Here’s a question, what are candles made of?
Well, up until the 90s, candles were made using paraffin wax, which is a soft and doughy substance extracted from oil shades, coal and petroleum.
Paraffin wax is believed to emit harmful toxic fumes when burnt, which in turn causes a slew of health problems for those who inhale it. Some of these include respiratory issues like asthma, and in the most extreme cases, lung cancer.
Now, there have been plenty of debates regarding the association of paraffin wax with harmful chemicals. Major universities have done studies to shed light on the problem, while counterarguments have been made by other reliable institutions disproving the accusations. So, we’re just gonna have to take everything with a grain of salt.
Today, industries no longer use paraffin wax but have instead shifted to more organic materials like soy wax. The two main soy wax alternatives used for making scented candles today are 444 and 464.
444 vs 464 Soy Wax: Main Differences
| Parameter | Soy Wax 444 | Soy Wax 464 |
|---|---|---|
| Melting Point | 119-125 | 113-119 |
| Nature | Harder than 464 | Slightly softer than 444 |
| Frosting | More prone to frosting | Less prone to frosting compared to 444 |
How Did Soy Wax Change the Way We Make Candles?
Ever since the invention of Soy wax back in 1990, the overall demand for candles has skyrocketed throughout the world. This alternative method of candle development gave rise to a string of new benefits which have become a necessity today.
Soy wax candles burn slower, last longer, and in most cases, give a stronger scent. So naturally, candle industries worldwide eventually shifted to using soy wax for almost all their products.
But the biggest factor which contributed to the rise of soy wax is no doubt the belief that it is better for the environment and ourselves.
Soy wax is extracted from soybeans, so there’s no question of using harmful chemicals here. It’s 100 % organic and does not cause any health issues to humans OR animals, which is a huge plus point.
Now, in 2022, the organic candle market has risen to much greater heights. So much as that there are alternatives to the alternative.
One of the most interesting conversations in the candle industry today is the 444 vs 464 soy wax debate. Naturally, both materials tick all the standards for eco friendly-ness. But when it comes down to it, which wax is better?
444 Soy Wax
What is it?
444 Soy wax is basically natural soy wax with an additive that further improves the overall quality of the wax. So basically, when we say 444 soy wax, we’re just talking about a different version of soy wax.
Uses
The main use of 444 soy wax is to reduce instances of frosting, which can be a common occurrence in natural soy wax. What’s more, it allows for candles to have increased capabilities when it comes to fragrance.
Basically, candles made from 444 soy wax give off a stronger scent when compared to candles made from natural soy wax.
464 Soy Wax
What Is It?
Just like 444 soy wax, 464 is just another version of natural soy wax altered to improve some of the characteristics of the candles produced from it.
Uses
464 Soy wax is also used for the very same reason as 444; increased fragrance and decreased possibility of frosting.
For those of you who don’t know, frosting is an occurrence which happens in all kinds of wax. That’s when a portion of the wax appears to be slightly harder than the rest, almost as if it’s become frozen.
While this doesn’t affect the candle’s burning at all, it can get pretty annoying for manufacturers. So, the less frosting they have to deal with, the better the candle turns out.
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So, What’s the Difference Between the Two?
To be honest, there are more similarities than differences between the two alternatives. Both 444 and 464 soy wax increases fragrance strength and reduces frosting.
They are both often used interchangeably in the industry, which leaves us with the question, how are they different from each other?
Well, the main difference between 444 and 464 soy wax is how fast or slow they melt compared to the other.
The 444 soy wax has a melting point of 119-125 degrees, which is quite similar to that of the original soy wax, which is somewhere around 120 degrees. Meanwhile, the melting point for 464 soy wax is around 113 – 119 degrees, so naturally, it has more chances of melting if exposed to hot weather.
So the important thing to point out here is that 444 is slightly harder than 464 because of the higher melting point.
Because of this difference, 444 soy wax has an advantage over 464. It’s definitely the safer choice for manufacturers who often have to ship their products to other countries.
With 444 soy wax, they can be assured that their candles aren’t melting inside those container boxes, which are very hot and humid on the inside.
So there’s virtually no difference from the consumer’s perspective, but candle manufacturers have to adhere to different rules while dealing with the two.
Other Questions You May Have About 464 and 464 Soy Wax
Is 464 or 444 soy wax better?
444 is better for some manufacturers, while the difference doesn’t matter for consumers.
Which wax should you choose for wax melts?
You can use both 444 and 464 to make wax melts.
Which wax should you choose for candles?
Although both alternatives can be used, some manufacturers might prefer 444 because of its high melting point.
Can you mix 444 and 464 soy wax?
Sure, if that’s what you want, knock yourselves out!
TL;DR – Differences Between 444 and 464 Soy Wax
There’s no clear winner in the golden wax 444 vs 464 debate. Both have features that improve the candle’s fragrance and are often used interchangeably.
The only difference between the two is the melting point. 444 has a higher melting point which some manufacturers might prefer.
Essentially, it all comes down to the process used for manufacturing the candles. Different techniques have to be applied for each of the alternatives.
So as consumers, we got nothing to worry about, folks! Just keep enjoying your scented soy wax candles and spread the good vibe.