Differences in Organic Beeswax and Vegan Soy Wax

 As the creator of homemade wax products and candles, you have three main choices when it comes to the type of wax to use. The first is petroleum-based paraffin, which is inexpensive and readily available but not environmentally friendly or health-conscious. The other two options include organic beeswax and vegan soy wax. Both of these natural materials have great advantages when it comes to DIY wax projects and eco-friendly candle making at home.

 

Why Choose Organic Beeswax?

Natural or green-living crafters can appreciate the sustainability of harvesting organic beeswax directly from hives. Although not vegan, this material has been used for millennia for candles and a variety of other wax items. It is obviously much more natural than paraffin, but it also edges out soy wax in many cases because the latter sometimes includes other ingredients to increase stability or scent. Of course, whether you choose beeswax or soy wax, educate yourself about a specific product to make sure it only includes materials you are comfortable with.

 

From an ecological perspective, beeswax is the best. It also burns brightly with limited smoke, no potential allergens or compounds that trigger asthmatic distress, and does not melt quickly. Since no oil is used in its production, a dripping candle will not create ugly stains or damage to candleholders and furniture.

 

One of the main disadvantages of organic beeswax comes from its cost. It is simply more difficult to harvest wax directly from beehives in a sustainable fashion than it is to mix up petroleum or process a field of soybeans. With the sweet scent, long-lasting burn, and lack of potential health issues, many people find its value to be worth the extra expense.

 

Why Choose Vegan Soy Wax?

 

This type of wax comes from soybean oil. It is therefore sustainable, as natural and organic as the soybean crop was, and non-toxic depending on the addition of other ingredients. Since it does not utilize any animal products at all, those who follow a vegan lifestyle should choose this material for candle making. Some companies mix vegetable or coconut oil or beeswax, so always read labels before making a purchase. Also, soybean crops frequently use genetically modified seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers so purely organic soy wax may be difficult to come by.

 

Vegan soy wax burns slowly, does not release hazardous compounds or a lot of smoke, and comes with its own natural gentle scent. Finished products are not as hard as paraffin or beeswax in most cases. This makes it a great option for scented wax melts used in a warmer or burner. It may not provide enough strength for highly carved or intricately shaped candles or other wax items.

 

Whether you choose traditional organic beeswax to create candles and other homemade wax products or go with the newer but equally eco-friendly vegan soy wax, you have a host of amazing DIY wax projects to try. Choose one or use both for different finished products as you explore the whole world of natural and healthy wax crafts.