Beeswax candles have becomes all the rage in the last few years, but another trend has been coming up just behind them - candles made of Soy. So which is better? For the environment, for you, which ones burn longer and let out more light? Well look no further because we have the ultimate guide to beeswax candles and soy candles to help you decide which you want to buy.
First let’s define what they are.
Beeswax candles
Funnily enough they are made from beeswax, a by product of the bees honey making process. Read about our beeswax candles here.
Soy candles
Made from Soybeans - essentially a vegetable based candle.
The great things about both soy and beeswax is they are a much better alternative than paraffin wax candles which are petroleum based and let off dangerous
So, which is…
Better for the environment?
Both soy and beeswax are naturally sourced, renewable and biodegradable. Both can be hand poured and in their own way support their local industry - soy farmers and bee farmers. Tests done in South Carolina State University found Soy candle snot to release any nasty toxins or pollutants into the air. However beeswax were found to actually neutralise the pollutants in the air by attracting negative ions. Essentially beeswax purifies the air it burns in, making it actually better for the environment and better for you - read about this here.
Light and smoke
Regarding how much light they let out, there isn’t much difference between the two. They both tend to have a strong light, although this obviously changes brand to brand. They both let out smoke and (as mentioned before), neither let out a harmful or dangerous smoke. Both produce a small amount of black soot, but Soy candies also create a fine white leftover residue - this is not toxic and is really easy to clean with soap and water. They both burn a similar amount of time as well.
Conclusion
In general, there isn’t much between them, aside from the air-purifying elements to the Beeswax candles. Why not read more about them here to get more information. Check out our own range here.
