The Many Benefits of Beeswax Candles

There are so many amazing benefits of burning beeswax candles in your home. Not only are they a natural and eco-friendly alternative to traditional candles, but they actually purify the air as you burn them! It’s hard to list all the benefits because there are so many. But I’m going to try!

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When you light a beeswax candle the warm glow and sweet scent of honey fill the air. That simple act brings us joy, but did you also know it also improves the air quality in your home? Who doesn’t want cleaner air?

And then there’s its traditional counterpart, the heavily scented cheap candles (or cheaply made) which actually release toxic chemicals. From the wax to the wick to the fragrance itself, the average scented candle can release minute traces of chemicals into the air — even when unlit.

The Benefits of Beeswax Candles

The benefits of Beeswax candles are so many it can feel almost ridiculous. But the truth is it’s just that amazing.

The 18 Pros of a Burning Beeswax Candle

Here are 18 great reasons to throw out all your other candles and replace them with a few pure beeswax candles instead.

01. Natural and Non-Toxic

Beeswax is a natural and non-toxic material, making it a safer choice for both people and the environment.

02. Air Purifying

Beeswax is a natural ionizer! When beeswax burns, it releases negative ions which help to purify the air, making it a good reason to choose beeswax candles over other types of candles.

They emit negative ions which neutralize positive ions. This neutralization helps to eliminate dust, mold, and other pollutants in the air, making the air cleaner and fresher.

03. Longer Burn Time

Beeswax candles are denser than other types of wax. So, they release more energy over a longer period of time. This means that it burns slower and lasts longer.

As a result, beeswax candles can burn for up to 30-40% longer than other types of candles.

This is beneficial for people who want to have a candle burning for a longer period of time without having to constantly replace it. Which subsequently makes them a more cost-effective option as well.

04. Low Soot Production

Beeswax candles produce less soot than other types of candles, making them a cleaner burning option. This is because beeswax has a higher melting point and burns at a higher temperature than other types of wax.

05. Beeswax Candle Health Benefits

One of the major benefits of burning beeswax candles is the positive impact on your health. In fact, scientific studies have shown that beeswax candles can help to reduce asthma symptoms. Because they eliminate dust and other indoor air pollutants.

Some people believe that burning beeswax candles can help to increase energy levels and improve focus. This is believed to be due to the negative ions released by the candles. Which are said to neutralize pollutants in the air and help to improve air quality.

06. Carbon Neutral

Beeswax is considered a carbon-neutral material because the carbon emitted during the burning of beeswax is equal to the carbon absorbed by the bees and the plants during their lifetimes.

07. Higher Melting Point

Beeswax candles also have a higher melting point than other types of candles, which means they burn cleaner and longer.

A single pound of beeswax can make around ten to twelve candles. Therefore they are a more cost-effective option than other types of candles.

08. Aromatherapy

In addition to watching your candle burn with that beautiful glow, they give off a natural honey scent, similar to natural sunlight. Beeswax produces a natural honey scent that can be pleasant and absolutely a form of aromatherapy.

09. Vegetarian-Friendly

They are also a good choice for those who follow a vegetarian lifestyle. Because beeswax is not a derivative of animal fat.

10. Allergen-free

Beeswax candles are allergen-free, making them a good choice for those with allergies or sensitivities. Beeswax candles are considered allergen-free because they are made from natural beeswax.

They also do not contain any synthetic fragrances, chemicals, or additives. These types of ingredients can cause allergies or allergic reactions in some people.

11. Natural light

Beeswax candles give off a warm, natural light that is similar to sunlight. This is because beeswax candles produce a warm, yellow light that is similar to the color temperature of natural sunlight.

The color temperature of beeswax candles is around 5700K, which is very close to the color temperature of natural daylight. This can make beeswax candles more appealing to use in the home because they can mimic the look and feel of natural sunlight.

12. Purest Light of Any Candles

Beeswax candles emit the purest light of any candle, reducing eye strain and providing a natural light source.

The color of the light emitted by beeswax candles is similar to that of sunlight, which is warm and yellow. This light is said to be more natural and soothing to the eyes.

Other candles such as those made from paraffin wax, can produce a bluish or artificial-looking light.

13. Higher Melting Point

As mentioned before, beeswax candles have a high melting point. This means beeswax makes it less likely to cause a risk of burns.

Because beeswax has a melting point of around 145-150°F (63-66°C), it is less likely to melt or drip, which can be a safety hazard with other types of candles.

14. Safer to Burn

When used properly, beeswax candles are less likely to cause fire hazards. This makes them a safer option for use in the home for two reasons.

1. Because beeswax has a higher melting point than other types of wax, it burns at a higher temperature. This means it is less likely to melt or drip. This reduces the fire risk caused by wax dripping onto flammable surfaces.
2. Also, beeswax candles burn cleanly and produce little to no soot. This means that they do not leave behind a buildup of soot in the candle holder or on the surface of the candle. This reduces the risk of fire caused by a buildup of flammable soot.

15. Environmental Benefits

Beeswax candles are a renewable resource and do not require chemical processing, making them an environmentally friendly option.

Here are 6 great environmental benefits of Beeswax Candles.

1. They are made from natural beeswax, which is a renewable resource. Beeswax is produced by bees, and bees can be kept and managed in a sustainable way.
2. They do not release any harmful chemicals or pollutants into the air when burned. They also do not release any soot, smoke, or other harmful emissions that can harm the environment and human health.
3. They are biodegradable, which means that they will break down naturally in the environment. This reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
4. They can also neutralize pollutants in the air, beeswax candles release negative ions when they burn. This in turn can neutralize pollutants in the air such as dust, pollen, and smoke.
5. Beeswax candles are not made of fossil fuels. Paraffin wax, which is the most common wax used in candles, is a byproduct of petroleum and is not a sustainable resource.
6. Unlike soy candles, beeswax candles do not contain synthetic fragrances or artificial dyes. They also do not have any petroleum by-products, unlike petroleum-based paraffin candles which you can find in any local discount store.

16. Stress Relief

The natural honey scent of beeswax candles can also provide stress relief and relaxation. Many people find that the use of beeswax candles can be a helpful tool in managing stress and promoting relaxation.

17. Support a Local Beekeeper

Lastly, by buying beeswax candles, you are supporting local beekeepers and promoting sustainable beekeeping practices.

Every pound of wax produced by a bee colony requires the consumption of about 10 pounds of honey. Therefore, buying beeswax candles also helps to support honey bees.

18. Shelf Life of Eternity

Candles made from beeswax never expire. The wax and cotton wick will be fine to burn for literal centuries, even if they’ve already been lit.

However, candles made from soy wax will deteriorate over time. You might be fine after a decade but the burn quality will not be as good.

Beeswax Was Used in Ancient Times

Beeswax has been used for literal centuries, in fact, it’s well documented in various uses dating all the way back to the Egyptians. They recognized the importance of beeswax in health with prescriptions that date back to 1550 B.C.

The Chinese also recognized the importance of beeswax. About 2,000 years ago, one of China’s most famous books on medicine, The Shennong Book of Herbs, praised beeswax for its beneficial influence on blood and energy systems and attributed beeswax with beauty enhancement and anti aging properties. Beeswax was also recognized as an important ingredient in wound treatment and dietary supplement.

Mother Earth Living

What are Natural Beeswax Candles Made of?

Pure beeswax candles are most often made of pure beeswax, an additional oil like Coconut Oil, and occasionally essential oils for fragrance. Beeswax is a non-toxic substance and a natural product of honeybees.

Beeswax is produced from a gland in the abdomen of honeybees and is excreted to create the hive itself. The female worker bees have 8 glands in their abdomens to produce the wax when it is time to build the honeycomb. The wax that is secreted hardens as soon as it hits the air and forms a wax scale.

Beeswax: The Building Blocks of the Hive

Are There Any Cons to Beeswax Candles?

In the interest of being fair and somewhat unbiased, I thought I’d mention a few things to consider. More information can’t hurt, right?

While beeswax candles have many benefits, there are also some potential downsides to consider:

1. Cost. Beeswax candles can be more expensive than other types of candles in stores, such as paraffin wax. This can be due to the cost of the raw materials and the production process. However, handmade beeswax candles in repurposed containers are quite cost-effective.
2. Availability. Beeswax candles can be harder to find than other types of candles, and might not be available in all stores. But you can make your own homemade beeswax candles really easily.
3. Allergic Reactions. While the number is small, some people may have an allergic reaction to beeswax. Which then can cause skin irritation or other symptoms.
4. Hard to Scent. Does not hold scent as well as other waxes.
5. Hard to Color. Can be difficult to add colorants because of its natural yellow tent.
6. Low-Quality Wax is Everywhere. To lower production costs, it can be combined with other waxes. Make sure the wax you are buying is 100%.

It’s worth noting that these downsides are not unique to beeswax candles. And they can also be found in other types of candles.

Additionally, many of the downsides can be mitigated by choosing a reputable and responsible producer. As well as being mindful of how the candles are used.

FAQ

Beeswax Candles for the Win

In conclusion, burning beeswax candles is a simple act that can have a big impact on both your health and the environment.

They are natural, non-toxic, and emit negative ions which can help to purify the air. They are also a cost-effective and sustainable option, and by buying them, you can support local beekeepers.

So next time you’re in the market for a new candle, consider choosing beeswax candles for their many benefits.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Julie