Candles are an integral aspect of our lives. They can help create a romantic setting, provide treatment, or offer light during a power outage.
While there have been a wide variety of materials used to construct candles, the most common options today are paraffin, soy, and Pure Beeswax Candles. When you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative, your candle options are narrowed down to two options: soy and beeswax. But, which is the more eco-friendly option? To learn a little more about the pros and cons of these waxes, here is a more in-depth look at these favorite candle waxes.
The Advantages of Beeswax Candles
Pure beeswax candles are an excellent non-hazardous and biodegradable product. They have a remarkably long shelf life and release very little soot when burning. This versatile candle option is available in any freestanding candle or container. Since beeswax burns longer and has higher oil retention, the fragrances released into your home will last longer than other candle options. However, unlike other candle options, beeswax candles offer medicinal purposes and are great for those who suffer from allergies. Due to the high melting point, they can also be shipped during any weather.
The Advantages of Soy Wax
Soy candles are five times cheaper than beeswax because the wax comes from a renewable resource (a soy plant which manufacturers can plant again and again), and offer a wide range of aromatherapy scents (providing an array of therapeutic benefits). In most cases, people tend to view soy as a safe selection because it is a plant and vegetable-based wax, biodegradable, and because of the minimal soot production it produces when lit. Another common perk to this candle selection is the lower burning temperatures that allow for a longer lasting candle and easier clean up (requiring only soap and hot water to remove spills).
The Disadvantages of Beeswax
The most significant disadvantage to beeswax candles is the price because beeswax is rare (and thus not as abundant as the soy alternative) making candles with beeswax more expensive. Also, as bee populations continue to decline, it can further increase the cost of these candles. Another standard issue for this candle option is their lack of scent options. Since bees make beeswax, the wax tends to offer a slight honey scent; and this distinct honey fragrance will often mask or hinder any essential oils or fragrances you can add in, which can be problematic if you’re trying to obtain aromatherapy candle options. Plus, like soy candles, during the manufacturing process, they often combine beeswax with other waxes in an attempt to try and reduce the cost of the candles. Therefore, you should always check to ensure you are purchasing 100 percent pure beeswax candles.
The Disadvantages of Soy
Since soy wax is often softer, it is typically not suitable for non-container candles aside from pillars. It can also be difficult to ship during warmer months because they can melt during shipment. Interestingly enough, candles that say they are 100 percent soy candles are typically not 100 percent soy wax. In fact, many soy candle options contain small amounts of paraffin. Another common issue making soy candles less than eco-friendly is the fragrance and dyes that are added in. Like paraffin candles, the dyes and fragrances that are combined into the wax mixture are usually not the healthiest selections.
Unbeknownst to many, one of the biggest disadvantages of soy wax is that most of the soy wax you are getting comes from genetically modified soy. Soy candles are not required to have any kind of standardized labeling so most manufacturers of soy candles keep their ingredients a secret and get their soy from harvesters who use genetically modified soybeans that are sprayed with pesticides. Not only does this cause health issues to humans, but it is also very harmful to bees, birds, and butterflies, which, in turn, negatively impacts the environment.
To learn more about pure beeswax candles, contact the beeswax enthusiasts at Bluecorn Beeswax today! Their skilled and knowledgeable associates can answer any and all questions you may have about beeswax candles.
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