What Burns Cleaner Beeswax Or Soy Wax?

Intro

Beeswax and soy wax have both become popular choices for candlemaking and other purposes as interest in natural, sustainable products has grown. But how do these two natural waxes compare in terms of burning cleanly? In this article, we will examine the composition, smoke points, burn temperatures, soot production, air quality impacts, wick needs, odors, and cost differences between beeswax and soy wax.

Composition

The main components of beeswax are esters, fatty acids, and hydrocarbons. According to research on ScienceDirect, beeswax consists of approximately 71% esters, 15% hydrocarbons, 8% free fatty acids, and 6% other components. The esters are formed from fatty acids and fatty alcohols.

Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil, which is composed primarily of triglycerides. According to a study published on ResearchGate, soy wax also contains antioxidants and other minor natural waxes and oils added to modify its properties. The exact formula depends on the manufacturer, but the primary component is always soybean oil.

Smoke Points

The smoke point refers to the temperature at which a fuel begins to produce a continuous stream of smoke when heated. This is an important factor when comparing waxes used for candle making.

Beeswax has a smoke point range of 400-480°F (204-248°C), while soy wax has a lower smoke point range of 160-170°F (71-76°C) [1]. The higher smoke point of beeswax allows it to burn cleaner, with less soot production, compared to soy wax.

The width of the wick also impacts the smoke point. Wider wicks increase the flame temperature and lower the smoke point. Properly-sized wicks matched to the wax help maximize the smoke point potential [1].

Burn Temperature

The burn temperature of beeswax candles is generally lower than soy wax candles. Beeswax has a melting point of around 145-165°F and burns at a temperature of 120-170°F, according to Hubbardston Candle Co. ¹ Soy wax, on the other hand, typically has a melting point of 135-145°F and burns at a temperature of 160-170°F.

The lower burning temperature of beeswax means it produces less soot and burns cleaner than soy wax. Beeswax does not release toxins or pollutants into the air as it burns either. The higher temperature of soy wax may lead to more soot production, which can dirty candle holders and release small amounts of pollutants. However, soy wax is still considered a clean-burning wax overall.

In summary, beeswax candles burn at a lower temperature than soy candles, resulting in less soot and cleaner air quality. But both wicks burn relatively cleanly compared to paraffin wax.

Soot Production

Soy wax produces significantly less soot than beeswax when burned. According to Self Made Candle, soy wax is considered eco-friendly because it generates reduced amounts of soot in the environment compared to alternatives like beeswax. The reduced soot production of soy wax candles makes them better for indoor air quality.

Beeswax contains more carbon than soy wax, which leads to increased soot production when burned. The soot released from burning beeswax candles can dirty walls and surfaces in a home. Soy wax’s cleaner burn makes it preferable for indoor candle use.

In summary, soy wax clearly produces less soot than beeswax when burned, making it a better choice for indoor candlemaking from an environmental standpoint.

Air Quality

Beeswax candles produce less soot and smoke compared to paraffin and soy wax candles, resulting in better indoor air quality. According to a study by Ristovski et al. from Queensland University, beeswax candles emitted lower concentrations of particulates during combustion compared to paraffin candles ^[1]. The natural honey scent also helps mask unpleasant odors in the air.

However, all candles produce some carbon dioxide and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned. Beeswax and soy wax candles do emit lower VOCs than paraffin, but do still degrade air quality over time. Proper ventilation is recommended when burning any candles frequently. While natural beeswax candles can minimize smoke and soot, no candle can truly purify or clean the air while burning.

Wick Needs

Proper wick selection is crucial for clean burning with both beeswax and soy wax candles. Beeswax is a natural wax that requires a larger wick to burn cleanly, as it has a high melting point. Square braided fiber wicks work best for beeswax candles, allowing the wax to melt evenly and produce minimal soot (The Right Wick for the Job).

Soy wax, on the other hand, has a lower melting point and viscosity. Smaller wick diameters like CD wicks allow soy wax to burn coolly and cleanly (How to Choose the Right Candle Wick for Your Wax). The right wick size helps prevent mushrooming, which can lead to excess smoke. Choosing a wick specifically formulated for soy wax is key for optimal performance.

Odor

When it comes to odor produced when burning, beeswax and soy wax candles have some key differences. Beeswax candles tend to have a natural honey-like scent when burning due to the beeswax itself. The scent is usually light and pleasant. However, beeswax can also take on other odors from things like propolis which can give it a burnt rubber smell if overheated.

Soy wax on the other hand has very little odor when burning on its own. This makes it ideal for candles where you want the scent to come primarily from added fragrances. The lack of soy wax odor allows the fragrance to shine through cleanly.

In terms of clean burning perception, some may find the light natural beeswax smell more appealing than no scent at all from plain soy wax. However, others may prefer soy wax’s ability to let added fragrances dominate the experience with no competing odors. Neither wax produces heavy or unpleasant burning odors unless additives like fragrance or propolis are present.

Cost Differences

Beeswax tends to be significantly more expensive than soy wax. According to the Sacramentohoneycompany, natural beeswax beads cost about $17.50 per pound, while soy wax can cost as little as $1-2 per pound when purchased in bulk quantities from suppliers like Candlescience. Jessica Welling Interiors notes that buying small quantities of beeswax can cost around $9.35 per pound, but the price drops to around $5 per pound when purchased in larger bulk amounts. In comparison, soy wax stays quite affordable even in smaller quantities.

This large price difference impacts consumer choice. Many hobbyist or small-scale candle makers prefer the lower cost of soy wax, while some professional candle makers are willing to pay the premium for 100% beeswax. Consumers seeking 100% natural beeswax candles also expect to pay more for this premium product. However, those simply wanting an eco-friendly, non-toxic candle can find quality soy wax candles at much lower price points. The type of candle and budget often drives consumer choice between the two waxes.

Conclusions

Summary of Findings on Burn Properties

Based on the analysis in this article, beeswax candles tend to burn cleaner than soy wax candles. Beeswax has a higher smoke point and burn temperature which leads to more complete combustion and less soot production. The natural wax composition of beeswax also produces less smoke and odor than soy wax blends. Overall, beeswax candles offer superior air quality benefits compared to soy options.

Recommendations for Cleanest Option

For those seeking the cleanest burning candle wax, 100% natural beeswax is the best option. Beeswax candles release less soot and burn with less smoke than soy wax. The pleasant honey aroma from beeswax is also preferable to the smells that can accompany soy wax. While more expensive, beeswax is the superior choice for cleaner indoor air.

Advice for Use Cases

Beeswax performs best in jar candles, votives, pillars and tapers. The high burn temperature allows beeswax to work well in free-standing candle forms. Soy wax is more recommended for container candles. For outdoor use, soy wax may be preferred as a biodegradable and renewable option. Beeswax should be chosen when cleaner indoor air is the priority.