Beeswax vs. Soy Wax: Which Is Better for Your Candles?
Candle-making involves many details, especially the nature of wax used. Between the two most common forms used by candle makers - beeswax and soy wax - each has some peculiar characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks. In this post, we will discuss beeswax and soy wax at a deeper level and in more detail, their difference to enable you to choose one of them for your specific purposes in candle making.
Characteristics of Beeswax
Beeswax is a natural wax secreted from the wax glands at the bottom of honeybees' abdomens, and they use it for constructing and maintaining their honeycombs.
Color and Texture: Beeswax is colored naturally with a warm yellow color and has a honey-like pleasant aroma. Its texture is smooth and creamy.
Melting Point: Beeswax melts around 180°F to 190°F (82°C to 88°C).
Hardness: Beeswax is relatively hard wax.
Color and Texture: Beeswax is colored naturally with a warm yellow color and has a honey-like pleasant aroma. Its texture is smooth and creamy.
Melting Point: Beeswax melts around 180°F to 190°F (82°C to 88°C).
Hardness: Beeswax is relatively hard wax.
Characteristics of Soy Wax
Soy wax is a plant-based wax. It is taken from soybeans. Due to the eco-friendly nature of soy wax, it has gained much popularity among the candle makers.
Color and Texture: Soy wax appears as creamy white and smooth even in texture.
Melting Point: The melting point of soy wax ranges between 120°F to 140°F (49°C to 60°C).
Hardness: Soy wax is relatively soft as compared to beeswax.
Color and Texture: Soy wax appears as creamy white and smooth even in texture.
Melting Point: The melting point of soy wax ranges between 120°F to 140°F (49°C to 60°C).
Hardness: Soy wax is relatively soft as compared to beeswax.
Benefits of Beeswax
Beeswax has various benefits that make it so popular among candle makers:
It is a natural and sustainable resource, biodegradable and non-toxic.
Unique texture and aroma. The candles made from beeswax have a natural unique texture and a sweet honey-like fragrance.
Air Purification: The negative ions are emitted from the burning of the beeswax candles.
Dripless: Beeswax candles tend not to drip much as it has a higher melting point.
It is a natural and sustainable resource, biodegradable and non-toxic.
Unique texture and aroma. The candles made from beeswax have a natural unique texture and a sweet honey-like fragrance.
Air Purification: The negative ions are emitted from the burning of the beeswax candles.
Dripless: Beeswax candles tend not to drip much as it has a higher melting point.
Benefits of Soy Wax
Soy wax also has a lot of advantages that make it very popular among candle makers:
Eco-Friendly: Soy wax is a plant-based wax that is biodegradable and non-toxic.
Renewable Resource: Soy wax is extracted from soybeans, which is a renewable resource.
Clean Burning: Soy wax candles tend to burn clean and have very minimal soot.
Cost-Effective: Soy wax is generally cheaper than beeswax.
Eco-Friendly: Soy wax is a plant-based wax that is biodegradable and non-toxic.
Renewable Resource: Soy wax is extracted from soybeans, which is a renewable resource.
Clean Burning: Soy wax candles tend to burn clean and have very minimal soot.
Cost-Effective: Soy wax is generally cheaper than beeswax.
Disadvantages of Beeswax
While beeswax has a number of advantages, it also has some disadvantages:
Costly: Beeswax is generally more expensive than soy wax.
Availability: Beeswax is a natural resource that is dependent on bee populations.
Color and Fragrance Differences: Beeswax can be different in color and fragrance depending on the source and quality.
Costly: Beeswax is generally more expensive than soy wax.
Availability: Beeswax is a natural resource that is dependent on bee populations.
Color and Fragrance Differences: Beeswax can be different in color and fragrance depending on the source and quality.
Disadvantages of Soy Wax
While soy wax has a number of advantages, it also has some disadvantages:
Lower Melting Point: The melting point of soy wax is lower than that of beeswax, and it can affect the texture and stability of the candle.
Less Durable: Soy wax candles are not as durable as beeswax candles because of their softness.
May Need Blending: Soy wax may need blending with other waxes to attain the desired texture and stability.
Lower Melting Point: The melting point of soy wax is lower than that of beeswax, and it can affect the texture and stability of the candle.
Less Durable: Soy wax candles are not as durable as beeswax candles because of their softness.
May Need Blending: Soy wax may need blending with other waxes to attain the desired texture and stability.
When deciding between beeswax and soy wax for your candle-making needs, consider the following factors:
Project Requirements: Consider the type of candle you want to make, the desired texture and color, and the intended use of the candle.
Personal Preferences: Think about your personal preferences, such as the importance of eco-friendliness, cost, and durability.
Skill Level: Consider your skill level and experience with candle making. Beeswax is more difficult to work with because it has a higher melting point.
Beeswax and soy wax are some of the most used wax by candle makers. There are different benefits and drawbacks of each wax, making it easier to make the right choice for candle making. Whether you prefer using beeswax for its natural sustainable properties or soy wax because it is eco-friendly and inexpensive, you will definitely make beautiful candles that make your home and life a beauty.
Whether you're a seasoned candle maker or just starting to get in on the ground, Luxurist has got the high-quality wax for all your candle-making needs, sourced carefully so that you may achieve the perfect results for any project. Orders are quickly dispatched throughout the UAE and Middle East for you to get started today. Visit Luxurist and discover your perfect wax.