Are All Beeswax Candles the Same? What to Look for in Quality

Are All Beeswax Candles the Same? What to Look for in Quality

Introduction: Understanding the Differences in Beeswax Candles

Beeswax candles are known for their clean burn, natural honey scent, and eco-friendliness. However, not all beeswax candles are created equal. Quality can vary depending on purity, sourcing, processing methods, and additional ingredients. This guide explains what to look for when buying high-quality beeswax candles to ensure you get the best value and performance.

What Makes a High-Quality Beeswax Candle?

1. Purity of Beeswax

  • Look for candles labeled “100% Pure Beeswax.”
  • Some candles are labeled as “beeswax blend,” meaning they are mixed with paraffin or soy wax.
  • Pure beeswax candles burn cleaner and last longer than blended alternatives.
  • If you need beeswax for a pharmaceuticals or food, make sure your supplier will sending you chemical testing results on their beeswax. 

2. Color and Appearance

  • Natural Variations: Beeswax ranges in colour from pale yellow to deep golden, depending on pollen and propolis content. This colour will vary over time. This is normal and a part of what identifies natural beeswax.
  • Bleached vs. Unbleached: White beeswax candles are often filtered or chemically processed, which may reduce natural benefits. Do not buy bleached beeswax.

3. Scent and Additives

  • High-quality beeswax candles have a natural honey-like aroma without artificial fragrances.
  • Avoid candles with added synthetic scents or dyes, as these can reduce quality in the room where the candle is burnt.

4. Wick Material and Construction

  • The best wicks are made from 100% cotton, hemp, or wood.
  • Avoid candles with metal-core wicks, as they may contain lead or zinc.
  • A well-made wick ensures a steady, even burn without excessive smoke.

5. Burn Time and Performance

  • Pure beeswax candles burn slower than paraffin or soy candles, offering better value.
  • A good-quality beeswax candle should burn with minimal dripping and soot.
  • Proper wick trimming (about ¼ inch) enhances longevity and prevents flickering.

Beeswax Candle Blends: What to Watch Out For

Some candles marketed as “beeswax candles” contain other waxes that may impact performance.

Type of Candle

Composition

Pros

Cons

100% Pure Beeswax Candle

Only natural beeswax with no additives

Long burn time, natural scent, purifies air

More expensive than blends

Beeswax-Soy Blend

Beeswax mixed with soy wax

More affordable, smoother texture

Burns faster, weaker air-purifying effects

Beeswax-Paraffin Blend

Beeswax mixed with paraffin

Cheaper alternative

Produces soot, reduces air quality benefits

How to Identify Fake or Low-Quality Beeswax Candles

  • Overly Smooth Texture: Natural beeswax candles have a slightly rough or uneven texture.
  • Artificially Strong Fragrance: Pure beeswax has a light honey scent; strong perfumes indicate additives.
  • Excessive Dripping or Smoke: High-quality beeswax candles burn clean and evenly.
  • Very Low Price: Pure beeswax is more expensive than paraffin or soy; if the price is too low, it’s likely a blend.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Beeswax Candle

Not all beeswax candles are the same. To get the best quality, look for 100% pure beeswax, natural colour and scent, cotton or wood wicks, and slow-burning properties. Avoid blends with paraffin or synthetic additives to fully enjoy the benefits of clean, natural beeswax candles.

Where to Buy High-Quality Beeswax Candles

For those looking for authentic, 100% pure beeswax candles, purchasing from trusted beekeepers or specialty candle makers ensures the highest quality. Look for transparency in sourcing and certifications to confirm purity.

Why Our Beeswax is Better

Looking for high-quality, 100% pure Canadian beeswax candles? All of our beeswax products are hand-poured and sold in wholesale and small quantities. We have perfect our wax filtering process over the past decade and now offer a consistent high-quality product.

Shop now and experience the difference.

About Prairie Sun Beeswax

Prairie Sun Beeswax is a family-owned business in the Canadian prairies, producing pure beeswax and honey for over three generations. We render Manitoba and Ontario beeswax and all of our beeswax products sold are 100% Canadian. What started as a small beekeeping operation in 1962 has grown into a thriving farm with 1,500 hives. Since launching our commercial beeswax rendering business in 2014, we’ve perfected our filtering process to deliver the highest quality wax to our customers. In addition, our commercial beeswax rendering process is powered by a large solar array that we installed behind the honey house in 2017.

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