The difference in burn time between beeswax and soy wax candles might surprise you. A 100g beeswax candle provides 29 hours of light, while a soy version burns out after just 18 hours.
For manufacturers and retailers the choice between these two popular waxes becomes a critical factor in product differentiation. Beeswax stands out with its natural air-purifying qualities and burns almost soot-free. Soy wax serves as an eco-friendly, vegan alternative that works perfectly with scented candles.
In this article we will provide valuable insights about the difference between beeswax and soy wax in order to guide businesses seeking to optimize their candle offering based on performance and consumer demand.
The molecular structure of wax shapes how it performs in candle making. Beeswax and soy wax are part of a group of fat-like substances that consist of complex esters, saturated carboxylic acids, and higher alcohols.
Nature gives us beeswax through honey bees' honey production process. Beeswax's makeup has a special mix of fatty acids and long-chain alcohols that create a natural plastic-like substance.
The wax stays pure through minimal processing and only needs melting and filtering to remove debris and honey residue.
Soy wax requires more processing steps. Manufacturers clean, crack, and remove hulls from soybeans before rolling them into flakes to extract oil either through mechanical pressing or solvents. The oil then goes through hydrogenation which adds hydrogen under high pressure and temperature to create a solid form at room temperature.
These waxes' melting points shape their burning characteristics. Beeswax has a higher melting point between 62-69 degrees Celsius (145°F) that helps beeswax candles burn longer.
A 100g beeswax candle burns for 29 hours while a soy candle lasts 18 hours. Soy wax melts at a lower range of 45-60 degrees Celsius (130°F).
However, it is worth pointing out that there are two types of soy wax candle: low-melt that reaches 130 degrees Fahrenheit, and high-melt that hits 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
The lower melting point works well for scented candles creating a bigger melt pool that spreads fragrance better throughout the room.
The largest longitudinal study of beeswax and soy wax candles shows some remarkable differences. Scientists analyzed over 11.5 hours of footage and 1.23 million images to uncover compelling data about how these candles perform.
Lab tests show a 100g poured beeswax candle burns for about 29 hours, while soy wax lasts 18 hours under similar conditions. Both waxes maintain steady burning rates for at least 100 minutes after a 15-minute warm-up period.
Soy wax retains fragrances well throughout the burning period. Its dense molecular structure needs more heat to release scents effectively. Beeswax naturally gives off a honey aroma that can affect added fragrances, though this quality can boost certain scent combinations.
Beeswax creates a warm yellow flame that looks like natural sunlight. The steady burning rate of both waxes relates directly to their wick size and how well they work. Soy wax forms wider liquid pools inside container walls, and this affects the flame's stability.
Tests reveal significant differences in how these waxes produce soot. Soy wax creates white soot that you can barely see, with colorimetric L-values of 95.0 ± 0.4. Beeswax shows equally impressive results with L-values of 94.4 ± 2.3.
A detailed emissions study found both waxes burn clean. Their combustion byproducts are nowhere near the strictest indoor-air standards. Soy's total Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions measure 3.07 µg/g of wax. Both waxes produce similar levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH), ranging from 2.737 to 3.966 nanograms per gram of wax.
| Characteristic | Beeswax | Soy Wax |
| Physical Properties | ||
| Melting Point | 62-69°C (145°F) | 45-60°C (130°F) |
| Natural State | Honeybees produce it naturally | Processed soybean derivative |
| Processing Required | Simple melting and filtering | Complex process includes cleaning, cracking, dehulling, oil extraction, hydrogenation |
| Performance | ||
| Burn Time (100g candle) | 29 hours | 18 hours |
| Flame Color | Warm yellow | Not mentioned |
| Soot Production | L-value: 94.4 ± 2.3 | L-value: 95.0 ± 0.4 |
| Scent Properties | Natural honey fragrance | Superior fragrance retention |
| Melt Pool | Compact size | Broader spread enhances scent distribution |
| Manufacturing | ||
| Pouring Temperature | 150-160°F | 185°F |
| Cleanup | Requires extra effort | Simple with hot water and soap |
| Curing Time | Ready after cooling | 3-4 days (optimal fragrance needs 2 weeks) |
| Practical Usage | ||
| Best Applications |
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| Special Properties | Air-purifying with negative ion production | Ideal for scented candles, produces 90% less soot than paraffin |
| Container Requirements | Works with most containers | Needs specific containers with heavy bottoms |
The choice between beeswax and soy wax comes down to the specific needs and requirements of the manufactured product.
Beeswax candles naturally purify the air, burn longer, and need minimal processing. They might cost more, but a 100g beeswax candle burns for 29 hours, making them worth the investment.
Soy wax makes great scented candles because it holds fragrances well and creates bigger melt pools. These candles need more processing time and don't burn as long as beeswax. However, they're popular with environmentally conscious buyers who want vegan options.
The manufacturing process shapes how you'll use these candles. You can light beeswax candles right after they cool, but you'll need special equipment to melt the wax. Soy wax cleans up easily but needs time to cure. These practical factors, along with how the candles perform, will help pick the right one for the specific needs.
