What Are The Two Advantages Of Beeswax Candles Over Paraffin Wax Candles?

Beeswax is a More Natural Material

One of the key advantages of beeswax candles is that beeswax is a natural material produced by honeybees. Beeswax is secreted by worker honeybees from four pairs of wax-producing glands on the ventral side of their abdomen and used to build the comb structures of their hives ¹. It is composed primarily of esters of fatty acids and various long-chain alcohols ².

In contrast, paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct created when crude oil is refined into gasoline. It is chemically bleached and deodorized through an industrial process. Therefore, beeswax can be considered a more natural material compared to paraffin.

The natural origin of beeswax makes it appealing to many consumers who value organic and eco-friendly products. Beeswax candles fit well into a natural lifestyle and are perceived as gentler on the environment than paraffin candles derived from fossil fuels.

Beeswax Burns Longer

One of the main advantages of beeswax candles over paraffin is that beeswax candles have a longer burn time. The beeswax itself contains a honeycomb-like structure which allows the wax to melt and burn more slowly and evenly than paraffin wax candles (https://beeswaxco.com/beeswax-candles/benefits-beeswax-candles-vs-paraffin/).

The honeycomb matrix within beeswax means the wax takes longer to melt. This results in beeswax candles burning for significantly longer than paraffin candles. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum and refined to create wax. But paraffin’s chemical structure causes it to burn faster than natural beeswax (https://www.beehivecandles.com/help/beeswax-vs-paraffin/).

So if you want longer burn times from your candles, beeswax is a clear winner over paraffin. The honeycomb structure of beeswax allows it to burn slowly and evenly for up to twice as long as a paraffin candle of the same size. Beeswax candles provide better value for money as they burn brightly for many hours longer.

Beeswax Candles are Non-Toxic

One of the key advantages of beeswax candles is that they do not release toxic chemicals when burned, unlike paraffin wax candles. Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct made from crude oil and contains known carcinogens like toluene and benzene. According to The Scottish Bee Company, “as [beeswax candles] are all natural, there are no toxic byproducts created when burned.”

The petroleum-based paraffin used in most commercial candles releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air when burned. Studies have shown that VOCs can be harmful to human health, causing irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, as well as more severe effects like nausea, organ damage, and cancer after long periods of exposure. Beeswax, which is completely organic, does not release these harmful compounds. This makes beeswax candles a much safer option, especially for people concerned about indoor air quality and health effects.

In addition, the natural honey scent released when beeswax burns is not overpowering or synthetic like some paraffin candle fragrances. This makes beeswax candles an excellent choice for those sensitive to artificial scents or who want to avoid inhaling unknown chemical perfumes. With their clean-burning properties and subtle natural aroma, beeswax candles create a far more pleasant and toxin-free burning experience.

Sources:

https://www.scottishbeecompany.co.uk/blogs/news/are-beeswax-candles-safe

Beeswax is Biodegradable

One of the main advantages of beeswax over paraffin wax is that beeswax is a biodegradable and compostable material. According to Is Beeswax Biodegradable? (And Compostable), beeswax can decompose within 1-2 months, indicating it does not create extensive pollution. Beeswax is a natural wax made by honeybees, so it will break down naturally over time.

In comparison, paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct that is non-biodegradable. Paraffin wax candles are made from fossil fuels and will not decompose back into the environment. The non-biodegradable nature of paraffin makes it detrimental to the environment if improperly disposed. Beeswax is clearly the more eco-friendly and sustainable choice over paraffin wax.

Products like reusable beeswax wraps highlight the biodegradable nature of beeswax. Since beeswax can break down naturally, it does not create extensive pollution or plastic waste like synthetic materials. Choosing beeswax candles and other bee-derived products is an easy way to be more environmentally responsible.

Beeswax Produces Less Soot

One of the key advantages of beeswax candles over paraffin wax candles is that beeswax produces significantly less soot when burned. According to BeeHiveCandles.com, “Beeswax burns hotter than paraffin wax and therefore will have less overall soot. Sooting is primarily a factor of wick length and flame disturbance, so keep wicks trimmed to 1⁄4″ and avoid drafts for best results.”

Paraffin wax, which is a petroleum byproduct, generates a lot more soot than natural beeswax when burned in candles. The soot given off by paraffin candles can quickly dirty and stain walls, furniture, and other surfaces around the candle. Beeswax does not create as much soot, keeping surrounding areas cleaner.

If limiting candle soot is a priority, beeswax candles are a clear winner over paraffin. The natural honeycomb structure of beeswax leads to a much cleaner, more complete burn, without all the excess unburnt carbon released into the air. Go with beeswax for reduced soot and cleaner indoor air quality.

Beeswax Has a Pleasant Natural Scent

One of the advantages of beeswax candles is that they have a mild, sweet, honey-like fragrance. Beeswax retains the natural scent from honeycombs where bees store honey, giving off a light and pleasant aroma when burned (Natural Beeswax Candle). Paraffin wax is odorless and requires artificial scents to be added if a fragrance is desired. The natural fragrance from beeswax is subtle and enjoyable without being overpowering.

The honey-like scent from beeswax candles comes directly from bees’ honeycombs, providing an authentic and organic aroma. Beeswax candle makers often enhance the natural beeswax scent with complementary essential oils like lavender, creating a relaxing and luxurious sensory experience (Aromatherapy Candles). Paraffin candles cannot replicate this natural sweetness. For candle lovers who want an organic, soothing scent, beeswax candles are the clear choice.

Beeswax is Reusable

One major advantage of beeswax candles is that the wax can be reused, unlike paraffin wax. Leftover beeswax from used candles or candle-making can easily be remelted and used again to make new candles or other beeswax products. According to Beeswax Co., beeswax scraps can be combined with turpentine and linseed oil to make furniture polish. The wicks can be removed and the wax melted down in a double boiler. Once cooled, the reused beeswax is ready to be poured into new candle molds.

There are also many craft ideas for reusing beeswax, such as making beeswax fire starters or sealing/waterproofing homemade soaps and beauty products. Reusing beeswax is eco-friendly and sustainable since no new resources are needed. It also supports small businesses and beekeepers by reducing waste. Paraffin wax, on the other hand, is a petroleum byproduct that cannot be reused or recycled after burning. It simply becomes toxic waste that ends up in landfills. With beeswax, you can extend the lifespan of the wax while making use of leftover scraps.

Beeswax Supports Beekeepers

Purchasing beeswax candles helps support small-scale beekeepers and beekeeping businesses. The beeswax used in beeswax candles comes directly from beekeepers who carefully harvest excess beeswax from bee hives. Buying beeswax candles provides an important source of revenue for beekeepers, allowing them to continue their apiculture operations and maintain healthy hives.

Unlike large paraffin wax manufacturers, beeswax is produced sustainably by small beekeeping businesses. Purchasing beeswax candles helps these small producers thrive. In addition, supporting local beekeepers helps maintain the health of the bee population in your region. With bee populations in decline, patronizing beekeepers through the purchase of beeswax candles aids conservation efforts and promotes the sustainability of beekeeping.

Beeswax is a high quality, natural ingredient that requires a significant time investment from beekeepers to harvest and process. When you buy pure beeswax candles, your purchase provides fair compensation to beekeepers for their efforts. In this way, beeswax candles support small businesses while allowing you to enjoy a clean-burning, non-toxic candle.

Beeswax is Renewable

One of the key advantages of beeswax over paraffin wax is that beeswax is a renewable resource. Bees can produce beeswax indefinitely through their natural processes. Bees collect nectar, digest it, and use it to create beeswax to build the honeycomb structures in their hives. The bees will continue to produce beeswax as long as they have access to nectar and places to build comb.

In contrast, paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, coal, or oil shale. These fossil fuels are non-renewable resources that will eventually be depleted. Once these reserves are exhausted, we will no longer have access to paraffin wax. Unlike bees that can keep producing beeswax, we cannot create more fossil fuels over a short timescale.

According to Beeswax’s Potential as a Renewable and Sustainable Resource (https://crystalsrawhoney.com/blogs/news/beeswax-s-potential-as-a-renewable-and-sustainable-resource), beeswax is considered a renewable and sustainable product because bees can produce it indefinitely. The supply of beeswax depends on the health and population of honey bees rather than finite fossil fuel reserves. Supporting beekeepers allows us to maintain an ongoing supply of natural beeswax.

Beeswax Feels More Natural

One key difference between beeswax and paraffin wax candles is the quality of light they emit. Beeswax candles have a warmer, softer glow compared to the harsher light emitted by paraffin wax candles.

The natural honeycomb structure of beeswax allows it to diffuse light in a more pleasant way. Paraffin wax, being a petroleum byproduct, burns hotter and brighter. The light from paraffin candles can seem artificial and glarey.

Many people find the softer glow from beeswax to be more relaxing and natural. It provides a nice ambiance, like the flicker of a flame candle. Paraffin candle light can seem too bright and stark in comparison.

So if you’re looking to create a cozy, inviting mood, beeswax candles are the better choice. The warmer tone and natural feel of beeswax makes it the winner over paraffin when it comes to lighting quality.