Beeswax vs. Soy Wax: Which is Better for Candles and Skincare?

Introduction: Choosing the Right Wax for Your Needs

When it comes to natural waxes, beeswax and soy wax are two of the most popular options for candles and skincare products. While both are widely used in eco-friendly products, they have distinct differences in terms of performance, sustainability, and benefits. This article compares beeswax and soy wax to help you decide which is best for your candles, balms, and other personal care products.

What is Beeswax?

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees to build their honeycomb. It is harvested sustainably from beehives and has been used for centuries in candles, cosmetics, and medicinal applications. Beeswax is known for its clean burn, natural scent, and beneficial properties for skincare.

Key Properties of Beeswax:

• Burns cleanly with a natural honey-like scent
• Naturally purifies the air by emitting negative ions
• Acts as a protective barrier in skincare without clogging pores
• Has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties

What is Soy Wax?

Soy wax is derived from soybean oil and is a renewable, plant-based wax. It is commonly used in candle making as an alternative to paraffin wax. Since it has a lower melting point, it is also widely used in skincare products like lotions and balms.

Key Properties of Soy Wax:

• Renewable and biodegradable
• Holds fragrance well for scented candles
• Softer than beeswax, making it easier to work with in skincare
• Vegan-friendly and free from animal byproducts

Comparison: Beeswax vs. Soy Wax for Candles

Feature	Beeswax	Soy Wax
Burn Quality	Burns clean, long-lasting, emits negative ions	Burns clean but may produce some soot over time
Scent	Natural honey-like aroma	Neutral, requires added fragrance oils
Air Purification	Helps remove toxins and allergens	No air-purifying benefits
Burn Time	Longer burn time per ounce	Shorter burn time compared to beeswax
Environmental Impact	Sustainably harvested, natural	Renewable but may come from GMO soybeans
Price	More expensive due to natural sourcing	More affordable and widely available

Comparison: Beeswax vs. Soy Wax for Skincare

Feature	Beeswax	Soy Wax
Skin Benefits	Hydrating, antibacterial, and protective	Moisturizing but lacks antibacterial properties
Barrier Function	Forms a breathable protective layer	Lightweight, absorbs easily into skin
Allergen Risk	Low, unless allergic to beeswax	May trigger soy allergies in some individuals
Melting Point	Higher, making it more stable in balms	Lower, softer texture for lotions
Vegan-Friendly	No, as it is derived from bees	Yes, entirely plant-based

 

Which Wax is Better for Your Needs?

Best for Candles:

Beeswax is ideal for those looking for a longer-lasting, cleaner-burning candle with natural air purification.

Soy Wax is a good choice for scented candles, as it holds fragrance well and is more affordable.

 

Best for Skincare:

Beeswax is recommended for balms, lip care, and protective skincare due to its natural healing properties.

Soy Wax is better suited for lightweight lotions and massage candles because of its lower melting point.

 

Conclusion: Which Wax Should You Choose?

Both beeswax and soy wax have unique benefits, making them suitable for different applications. Beeswax is superior for cleaner, long-burning candles and protective skincare, while soy wax is a versatile, vegan-friendly option for scented candles and lightweight skincare products. Choosing the right wax depends on your priorities, whether it's longevity, sustainability, or specific skincare benefits.

Where to Buy Quality Beeswax and Soy Wax

For those interested in using high-quality, sustainable waxes, it's important to source from reputable suppliers. Look for ethically harvested beeswax and non-GMO soy wax to ensure the best results for your candles and skincare products.

Why Our Beeswax is Better

Looking for high-quality, 100% pure Canadian beeswax candles? All of our beeswax products are hand-poured and sold in wholesale and small quantities. We have perfect our wax filtering process over the past decade and now offer a consistent high-quality product.

Shop now and experience the difference.

About Prairie Sun Beeswax

Prairie Sun Beeswax is a family-owned business in the Canadian prairies, producing pure beeswax and honey for over three generations. We render Manitoba and Ontario beeswax and all of our beeswax products sold are 100% Canadian. What started as a small beekeeping operation in 1962 has grown into a thriving farm with 1,500 hives. Since launching our commercial beeswax rendering business in 2014, we’ve perfected our filtering process to deliver the highest quality wax to our customers. In addition, our commercial beeswax rendering process is powered by a large solar array that we installed behind the honey house in 2017.