Last week, I discussed my unusual high school job: pouring beeswax candles at a Greek Orthodox Convent! Read about the healing properties of beeswax candles and the dangers of paraffin candles here. Did you know, for example, that many people find burning beeswax candles an effective treatment for allergies?
Soy vs. Beeswax Candles
Hands down, beeswax candles win the competition. They can effectively reduce allergies, asthma, and hay fever by releasing negative ions into the air. Although soy candles don’t boast medicinal properties, soy is clearly a better choice that paraffin candles… sometimes (read why paraffin candles are so dangerous here). There is a catch…
In the U.S., the term “pure” on a label means only 51% of an ingredient (and that goes for food, too). Companies sell both “pure” beeswax candles and “pure” soy candle, which contain a combination of 51% beeswax/soy wax and 49% toxic paraffin. Look for the key phrase “100% Pure Beeswax” or “100% Soy” on candles.
But even 100% soy candles have some significant problems:
Soy candles contain paraffin
Interestingly, even a 100% soy wax candle must be processed with a small amount of paraffin. Potentially, burning a 100% soy candle will release small amounts of the carcinogens and toxins found in paraffin. Again, most soy candles on the market are not 100% soy, and contain a high percentage of poisonous paraffin.
Soy candles often contain fragrances and dyes
Additionally, many soy candles contain the same poisonous dyes and fragrances added to paraffin candles. (Granted, some low quality beeswax candles are dyed and fragranced, too, and they do not offer the healing benefits of 100% pure beeswax candles.) Interestingly, essential oils are not safe options for candle fragrances, either. A soy or beeswax candle scented with essential oils will release toxins, since combustion changes the molecular structure of these oils.
100% pure beeswax candles require no added fragrances or dyes, because the pollen and honey content of the wax offer a natural orange color and light, sweet fragrance.
Soy candles pose environmental concerns
More than 90% of soy is genetically modified! GM soy crops are heavily sprayed with toxic pesticides, causing harm to both the harvesters and the soil. So if you are buying soy candles, chances are you are supporting the production of GMO’s–which devastate our environment and our health.
Price: A Deal Breaker for Some
When you buy paraffin candles, you are spending money to poison your home. Beeswax candles, like I discussed, are a healing investment and worth the higher price tag. Soy candles–even 100% pure soy candles–cost significantly less than beeswax. Those who want a more affordable alternative to paraffin often go with soy candles. Although this is a personal decision, but I would rather go candle-free than settle for anything less than 100% beeswax.
Where do I get the beeswax candles?
Please read the UPDATE section on my beeswax candles post.
Questions about wicks or making your own candles? Please refer to that post, too.
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I’m looking to make some scented wax bars to warm in my home and give as gifts. I have 100% beeswax and would like to use that, but I am unsure about how to choose scents that will be clean burning and compatible with the natural scent of the beeswax. Also, I’m not sure how much scent to put in as this is my first time trying a project like this. Do you have any hints that you could share with me?
Thank you for this – it was very helpful. We love beeswax candles but also use soy as an alternative to regular, but I didn’t realize they could release toxins even with the essential oils. I’ll be making beeswax for sure!
Hi Lauren,
Great post! Would you please mind telling me more about why you shouldn’t mix essential, organic oils with beeswax? I am curious about the science behind that.
Thank you!
Beeswax candles also contain pesticides, herbicides, and other environmental “dirt”. The bees fly out and land on everything even flowers recently sprayed by Roundup, Fertilizers, etc.. They collect pollen and nectar and take it back to the hive where other bees make wax, honey, and feed the pollen to the queen.
GMO free – virtually impossible. Organic honey – you don’t see it often and would be impossible to produce. Considering this then Soy seems to be the better option across the board except for sticks or votives as the melting point is so low.
I make beeswax candles and I put fragrances in them.I know they smell great without fragrances and I also make them without fragrance.My question is,does adding fragrance to beeswax totally negate the healthy qualities of beeswax?
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There is a new wax on the market, Coconut Wax. The best version of this that I have found is Pure Plant Home – not all of their candles are 100%, but the majority are. I would love your opinion on their product. Thank you.
I’m interested in the air-cleaning potential of beeswax but haven’t been able to find any hard research on it. I realize this post is pretty old, but if you see this, could you direct me to wherever you got your information? Thanks.
However, your comment about GMOs and pesticides is false. One of the main purposes of GMOs is to decrease pesticide use. The plants are genetically modified to be more resistant to bugs and blights. After Silent Spring, pesticide awareness blew up. Farmers/manufacturers took notice and cut down on it, especially because it directly affects them, too.
Jo Fang
Soy Candles are clean burning and long lasting. Molly Rue soy candles are so yummy! http://www.mollyrue.com/
Question – For beeswax candles….
It takes about 10 pounds of honey to produce one pound of beeswax. The wax is then used to construct the honeycomb – which stores the honey, and serves as the home where the queen, honey, worker and baby bees live. Taking this wax to use for human benefits contributes to the loss of bees, which greatly impacts agriculture. The most expensive to source.
Is this true?