How to Prevent and Fix a Short Candle Wick
Masha Kesey
Soy wax and beeswax candles are two of the most popular types of candles on the market today. Both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to consider which one is best for you before making a purchase.
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees to build their hives. Beeswax candles are naturally fragrant, have a long burn time, and emit a warmer light than other types of candle waxes. However, beeswax candles can be expensive and difficult to find in stores.
Soy wax is a processed form of soybean oil. It comes from hydrogenated soybean oil, which is also where tofu comes from. Soy wax candles are usually container candles since soy wax has a lower melting point than other types of wax. Other types of candles can be created from soy as well, including molded wax shapes like bubble cubes and meltable wax teddy bears. In addition, soy wax tends to be softer than paraffin wax.
| Soy Wax | Beeswax |
|---|---|
| Soy wax is a wax produced from soybeans | Beeswax is produced from honeybees |
| Soy wax candles produce a cooler-toned flame | Beeswax candles produce a warm, golden flame |
| Soy wax has a wider melting point range from 49 to 82 °C (120 to 180 °F) | Beeswax has a melting point range of 62 to 70 °C (144 to 158 °F) |
| Soy wax candles burn up to 2x longer than paraffin candles | Beeswax candles burn up to 3x longer than paraffin candles |
| Good for those living a vegan & vegetarian lifestyle | Good for those living a vegan & vegetarian lifestyle |
| Mostly used for health, beauty, and scented candle products | Used for candle-making, lubricating household items, and waterproofing objects |
In the end, selecting between beeswax and soy wax will depend on your personal preferences and needs. If you’re looking for an all-natural, fragrant candle with a long burn time that emits a warm light, beeswax may be the best choice for you. But if you’re looking for a more popular option that is more readily available in stores, soy wax may be your best bet.
Yes, you can mix soy wax into beeswax (but not the other way around) in order to make your own custom candles. As with all candle-making, it’s always acceptable to test out combinations.
Beeswax candles typically burn for 2-3 times longer than paraffin and burn just slightly longer than soy wax. If you’re looking for a candle that lasts the longest, beeswax or soy wax candles are your best bet.
