Soy vs. Beeswax Candles: What Are the Differences?

Even though candle wicks are no longer made of lead, there are still studies that show some traditional candles can be harmful to your health.

If you’re worried about how you might still be able to have your house smelling nice without your traditional scented candles, it’s time to look into some alternatives.

We’ll examine soy vs. beeswax candles, two natural alternatives to traditional paraffin. You can see which might be right for you so you can still get your scented candle fix.

What Are Soy Candles?

A lot of soy candles are made out of a blend between soy and paraffin, but you can find exclusively soy candles as well. This type of wax comes from soybeans.

Soy itself is a renewable resource and is biodegradable. Overall, it burns more cleanly than paraffin wax, since it doesn’t release soot into the air. Soy candles also tend to last longer since they don’t burn as quickly as paraffin.

If you’re interested in picking up some soy-based candles, you can find more information here.

What Are Beeswax Candles?

Beeswax has been used to make candles since ancient times, and they can actually help purify the air in a room. Pollutants are full of positive ions, and beeswax candles release negative ions. These ions attract each other, and when they come together, they neutralize pollutants and bad odors.

To get the wax to make beeswax candles, beekeepers take a honeycomb from their hives and put it in warm water. This releases the wax, and the beekeepers can gather it from the water.

Soy vs. Beeswax Candles

Beeswax is a more environmentally friendly option when it comes to choosing a candle material, partly because the soy industry is linked to deforestation. Beeswax, on the other hand, comes from the beekeeping industry and does not involve the destruction of any habitats.

When it comes to actually burning the candles, soy candles and beeswax candles each have a different quality of light. The flame on a soy candle tends to be more white and cool-toned, whereas a beeswax candle will have a flame that’s warmer in tone.

Another difference to be aware of when it comes to soy vs. beeswax candles is the matter of scent. Like paraffin candles, soy candles usually have a scent. Think vanilla, pine trees, or even musk. That’s not usually the case with beeswax candles.

Because the wax to make beeswax candles comes straight from beehives, these candles are usually unscented. That’s not to say they don’t smell good, though! Beeswax tends to have a lovely, subtle, natural honey smell.

Find the Candles That Are Right For You

When it comes to soy vs. beeswax candles, they both have their advantages and disadvantages. At the end of the day, it comes down to personal preference for what you’d like in your home. After reading our candles buying guide, you’re ready to go out there and find the perfect candle.

If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out some of our other lifestyle posts!