Beeswax vs Coconut wax vs Soy Wax, which is better?

Deciding what candles to buy can be quite confusing, so we have made a comparison of the different types of candle wax available to help make it easier for you to choose. We have purposely left out paraffin wax candles as these are the cheapest and most unhealthy candles we think you can buy to the wax being made from petroleum as a by-product of making petrol and one study found that burning paraffin wax releases potentially dangerous chemicals, such as toluene which can be harmful to your health. So today we are just looking at the more natural alternatives, Soy wax candles, coconut wax candles, and beeswax candles.

Soy Wax

This wax is the cheapest of the waxes we are talking about today. Soy wax is a vegetable wax and is made from soybeans, so it makes it a good vegan choice, however, even though soy wax is natural, renewable, and biodegradable because the wax burns slowly and cleanly, it’s not actually the most sustainable wax. Because of the way soybeans are harvested, there are concerns about its effect on deforestation and the use of pesticides and fertilisers.

Beeswax

Bees wax candles are made from female honey bees, beeswax is just as eco-friendly as coconut and soy, It’s also biodegradable, non-carcinogenic, and non-hazardous. however, it isn’t vegan. which is one of the main differences. Beeswax is also more difficult to get a good scent throw and is more expensive than soy.

Coconut Wax Candles

Coconut is one of the more expensive waxes which is why many candle companies overlook it. The wax is produced by pressing the oil out of the meat from the coconut, the meat is then put through a process called hydrogenation, It’s filtered and then cleaned. Leaving you with 100% natural, and fully biodegradable wax. It’s also a renewable and high-yielding crop which means it’s one of the most eco-friendly waxes in use today.

Coconut wax is also biodegradable, as there are no chemicals. Coconut wax is also plant-based wax, it can be decomposed by organisms in the soil and will decompose quite rapidly within a matter of a few weeks, so a great vegan candle option.

This wax is one of the slowest burning waxes on the market today and if your candle is well made, it created an even burn, meaning no tunneling and waste. and a bonus, it’s sustainable and doesn’t contribute to deforestation.

At Joanne Duke Candles, we use coconut wax as we think it’s the highest quality, and most sustainable. Shop our aromatherapy candles.

Take a look at our other blogs for more hints and tips on candles.