Many have questioned the difference between beeswax vs soy wax. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each and how your preferences can help you determine which wax is for you.

Beeswax vs Soy Wax

If you’ve ever walked down the candle aisle of your local big box store, you’ve likely been bombarded with options. If you are new here, you may want to check out our blog post on Why Soy Candles are the Best For Your Home and Health. It goes deep into why you should not use traditional paraffin candles. Paraffin wax has a significant amount of toxins. 

Since you are searching for beeswax candles or soy wax candles, you are already making the eco-friendly, healthy, and sustainable choice, so good for you!

Beeswax and soy wax both come with their own set of perks and quirks, so let’s break it down. Whether you’re Team Bee or Team Soy, we’re here to help you make the wax-worthy decision.

Benefits of Soy Wax

First, let’s talk about the benefits of soy wax. Soy is an all-natural wax that is environmentally friendly and a natural renewable source. It is made 100% from soybeans. 

It is a clean burning wax, a good scent carrier. A scent carrier is referred to as a good fragrance thrower, meaning the fragrance is projected throughout the candle-burning area. It burns clean with no soot and has a longer burn time than other waxes. 

Downside of Soy Wax

The downside of soy is that it is not good for pillar candles. This really only matters if you are in the candle-making business, or you are a big fan of pillar candles.

Soy pillar candles would produce a lot of drippage. It turns to liquid form rapidly, thereby causing potential issues with tablecloths and candle holders.

It does not hold color as well as other waxes, especially those made with paraffin. Because it is a natural candle wax, it has a shorter shelf life. Candles made with soy usually cost more because of it being a natural product that contains no harmful ingredients. 

Like most things, the better the quality and craftsmanship, the more cost that is involved. That being said, your health is invaluable. 

Benefits of Beeswax

Beeswax is natural, straight from the bees’ hustle. When you light up a beeswax candle, you’re in for a clean burn that puts paraffin to shame.

There are no sooty messes and there is a steady flame that keeps the air around you clean. Plus, beeswax candles are generally drip-free. 

Downside of Beeswax

Beeswax production isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. While it’s cool to think about bees producing this natural wonder, the reality is a bit more complicated. Harvesting beeswax means messing with the bees’ hive. That means you are disrupting their home and potentially stressing out the colony.

Plus, with declining bee populations becoming a growing concern, some eco-conscious consumers might hesitate to support an industry that puts additional pressure on these vital pollinators.

So, while beeswax might seem like an eco-friendly choice on the surface, it’s worth considering the impact of using the wax bees are responsible for making. 

Beeswax is also pricey since the sourcing process costs more.

Some may enjoy the subtle honey-like scent of beeswax, while others might find it a bit odd. Unlike soy wax, which loves to soak up all the fragrances, beeswax is a bit picky. If you enjoy a variety of clean candle fragrances, you might feel a bit limited in the scent department with beeswax candles. 

Making the Decision of Beeswax vs Soy Wax

Both types of waxes come with advantages and disadvantages, some of which may overlap or align closely.  The decision as to which is better is a personal choice. It’s also based on your own needs. Both are good choices depending on your preference.

At Southern Oak Artisan, we choose to use soy candles, as it meets our purpose and aligns with our mission. 

Head to our shop and try our 100% handmade soy wax candles or melts for yourself and let us know what you think!