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Beeswax is a renewable all natural wax produced by honey bees. Its non-toxic properties make it perfect for use as a clean burning and bright fuel source in beeswax candles. Unlike most paraffin candles, beeswax is hypo-allergenic, which is great for people with allergies or sensitivities and those of us who want clean burning candles in our homes.
Paraffin wax is a non-renewable wax created as a byproduct of petroleum, coal, or oil shale. Paraffin is highly refined and treated with chemicals to force it into something that passes as a usable product. It isn’t a clean or bright burning fuel source. Paraffin is not hypo-allergenic and not great for people with allergies, asthma, or other chemical sensitivities.
Beeswax is Non-Toxic
Beeswax candles contain none of the harmful chemicals found in paraffin wax.
Paraffin candles contains a plethora of toxic chemicals, such as benzene and toluene. 1 Some imported paraffin candles still contain lead wicks, despite the federal ban on them in 2003. 2
"The paraffin candles we tested released unwanted chemicals into the air...inhalation of these dangerous pollutants drifting in the air could contribute to the development of health risks." 3 - Dr Ruhullah Massoudi
Beeswax is Long Burning
Beeswax candles naturally burn significantly longer than paraffin candles.
Paraffin candles burn quickly, even with the addition of chemicals. Manufacturers add stearic acid 4 to increase burn time, but it's still not as efficient as beeswax.
For example an average 3x6 paraffin pillar candle burns for approximately 60 hours, while our 3x6 beeswax pillar candle burns for more than 110 hours!
Beeswax is Clean Burning
Beeswax candles burn very cleanly when the wick is trimmed properly, producing hardly any soot.
Paraffin candles produces a lot of soot. This soot stains and covers the walls in your home, leaving streaks of black residue.
There is no such thing as a soot-free wax. All organic compounds when burned will emit some carbon (soot) due to incomplete combustion. Beeswax burns hotter than paraffin wax and therefore will have less overall soot. Sooting is primarily a factor of wick length and flame disturbance, so keep the wick trimmed and in a draft-free environment.
Beeswax is Naturally Drip Resistant
Our beeswax taper candles are naturally dripless in normal draft free conditions.
Paraffin candles are naturally prone to dripping. Manufacturers add stearic acid 4 to increase it's melting point in an attempt to make the candle drip less.
Beeswax Burns Brightly
The light emitted by a beeswax candle is much stronger and brighter than that of any other candle.
Since paraffin wax has a lower melting point, it has a weaker, less brilliant flame than a beeswax candle.
Beeswax is Renewable
Beeswax is a renewable resource. Humanity has embraced beeswax for thousands of years!
Paraffin wax is made from our finite supply of fossil fuels. It does nothing to help lessen the stranglehold oil (foreign or domestic) has on us.
Beeswax is Hypo-Allergenic
Beeswax candles can be burned around those with allergies, asthma, or those who are sensitive to chemicals.
Paraffin candles are not hypo-allergenic and their artificial scents can cause reactions in some people too.
Hypo-allergenic means relatively unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Beeswax candles are much less likely to cause issues for people with sensitivities compared to paraffin candles. We've had so many customers tell us that using beeswax has given them the ability to burn candles again, after being so frustrated with the results of paraffin candles.
Beeswax is Not Oil Based
Cleanup is easier for accidental spills of beeswax.
Paraffin is oil based and can be difficult or impossible to remove.
Beeswax is a Better Value
Contrary to popular belief beeswax candles are often similar or less expensive than paraffin candles.
Paraffin candles may initially seem cheaper, but that misrepresentation of savings dissolves when comparing their significantly shorter burn times to the burn times of beeswax candles.
Switch to Beeswax Candles!
Beeswax candles are the most durable & long lasting candles you can own! They burn brighter, longer, & cleaner than any other type of candle. Beeswax candles have been crafted around the globe for thousands of years. Here are some reasons to switch to beeswax:
- Beeswax is Non-Toxic
- Beeswax is Long Burning
- Beeswax is Clean Burning
- Beeswax is Naturally Dripless
- Beeswax is Burns Brightly
- Beeswax is Renewable
Unlike paraffin candles, our beeswax candles are hypo-allergenic, great for people with allergies or other sensitivities. Beeswax candles are the perfect choice for those of us who want a clean burning candle in our home.
Learn more about beeswax and our beeswax candles.
References
1. Krause, J. (1999). Characterization of Scented Candle Emissions and Associated Public Health Risks. University of South Florida.
2. Products, C. (2003, April 7). CPSC Bans Candles With Lead-Cored Wicks. Retrieved December 17, 2015 CPSC Bans Candles With Lead-Cored Wicks
3. Massoudi, R. (2009, January 8). Frequent use of certain candles produces unwanted chemicals. Retrieved December 17, 2015 Paraffin candles produces unwanted chemicals
4. Manufacturers of paraffin candles use additives like stearin (stearic acid), a product derived from animal fat or palm oil. They use stearic acid to give their cheap candles some of the qualities of beeswax, like longer burn time and less dripping, so they can charge you more.
