longer and produce a natural honey aroma, but they can be more costly. Soy candles, however, are more cost-effective, have a cleaner burn and can hold fragrance well. So, it really depends on your specific needs and preferences. (Source: Cornell University, www.cornell.edu)

Beeswax candles come from a renewable source and have a longer burn time compared to other types of candles. However, they can contribute to the exploitation of bees if not sourced responsibly. Soy candles are made from soybean oil, a renewable resource, and produce less soot. Both can be eco-friendly if sourced and produced responsibly. (Source: US Environmental Protection Agency, www.epa.gov)

Yes, beeswax candles do burn longer than soy candles because beeswax is denser. On average, a beeswax candle can burn for approximately two hours per inch, compared to a soy candle, which burns for approximately one hour per inch. (Source: National Honey Board, www.honey.com)

Both soy and beeswax candles are typically less likely to cause allergies compared to paraffin candles. However, those with a soy allergy may react to soy candles, and similarly, those with a pollen allergy might react to beeswax candles. Always test a small amount if you have allergies. (Source: American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, www.aaaai.org)

Soy wax is known to hold fragrance better than beeswax. The lower melting point of soy wax allows it to liquefy more quickly, releasing the fragrance faster. Beeswax, on the other hand, has a higher melting point, so the scent release is slower and more subtle. (Source: American Chemical Society, www.acs.org)