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Candles can be made from many kinds of waxes but the only all natural waxes are soy candle wax and bee candle wax. They are similar in many ways, yet different. Let's look at some of these.
Soy wax comes from soy beans. The soy beans are processed in a certain way resulting in chips which can be purchased, melted and made into candles.
Beeswax comes from bees. It is a natural by-product that comes as the bees do what they do best and that is make honey.
Although soy wax candles are all natural, they have a natural aroma which is quite pleasant. This means that you don't need to add any extra fragrance. However, there are those experts who think things are never good enough. It is these people who know how work with the soy waxes and fragrances and can mix and add just the right things to enhance that wonderful soy aroma.
Beeswax also has a naturally sweet aroma so no additional scents or fragrances need to be added. The natural fragrance of beeswax varies from place to place since the aroma is a result of the bees and their pollination. Different pollens and pollinations result in different fragrances.
The same is true with its color. Beeswax gets its color from the honey and pollen that is packed into each honeycomb cell. Color variations are caused by the bees, the flowers they pollinate, and the impurities the wax contains. The beeswax can also be made lighter by filtering it. The more refined or filtered it is, the more "white" it will be. Natural colored beeswax is not as pure (or filtered).
In addition to its wonder fragrance, soy wax candles have a very smooth glossy finish. It is not necessary to add additives to harden or make glossy the soy wax candle. However, some people do add some extra additives to beeswax to make it harder and glossier.
Both soy candle wax and bee candle wax burn brightly and very cleanly. Neither of them creates a soot that can bother people or makes deposits on walls or furniture.
An unusual thing about soy wax candles is that they can be made without wicks. These type of soy candles are used on candle warmers' which are simple little things with a bulb which heats up the wax creating the wonderful aroma.
An unusual thing about bee candle wax is that candles can be made without melting any bees wax. To make this type of candle you buy the bees wax in sheets. You place a wick on one end and then tightly roll the entire sheet into a candle. No hot stoves or hot plates are necessary.
As for costs, soy wax is much cheaper than bees wax. You can buy soy wax for around two dollars a pound as opposed to seven or eight dollars a pound for beeswax.
One last benefit of making soy wax candles is that soy wax is super easy to clean up. Just take some plain warm water and soap and wipe up the mess.
One last benefit of beeswax is that the leftovers can be recycled into other things. So instead of throwing out your candle stubs, take them and make them into lip balm, creams, polishes or other things can contain beeswax.
The bottom line is that both soy candle wax or bee candle wax can make wonderfully sweet and fragrant aromas. Both are easy to work with and both produce very nice looking candles. So if you are a candle maker or a candle maker wannabe who likes natural products, soy wax and bees wax are just what you are looking for.
Carol Short is a candle making enthusiast who enjoys candle making, talking about candle making and teaching candle making. Her new ebook " Secrets To Scentsational Candle Making " shows you everything you need to know to make candles.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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