Introduction
Looking for alternatives to conventional paraffin candles? Beeswax and soy have become popular choices for those wanting natural options with less environmental impact. Both offer significant advantages over petroleum-based paraffin, but they differ in key ways that might make one better suited to your needs.
This guide breaks down the facts about beeswax and soy candles, helping you choose the right option based on what matters most to you – whether that’s burn time, scent, health considerations, or budget.
Origins and Manufacturing
Beeswax Candles
Natural Beeswax with Cotton Wick [click to view…]
Beeswax comes directly from honeybees, who secrete it to build their honeycombs. The golden-yellow substance requires minimal processing:
- Collected from honeycombs after honey extraction
- Cleaned and filtered to remove impurities
- Melted carefully (62-65°C/143-149°F melting point)
- Poured into molds or used for hand-dipped candles
- Often created through artisanal, hands-on methods
Soy Candles
Home Scented Aromatherapy Soy Candle [click to view…]
Soy wax derives from soybeans, a renewable agricultural crop:
- Harvested soybeans are cleaned, cracked, and de-hulled
- Oil is extracted from the beans
- The liquid oil undergoes hydrogenation to become solid wax
- The process transforms natural oil into a solid form
- More amenable to large-scale production than beeswax
Performance Comparison
Burn Time
Beeswax typically offers superior longevity:
- Burns at a rate of 2-3 hours per inch in diameter
- A 100g poured beeswax candle burns for approximately 29 hours
- High melting point and dense composition contribute to longer burn time
Soy provides good but generally shorter burn time:
- Burns at a rate of 7-10 hours per inch in diameter
- A 100g soy candle burns for approximately 18 hours
- Burns at lower temperatures than beeswax
Important note: Burn time varies based on candle size, wick size, fragrance content, and ambient temperature. Proper wick trimming (to about 1/4 inch) before each use maximizes burn time for any candle.
Flame Quality and Soot
Beehive Candle [click to view…]
Beeswax:
- Burns with minimal to virtually no soot when properly maintained
- Produces a brighter, warmer light similar to natural sunlight
- Known for a clean burn compared to paraffin
Soy:
- Produces minimal soot compared to paraffin
- Studies show soy candles produce less soot than paraffin options
- Burns at a slower rate and requires less air for combustion
Both natural waxes burn much cleaner than paraffin, though no candle is completely smokeless. All candles can produce some soot if the wick is too long, air currents disturb the flame, or the wax burns unevenly.
Health Considerations
Emissions and Air Quality
All burning candles produce combustion byproducts, but there are important differences:
- Paraffin candles release potentially harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene
- Both beeswax and soy produce fewer harmful chemicals and less soot
- Scented candles release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) even when unlit
- Synthetic fragrances often contain phthalates that may trigger asthma and allergies
The biggest health factor is often not the wax itself but added synthetic fragrances. For those with sensitivities, unscented candles or those with natural essential oils are best.
Ventilation matters: Always burn candles in well-ventilated spaces to reduce concentration of any combustion byproducts.
The Negative Ion Claim
Many beeswax sellers claim their candles purify air by releasing negative ions that bind to pollutants. However:
- Scientific research has not conclusively confirmed beeswax produces significant negative ions
- Some experts consider this a persistent myth without scientific evidence
- All combustion produces some negative ions, but the quantity from candles is generally considered insignificant for air purification
Allergens and Sensitivities
Both wax types are generally good options for sensitive individuals:
- Beeswax is hypoallergenic when pure with no toxic byproducts
- Soy is generally hypoallergenic and non-toxic
- The main triggers for sensitivities are synthetic fragrances, not the wax itself
Environmental Impact
Beeswax Sustainability
Beeswax Taper Candles [click to view…]
- Natural byproduct of honey production
- Renewable and biodegradable
- Minimal processing footprint
- Sustainability depends on responsible beekeeping practices
- Limited supply compared to plant-based waxes
- Lower carbon footprint when sourced locally
Soy Sustainability
- Plant-based renewable resource
- Biodegradable
- Large-scale soy farming raises several concerns:
- Potential contribution to deforestation
- Intensive pesticide/herbicide use (especially with GMO varieties)
- High water usage
- Greenhouse gas emissions from cultivation and processing
- Soil degradation from industrial farming practices
For most environmentally conscious choice:
- With beeswax: Look for ethical beekeeping practices
- With soy: Choose certified organic or Rainforest Alliance certified products
Scent Profile and Fragrance
Beeswax Scent Characteristics
- Natural subtle honey aroma from flower nectar
- Less effective at holding and dispersing added scents
- Best suited for unscented or lightly scented applications
- Natural aroma may be preferred by those sensitive to fragrance
Soy Scent Performance
Lavender Scented Candles [click to view…]
- Excellent at holding and distributing fragrance
- Porous nature effectively carries essential oils and fragrances
- Lower melting point creates larger wax pool for better scent release
- Provides consistent aroma throughout burn time
- Works well with essential oils and natural fragrances
Cost Comparison
Beeswax Pricing
- Most expensive candle wax option
- Higher cost due to limited availability and labor-intensive production
- Prices range from about $2 for small tea lights to $70+ for larger pillars
- Better long-term value when considering “cost per hour of burn time”
Soy Pricing
- More affordable within eco-friendly candle market
- Lower production cost due to abundant soybean supply
- Typical retail prices range from $10-30
- Widely available in the market
- Cost-effective entry point into natural candles
Making Your Choice: Decision Framework
Choose Beeswax If You Prioritize:
- Maximum burn time and longevity
- Natural, subtle honey aroma without added fragrances
- Brightest, most natural-looking flame
- Supporting beekeeping (when ethically sourced)
- Minimal processing and natural state
Choose Soy If You Prioritize:
- Strong, consistent fragrance performance
- More budget-friendly natural option
- Clean burning with minimal soot
- Plant-based (rather than animal byproduct) origin
- Wide availability and variety of options
For Either Type, Remember:
- Proper wick trimming and candle care maximize performance
- Unscented or naturally fragranced options are healthier choices
- Look for ethical sourcing certifications for environmental impact
- Consider cost per burn hour rather than just purchase price
- Burn in well-ventilated areas for best air quality
Comparison Table: Beeswax vs. Soy at a Glance
Conclusion
Both beeswax and soy candles offer significant improvements over paraffin options. Your choice ultimately depends on your personal priorities.
For the longest burning candle with a natural honey scent and minimal processing, beeswax is your best choice – though at a higher price point.
If you want strong, consistent fragrance performance and a more budget-friendly natural option, soy candles will serve you well.
Whichever you choose, both options provide a cleaner burn than conventional paraffin candles while supporting more sustainable materials. Just remember that factors beyond wax type – like proper wick maintenance, ventilation, and avoiding synthetic fragrances – play crucial roles in your overall candle experience.
Dora Decora is a biophilic interior design specialist and passionate blogger. With a deep commitment to integrating nature into living spaces, Dora specializes in creating environments that foster human-nature connections through thoughtful design elements. Her approach emphasizes sustainable materials, natural lighting, and organic patterns that enhance wellbeing and reduce environmental impact.
This post (https://homechroma.com/beeswax-vs-soy-candles-which-natural-option-is-right-for-you) was originally published by Dora Decora on Home Chroma. As an Amazon Associates partner, we are compensated for all qualifying purchases.
