Last Updated on March 2, 2024 by Nico
Beeswax candles are a good nontoxic alternative to other types of candles but are there any downsides to using them? Here are 10 pros and cons of beeswax candles.
Over recent years, I’ve slowly swapped out products with toxic chemicals out for less harmful alternatives. I’ve begun making my own cleaners, fabric softener, and body products.
Another area that I’ve recently tackled is the candles we burn in our home. I decided to prioritise this after realising that some of the candles that are widely available today can be damaging to our bodies.
How do you know if a candle is toxic?
Candles can be made from many different types of wax. It might surprise you but some candles commonly sold today (like ones sold by Ikea) can be made using materials that are actively toxic to your health.
Paraffin Candles
Paraffin wax candles are made from petroleum. When burned, they can release harmful substances like benzene and toluene into the air. Inhaling these chemicals, even in small amounts, can be damaging to you and your family’s health.
Vegetable Wax
Vegetable wax candles are made from rapeseed, palm fruit, or soybeans. Synthetic fragrances are often added to vegetable wax candles, which can lead to increased exposure to phthalates and other toxic chemicals that actively disrupt our endocrine system.
Vegetable wax candles can also release soot when burned and this can be irritating to your respiratory system.
There are also a range of environmental concerns with how rapeseed, palm fruit, and soybeans are grown and harvested, including the widespread use of pesticides.
Soy Candles
Soy candles are made from wax that is derived from soybean oil. They are a less toxic alternative to paraffin wax candles. However the process of growing and harvesting soybeans can be very damaging to the environment and usually relies on a range of herbicides and pesticides.
Now let’s compare these waxes to beeswax.
Pros of beeswax candles
Burn cleanly – beeswax candles do not create soot or release harmful chemicals into the air.
All natural – 100% beeswax candles are a completely natural product with no additives.
100% biodegradable – because beeswax is a natural material, they are completely biodegradable.
Longest burn time – beeswax has the longest burn time of any kind of wax (even longer than soy candles). So you get your money’s worth!
Natural scent – pure beeswax candles have no added synthetic fragrances so you don’t need to worry about breathing in harmful chemicals. Beeswax naturally smells like honey.
Natural and neutral aesthetic – beeswax candles have a lovely natural aesthetic that fits most interiors.
Don’t expire – beeswax candles last a long time and virtually don’t expire.
Cons of beeswax candles
More expensive – beeswax candles tend to be more expensive than paraffin or soy candles (but it is simple and less expensive to make your own, if you can source local beeswax pellets).
Not overly fragrant – if you’re used to very strong scented candles, it could take a while to get used to the more subtle smell of beeswax.
Be mindful of additives – sometimes manufacturers will add additional wax to beeswax to lower the cost. So make sure that you buy 100% beeswax candles.
Why are beeswax candles better?
For me, the pros and cons of beeswax candles make it clear. Beeswax candles are better for our bodies and the environment because they are made from naturally occurring materials, they are biodegradable, and do not contain synthetic fragrances or other harmful chemicals.
Why do you like beeswax candles? Tell me in the comments!
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