Candles are now made to decorate and create a better ambiance in a place, after that the typical and traditional paraffin candles are being left behind. Nowadays, candles have different smells, scents, shapes, colors, and usages! Because of that, candles are made of different materials, and today, I’m going to talk about two of my favorite types of candles, soy and beeswax candles. In addition, I am going to comment a little bit more in-depth about this topic, and which are the best soy and beeswax candles that are found in the market.
Beeswax candles are safer and eco-friendlier than soy candles, but soy candles are better carriers of scents. If someone wants something more natural, beeswax candles are the ones to choose. However, if consumers want something pretty, luxurious, and less expensive, they tend to select soy candles.
But before going to the soy and beeswax candles, I would like to talk about the candles themselves. A couple of decades ago, candles were used to illuminate a specific place; nowadays, candles are used for decoration purposes, to ambient a room, to do aromatherapy, and even to purify the air!
People can add many things to the candles as much as they want; a chandler can add sparkles, colors, and scents to candles but these need two basic components: the wick and the wax. The wax will determine the durability of the candle, because of that, the candles are not only made of paraffin but also beeswax, soy, palm wax, bayberry wax, liquid wax, and so on!
Paraffin is derived from petroleum, namely, paraffine is refined wax made of oil. Searches have yielded that paraffine leaves some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air when burning the candle wax. However, this is not a thing to worry about, actually, the European Candle Association made a study, and the results said that any type of wax used on candles are unharmful for the human being, and do not cause any health illness, in the same order, a study in 20214 say that VOCs emitted by candle wax are not toxic for humans nor animals.
Soy Candles
The soy wax is made from soybean oil, and soy wax was created in 1996. Soy wax is softer and melts at a temperature lower than paraffin wax. Also, soy candles have less smell than paraffin candles, and they are fully biodegradable. The soy wax is indeed a vegetable wax that is extracted after a long process from the soybeans. When soybeans are processed until they turn into flakes, then the oil is extracted and then hydrogenated. The hydrogenation process of the soy oil transforms some unsaturated fatty acids into saturated fat which changes its melting point.
Soy wax is an element easy to work with. It is very adaptable, very moldable, and it can be mixed with other types of wax if it is wanted! Because of its properties, soy wax can be colored and scented easily using fewer additives than in other types of wax, just like paraffine.
The low melting point makes the soy wax solid at room temperature, but also, it makes the soy candles long-lasting. Soy candles have many benefits over disadvantages. First of all, soy wax is made of vegetable oil and so, soy candles cause any damage to nature. They are environmentally friendly, biodegradable products, and a renewable source.
Secondly, soy candles have a low melting point so they last longer, and also, soy candles burn cleaner and leave less soot than paraffin candles. Finally, soy candles are one of the best fragrance carriers because of the properties of the soy wax and its neutral scent, so it doesn’t need any additive to neutralize its original scent as paraffin wax.
However, not everything is perfect, and I can say a few disadvantages about the paraffin wax. Firstly, even when the soy wax comes from a natural source, the soy wax itself is not that natural. To make soy wax is more than a hydrogenation process; some chemicals are added, such as hexane, chlorine, boric acid, and so on. Secondly, the soy candles use paraffin! A minimal amount of paraffin is added to soy wax to help it burn better; even when it is not that much, it is still being paraffin.
Finally, soy candles are a little bit delicate, they tend to expand or contract when they are exposed to constant temperature changes, so it is recommended to keep soy candles at a stable temperature preferable in a warm place.
Best Soy Candles in Amazon
For candle lovers, here are some of the best soy candles that can be found on Amazon!
Lulu Candles – Luxury Scented Soy Jar Candle
With over 26k reviews, the Luxury Scented Soy Jar Candle by Lulu Candles is one of the best soy candles that can be found on Amazon. These soy candles are made of the best scents and are planned to have a long-lasting burn. The Luxury Scented Soy Jar Candles are handcrafted in the USA, and they are fabricated to be eco-friendly and are vegan candles!
The Luxury Scented Soy Jar Candle by Lulu Candles comes in different sizes and with different scents. They come in different sets: 2 packs of 9 Oz Jar, a jar of 9 Oz, a jar of 6 Oz, a 6 Oz jar with a box, and a pillar candle. They have 31 different scents, but here are some of my favorite ones: Fresh Linen Scent, Amber, Rose & Sheer Musk, Pineapple Evergreen, Blueberry Cobbler, Espresso Bean, Jasmin Infused Bergamot, Jasmin, Oud & Sandalwood, Ocean Breeze, Sugared Vanilla, Vanilla Oak, and White Jasmine & Green Tea
Mrs. MEYER’S CLEAN DAY
Mrs. MEYER’S CLEAN DAY is a scented soy aromatherapy candle. They are inspired by the garden, because of that Mrs. Meyer’s Merged offers natural-inspired smells to acclimate a room. This soy candle burns for 25 to 35 hours, and it is made to leave a fresh intense but not annoying fragrance.
The Mrs. MEYER’S CLEAN DAY candles come in a package of two for a very affordable price, and the product itself is 14.4 Oz (7.2 Oz each jar). With 4.4 out of 5 stars, and more than 7,5K reviews this is one of the best products that can be found on amazon. Also, Mrs. Meyer’s Merged is always thinking about the planet, so the product is eco-friendly and the glass jay can be reused!
These candles come in four nice scents: basil, geranium, lemon verbena, and my favorite one, lavender!
Vetour’s Scented Candles Gift Set 6
This set of 4 scented candles by Vetour is made of essential oil to create a nice atmosphere and relieve stress. These candles can be used for aromatherapy, bath, yoga and it is a perfect gift for any occasion. The 6 candles came with Rose, Lavender, Vanilla, Freesia, Rosemary, and Jasmine, creating a perfect set of four candles with floral fragrances. The candles are 2.5 Oz each, and every single candle can burn for over 20 hours. The candles’ jars have a beautiful design that matches the set storage box. All this for a very affordable price! This is a very good choice for a gift.
Chesapeake Bay Candle’s Scent Candles
The Chesapeake Bay Candle’s Scent Candles are one of the most luxurious candles that can be found on Amazon for a very affordable price. These candles came in a beautiful matte glass jar that color matched with the scent. The Chesapeake Bay Candle’s Scent Candles have been reviewed by more than 34.k of users on Amazon, and have 4.4 out of 5 stars, so it is a good product.
The Chesapeake Bay Candle’s Scent Candles come in different sizes and sets: medium, medium (2-pack), large, coffee table, small jar (3-pack), 11 oz, and pear. Also, they are available in different scent combinations. These are my favorites: Balance + Harmony, Focus + Patience, Peace + Tranquility, Reflection + Clarity, Strength + Energy. Every scent is a perfect combination of fruits, flowers, and natural smells made of essential oils that are perfect for aromatherapy.
Beeswax Candles
Beeswax is a natural product made of bees’ honeycomb. Beeswax has been used since prehistoric times as an ingredient for many products, including food, make-up, and candles. The beeswax is secreted by a gland in worker bees, this is used in the beehive to create the storage and combs. The beeswax is commonly yellow, but sometimes acquires brown shades or a full brown color, and it is solid at room temperature.
The beeswax is recollected when honey is. The honey and beeswax are scratched off the beehives, and then, both products are separate from each other. After that, the beeswax is purified, just leaving pure beeswax. The beeswax has many uses, but also for candles. The beeswax candles are long-lasting since the beeswax burns slower, and also purifies the air!
The burning point of the beeswax is around 140°F, and at the very first time when it is secreted by a bee is colorless, then with time, it acquires a yellow tone. The beeswax candles are completely natural, and the original scent is nice since they smell like honey. The biggest advantage of beeswax candles is their natural origin and production, it is the eco-friendliest of all the waxes used for candles and it doesn’t need additives for burning, color, or smell –these additives can be added, but they aren’t a need in the beeswax production.
When the beeswax is burning, negative ions produced by the beeswax bond with some toxic components in the air, and remove them from it; thus, the air that is breathed gets cleaner and purified. However, beeswax is expensive, so the derivatives products are. The main disadvantage about the beeswax candles is the price, indeed, it is more expensive than other candles, and sometimes, chandlers bleach beeswax to turn them into a whiter color, so the honey smell is dissipated.
Best Beeswax Candles in Amazon
For the beeswax candle lovers, here are the best beeswax candles that can be found on Amazon!
UCO 12-Hour Natural Beeswax Candles for UCO Candle Lanterns
The UCO 12-Hour Natural Beeswax Candles for UCO Candle Lanterns are perfect for camping or any outside activity. This candle can burn for over 12 to 15 hours, and its high-melt temperature minimizes dripping. The UCO 12-Hour Natural Beeswax Candles leaves a nice smell but less smoke since it burns clear because of its special cotton wick that “provides an ideal flame”.
The UCO 12-Hour Natural Beeswax Candles for UCO Candle Lanterns are available in packs of 3-candles, 9-candles, and 20-candles. They are not the most luxurious or stylish candles on the market, but they still work to purify the air and as a stress and anxiety reliever. The scent is just like honey, and it does not have any paraffin component.
Root Candles’ Scented Beeswax Blend Candle
The Root Candles’ Scented Beeswax Blend Candles are stylish, fancy, luxurious enough to have them as part of the decoration of a house. These candles are not only a luxury element but they are scented, so they are the perfect combination of natural and eco-friendly candles that are also flawless for aromatherapy.
The Root Candles’ Scented Beeswax Blend Candles come in different sizes and with different scents. These can be bought in the style of Hive, Large Veriglass, Small Veriglass, Travel Tin, and the traditional Votives style. Also, the color of the candle matches with scent, and when it burns it is clean and almost smokeless. I have to admit that I like all the scents offered by Root Candles for this product, the scents have a strong but not annoying smell that ambient pretty well in any room, these scents are: Blue Basil, Drizzling Honey, French Vanilla, Vineyard Chateau, and multicolor option that offer to the client sets of candles prepared of different scented beeswax candles.
These candles are long-lasting they burn for over 24 hours (travel tin) to 70 hours (large Veriglass). The candles do not have any petroleum-based or paraffin waxes mixed with the beeswax. The wick is made of cotton, and the scent is provided by pure essential oils.
The Root Candles’ Scented Beeswax Blend Candles are one of the best choices for a natural scented beeswax candle, they offer different scents, and are sold individually or in sets. These candles are affordable and have 4.5 out of 5 stars!
Candle by the Hour 80-Hour Vertical Candle
The Candle by the Hour 80-Hour Vertical Candle is a very funny product, but effective. The candles have a spiral shape and come with a wick holder to put the candle; also, whenever is needed, the client can buy a refill candle that is easy to put on the wick holder. The 80-Hour Vertical Candle came in different colors: red, green, citronella, and the original honey-yellow color of the candle.
These are unscented beeswax candles; this means that they do not have any additives or oils added to the beeswax so the candles keep their original honey scent that provides an “environment of relaxation and tranquility, reducing stress and helping with sleep!”. The 80-Hour Vertical Candle is made of 100% all-natural beeswax without any petroleum-derivative product, they are drip-less and clean the air of toxins when burning.
This product has 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 2,3k reviews on Amazon. It is affordable, and the brand Candle by the Hour offers another type of candle and related products made of beeswax!
Which Ones Are Better for You, Soy or Beeswax Candles?
Both types of candles are really good, and for me are better than the typical paraffin wax. Both types of wax have needless additives, and in the case of beeswax candles, any additive is needed. Also, these waxes –beeswax and soy– used for candles are eco-friendlier than paraffin and come from vegetable sources.
Beeswax candles are a little bit safer than soy candles. Also, beeswax candles have a natural anti-stress effect and relieve anxiety. Beeswax is harmful to the environment, burns longer than other candles, has a nice natural scent, and is not tested on animals! If someone is looking for something completely eco-friendly and natural, beeswax candles are the better choice.
However, whenever I want a different scent, color, and prettier; I look for soy candles. The beeswax candles lose their purpose when their natural scent is taken off to put on another, or bleached to change their color; it is nonsense because additives and chemicals are added so it is almost the same as a soy candle, but more expensive. So, I want a pink-colored candle with a floral scent, so I’ll buy a soy candle.
Both types of waxes are better than any other to make candles. These are the safest and most natural candles in the market. Both have more pros than cons in comparison with other candles, and choose which one I’ll buy depending on what I want!
The world of candles is big and extended, there is a full set of options to select the best type of candle for each consumer. Everyone looks for something different, and has diverse likes; nowadays, candles are more than just an illumination source!
