What is beeswax?

Beeswax is a natural wax that honeybees produce in their hives.  The honey bees use this wax to build honeycomb cells where they raise their young and also store pollen.  In order for bees to secrete wax, the temperature in the hive must be 91 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit.  The bees have to consume eight times as much honey to product the wax.  Bees fly an estimated 150,000 miles to yield one pound of beeswax.  In order for the beeswax to be used in candle making, the wax has to be rendered, the impurities must be removed, and then, the wax is heated in water.

Is soy wax better than paraffin wax to make candles?

Some people believe that candles made from beeswax burn more cleanly than candles made from paraffin wax.  However, highly-refined paraffin wax burns as clean as or more cleanly than natural waxes.  Candles burn well and function properly when formulated waxes are blended together (paraffin, beeswax and soy) and when fragrances and wicks are balanced properly.

Proponents of the soy wax candle say that soy is biodegradable and all natural, so soy is a better wax to use when making candles.  However, soy beans that are used for soy candles are genetically modified.  Paraffin wax used in candle making is also biodegradable.

Trimming candle wicks is also important to do.  Candle wicks should be trimmed to ¼”.  This keeps the smoking at a minimum.  A flickering flame also products more smoke so candles should be burned in a draft-free area.