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📑 Contents
Soy wax vs Beeswax: comparison chart
| — | 🫘 Soy wax | 🐝 Beeswax |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Plant-based | Animal (bees) |
| Melt point | 46–54 °C (115–129 °F) | 62–65 °C (144–149 °F) |
| Pour temperature | 55–65 °C (131–149 °F) | 68–77 °C (154–171 °F) |
| Max fragrance load | 10 % | 6 % |
| Hot throw | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Burn time | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Price | €€ | €€€ |
| Vegan | Yes | No |
| Best for | container candles, wax melts and tealights | pillar candles, taper candles, votive candles, tealights and container candles |
Typical values: each manufacturer publishes its own on the wax’s spec sheet.
Verdict
- Soy wax has a stronger scent throw than Beeswax.
- Beeswax burns longer than Soy wax.
- Soy wax is easier to work with than Beeswax.
- Soy wax is more affordable than Beeswax.
- Soy wax is the vegan option.
Soy wax
Soy wax is the go-to natural wax for container candles: creamy, beginner-friendly and known for a slow, clean burn.
- Plant-based, renewable and vegan
- Slow burn with a calm flame
- Low melt point and easy to work with
- Cleans up with hot soapy water
Beeswax
Beeswax is the original natural candle wax: it burns for hours with a golden flame and smells softly of honey even without added fragrance.
- Very long, bright burn
- Natural honey aroma
- 100% natural with no additives
- Hard and releases easily from molds
Best soy wax in stock
American Soy Organics Freedom Soy Wax Beads, All-Natural Candle Wax, 5 lbs
American Soy Organics Freedom Soy Wax Beads, All-Natural Candle Wax, 10 lbs
American Soy Organics Freedom Soy Wax Beads, All-Natural Candle Wax, 1 lb
Best beeswax in stock
Sky Organics Organic White Beeswax Pellets 16oz, DIY Beauty, USDA Organic
Meyer's Pure Domestic USA Beeswax, Not Imported, Additive Free Triple Filtered Pellets for All Your Do It…
VIPwax White Beeswax Pellets 1LB, Natural Organic Beeswax for Candle Making
Other comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Soy wax or Beeswax?
It depends on the type of candle: Soy wax stands out for wax melts and Beeswax for pillar candles, taper candles and votive candles. Check the chart to compare temperatures, scent throw and burn time.
Can you mix soy wax and beeswax?
Many commercial waxes are already blends. If you blend your own, run small tests, write down the ratios and repeat the burn test: blending changes the wick size and the fragrance load the wax can hold.
Do soy wax and beeswax need the same wick?
Not always. Each wax has a different viscosity, so the wick size usually changes. Use the wick calculator as a starting point.