What is the Difference Between Beeswax and Soy Wax

The main difference between beeswax and soy wax is that beeswax candles are completely free of paraffin while soy wax candles contain some amount of paraffin.

Beeswax and soy wax are two environmentally friendly options for paraffin candles, which have a negative impact on the environment. Beeswax is a wax produced by honeybees of the genus Apis while soy wax is a processed form of soybean oil. Moreover, beeswax is a natural, non-toxic product while soy wax is a biodegradable material.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Beeswax 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Soy Wax
     – Definition, Features
3. What is the Difference Between Beeswax and Soy Wax
    – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Beeswax, Soy wax

What is Beeswax

Beeswax is the wax produced by honeybees of the genus Apis. It is the oldest material used to make candles. This wax is formed into scales by eight wax-producing glands present in the abdominal segments of worker bees. The hive workers use it to form cells for honey storage and larval and pupal protection inside the beehive.

Beeswax is an all-natural, non-toxic and we can consider it as a cruelty-free and vegetarian product as bees are not harmed in the process of harvesting beeswax. Moreover, beeswax has the lowest toxicity for candle materials; it does not release any toxic byproducts or heavy soot into the air. In fact, beeswax candles, when burned, release negative ions, removing dust, mould, and unpleasant odours. Therefore, they are ideal for those suffering from asthma, hay fever and dust allergies.

Beeswax is a dripless material, making it safer and easier to burn. It also produces a pure and bright light, very close to natural sunlight.

What is Soy Wax

Soy wax is a processed form of soybean oil. In fact, it comes from hydrogenated soybean oil, which has the same source as tofu. Soy wax candles are typically container candles since soy wax has a lower melting point than other types of wax. Moreover, additives can be mixed into soy wax to raise the melting point. In addition, soy wax tends to be softer than paraffin wax.

However, most soy wax candles are made of a blend of different waxes like paraffin and beeswax. Even candles labelled as 100% soy wax need to be treated with a small amount of paraffin. Another issue with soy candles is that 90% of soy is genetically modified, and oil may be mixed with vegetable oils.

Difference Between Beeswax and Soy Wax

Definition

Beeswax is a wax produced by honeybees of the genus Apis while soy wax is a processed form of soybean oil.

Flame

Beeswax candles produce a more natural light that is within the same spectrum of the sunlight while soy wax candles tend to produce a white flame, which is similar to fluorescent light.

Candle Life

Since beeswax is denser than soy wax, beeswax candles tend to burn for a longer time.

Scent

Beeswax candles tend to produce a sweeter, more appealing and more natural scent than soy wax candles. 

Presence of Paraffin

While beeswax is completely free of paraffin, soy wax candles contain some amount of paraffin.

Price

Soy wax candles are more affordable than beeswax candles.

Conclusion

The main difference between beeswax and soy wax is that beeswax candles are completely free of paraffin while oy wax candles contain some amount of paraffin. Moreover, beeswax candles tend to produce a sweeter, more natural fragrance and tend to burn longer than soy wax.

Image Courtesy:

1. “What Is Beeswax?” Mother Earth News, Available here.
2. “Soy Candle.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 6 Nov. 2020, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Pure Natural Beeswax Blocks” By Jack Soley – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “4484301” (CC0) via Pixabay