Which is healthier beeswax or soy candles?

Author: Prof. Mauricio Price  |  Last update: Sunday, September 21, 2025

Both soy and beeswax candles are healthy options with unique benefits. Soy wax is eco-friendly, cost-effective, and burns cleanly with a strong scent throw, while beeswax offers natural air-purifying qualities and the longest burn time. Both outperform paraffin in health and sustainability.

What is the healthiest candle to burn?

Soy wax and coconut wax are two of the most popular choices for healthy candles. They are both made from natural, renewable resources, and they burn cleaner than paraffin wax (which we'll discuss below). This means they release little to no toxins into the air, which can be beneficial for your health.

What is the disadvantage of beeswax candles?

Despite the plethora of advantages, beeswax candles come with a few considerations: Higher Cost: The premium nature of beeswax means these candles often come with a higher price tag compared to other candle types.

Which wax is healthiest for candles?

Natural waxes such as soy, rapeseed, coconut and beeswax are the best choice for those wanting candles that burn cleanly without the worry of indoor air pollution. There are even some reports that beeswax can actually help clarify air.

What are the downsides of soy candles?

The Downsides of Soy Wax
  • Soy wax has the tendency to expand or contract. ...
  • Soy wax is not flexible with some types of fragrance oils. ...
  • Soy wax may create frost marks in the candle or tart. ...
  • Soy wax could become fussy due to humidity and temperature.

Soy Candles Vs Beeswax Candles: What’s Healthier? | Should You Buy It? [2023]

Do soy candles give off toxins?

As a 100% natural wax, soy wax contains none of the pollutants that may be released into the air when burning other waxes, and additionally, it produces less soot. This makes for better indoor air quality, which is especially great for people with respiratory conditions or allergies.

What are yankee candles made of?

What are Yankee Candles made of? Yankee candles are made from paraffin wax, as well as essential oils for fragrance and cotton for the wicks.

What candle waxes to avoid?

Skip oil-based paraffin and gel waxes and burn plant-based and beeswax candles only. Trim the wick to 1/8 or ¼ inch before every use. Don't burn the candle longer than recommended. Diffuse essential oils at home for aromatherapy without the air pollution.

Should I use beeswax or soy wax for candles?

If you are looking for a scented candle, soy wax will produce a stronger, more consistent smell that will last the full burn time of the candle. Beeswax on the other hand is better suited as an unscented candle that allows for the natural oil scent to be released into the air.

Is coconut wax better than soy wax?

Regarding burning properties, coconut wax burns cleaner and longer than soy and paraffin waxes. Its high melting point ensures a slow, even burn, reducing the likelihood of tunnelling. Soy wax also burns clean and has a longer burn time than paraffin, but it may be more susceptible to frosting or wet spots.

Do beeswax candles emit toxins?

HEALTH BENEFITS OF BEESWAX CANDLES

All-natural - Because they don't contain any toxic chemicals, they don't release any when burned! So unlike other candles, they don't cause further indoor air pollution, which can cause adverse health effects.

What are the cons of beeswax?

Here is a list of disadvantages to think about before you start using it.
  • Beeswax is always disappearing. You need to reapply it often.
  • Beeswax is often sticky when it is cold. It is a terrible lubricant.
  • Beeswax is soft and easily removed when it is hot.
  • Beeswax can be permanent.

Why are soy candles better?

Soy wax candles are nontoxic and can improve indoor air quality: Soy candles produce less soot and toxins when lit because of their natural materials, making them a better choice for your health.

What candles to avoid?

How to Avoid Toxins in Scented Candles
  • Avoid super cheap or “dollar store” candles.
  • Buy only candles made in the USA.
  • Avoid candles with metal core in the wick. You can check by peeling back the cotton to see if there is metal at the core.
  • Avoid gel candles.

What are the best candles for respiratory health?

Soy wax. Soy wax burns cleaner and longer than paraffin wax. So, there will be a lot less soot in your home, meaning cleaner walls and healthier lungs.

What are bath and body works candles made of?

Bath & Body Works currently offers two different formulas of wax for our candles. The main ingredients for all formulas are vegetable wax, paraffin wax, and soy. Our Signature Collection Candles are considered vegetable wax candles. Although soy is an ingredient, our candles are not considered soy candles.

What type of candle wax is healthiest?

Cleaner Burning

One of the main health benefits of soy wax is its clean burn. Soy wax produces minimal soot compared to paraffin, meaning it won't stain your walls or furniture, or contribute to indoor air pollution. This makes it a safer choice for your lungs and your home environment.

Are beeswax candles the healthiest?

100% beeswax candles are safe, environmentally friendly, and nontoxic. They are biodegradable and don't undergo any chemical processing. They burn very clean with little smoke since they aren't oil-based like paraffin candles.

Do beeswax candles purify the air?

But what makes it truly unique, is that beeswax can also help to purify the air in your home. This incredibly versatile, natural resource releases negative ions into the air that binds to positively charged airborne particles such as dust and pollen, helping to neutralize pollutants and create a cleaner environment.

What candles have no carcinogens?

Among the toxic free options, beeswax candles truly shine as the best choice. Beeswax - The Best Choice: Beeswax candles are the top choice for non-toxic options. They burn cleaner, purify the air, and have a longer burn time compared to other natural waxes like soy or coconut.

What are the disadvantages of soy wax candles?

What are the disadvantages of soy wax candles? Due to their chemical composition, soy wax candles tend to have a weaker cold and hot scent throw when compared to paraffin wax candles. To adjust for this it is important to test the fragrance load (different fragrances might need different loads) and mixing temperature.

Are bath and body works candles safe?

As more than a decade of rigorous testing has shown, our candles are safe! They undergo extensive quality and safety testing under rigorous burn and use conditions and meet or exceed all applicable industry and government standards for safety and performance.

Do Yankee Candles use beeswax?

Yankee Candle offers a variety of waxes in its candles, including natural waxes like beeswax and soy wax, as well as synthetic waxes like paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct, and while it is a commonly used wax in candles, it is not considered a natural material.

What kind of wax does WoodWick use?

WoodWick Candles are a blend of soy and paraffin wax that allows for a cleaner and smoke free burn. The signature feature of WoodWick Candles is the wooden wick that Crackles as it Burns™.

Why is Yankee Candle so good?

The best feature about Yankee Candles is their extended burn times. However, a large jar candle can burn around 150 hours, spreading happiness and providing value for money. The longevity is because of top notch quality wax blends and wicks, known to burn slowly.

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