Are Beeswax Candles Safe? Benefits & Myths Explained

Introduction: Are Beeswax Candles the Safest Choice?

Beeswax candles have been used for centuries, prized for their clean burn, natural scent, and eco-friendliness. But are they safe in general? And are they really safer than paraffin or soy candles? Many people worry about indoor air pollution, fire hazards, and toxicity. This post uncovers the truth about beeswax candles, separating facts from myths while exploring their health benefits.

What Are Beeswax Candles Made Of?

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees when building their hives. Beeswax is produced from glands in the abdomen of honeybees and is excreted to create the hive itself. They shape the beeswax into honeycomb where they store honey and pollen, and hatch their young. Unlike paraffin wax, which is a petroleum byproduct, beeswax is natural, renewable, and non-toxic.

Bee Secreting Wax Scales

 

Key Ingredients in Beeswax Candles:

• Pure beeswax – Naturally emits negative ions that help purify the air.
• Cotton or wood wicks – Free from lead or synthetic additives.
• Essential oils (optional) – Sometimes added for natural fragrance.

Unlike many mass-produced candles, high-quality beeswax candles contain no artificial dyes or fragrances. Look for beeswax candles that contain no artificial colours or fragrances. Remember, when the beeswax has been dyed or adulterated to add fragrance, that is a new chemical added to the candle. And that chemical was likely chosen because of its colour or smell; you don’t know what research (if any) was put into the safety of burning that chemical in your home. That’s why we sell non-dyed, non-fragranced beeswax candles at Prairie Sun Beeswax. They are the safer choice. 

Are Beeswax Candles Non-Toxic? Science and Studies

Unlike paraffin candles, which release benzene, toluene, and formaldehyde, pure beeswax burns nearly completely clean and does not produce toxic fumes when burnt correctly (we always say that a small flame is a happy flame).

A 2009 study by the American Chemical Society found that paraffin candles emit indoor air pollutants that may trigger asthma or allergies. 

Debunking Common Myths About Beeswax Candles

Myth #1: Beeswax Candles Are More Flammable

All candles can pose a fire hazard if left unattended, but beeswax has a higher melting point (around 144 to 147 degrees Fahrenheit) than paraffin or soy wax, making it burn more slowly and with less risk of accidental flare-ups.

Myth #2: Beeswax Candles Produce More Soot

Pure beeswax candles produce little to no soot when burnt correctly, unlike paraffin candles that release black smoke and residue. However, trimming the wick to about one-quarter inch prevents excessive flickering or smoke.

Myth #3: Beeswax Candles Are Too Expensive

While beeswax candles may cost more upfront, they burn up to 50 percent longer than paraffin or soy candles, making them a better long-term investment.

Benefits of Beeswax Candles Over Other Candles

Feature	Beeswax Candles	Paraffin Candles	Soy Candles
Air Purification	Yes, emits negative ions	No	No
Toxic Chemical Release	None	Yes (Benzene, Toluene)	Minimal
Burn Time	Longest (40-60 hours)	Short (20-30 hours)	Moderate (30-40 hours)
Soot Production	Minimal	High	Minimal
Scent Throw	Natural honey-like scent	Artificial fragrances	Mild scent
Eco-Friendly	100% Natural & Sustainable	Petroleum-Based	Renewable but often GMO

 

How to Choose the Safest Beeswax Candles

To ensure maximum safety, always look for:

• 100 percent pure beeswax (avoid candles mixed with paraffin)
• Cotton or wood wicks
• No artificial fragrances (essential oils are okay)
• Hand-poured over mass-produced candles for better quality control and more local ingredients

Always buy from trusted brands that source their beeswax ethically. If a candle is labelled "Beeswax Blend," it likely contains paraffin (which pollutes).

Safety Tips for Burning Beeswax Candles

To enjoy your beeswax candles safely, follow these best practices:

1. Trim the wick – Keep it at one-quarter inch to prevent excessive flickering (shortening it while it burns as needed).
2. Burn the candle for 3-4 hours at a time to prevent tunnelling.
3. Remove any packaging from the candle.
4. Burn on a heat-resistant surface – Beeswax burns at a higher temperature than paraffin.
5. Avoid drafty areas – Prevent uneven burning and fire risks.
6. Never leave candles unattended – Always extinguish before sleeping.
7. Use a candle snuffer – Blowing out the candle can cause wax splatter.
8. To remove white bloom from the candle (which is a natural process of pure beeswax as oils rise to the surface), gently warm the outside of the candle with a hair dryer or warm water. But there is also no reason to remove it if you like it!

Final Verdict: Are Beeswax Candles Safe?

Beeswax candles are one of the safest, cleanest, and most eco-friendly candle options available. They:

• Burn clean.
• Burn longer than paraffin or soy candles.
• Produce little to no soot when properly maintained.
• Are produced sustainably from beehives without disrupting the life of the bees.

For those looking for a healthier, more sustainable alternative to conventional candles, pure beeswax candles are the best choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can beeswax candles trigger allergies?

No, beeswax candles are hypoallergenic and can actually help reduce airborne allergens like dust and pet dander.

Do beeswax candles burn longer than soy candles?

Yes, beeswax candles burn about 50 percent longer than soy and paraffin candles.

Can I add essential oils to beeswax candles?

Yes, but beeswax burns hotter than soy, so only add essential oils with a high flashpoint, like cedarwood or sandalwood.

Are beeswax candles vegan?

No, since beeswax is a byproduct of honeybee colonies, it is not considered vegan.

Where to Buy the Best Beeswax Candles

Looking for high-quality, 100 percent pure beeswax candles? Check out our collection at Prairie Sun Beeswax for eco-friendly, handcrafted candles made from locally sourced Canadian beeswax.

Shop now and experience the difference.

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.

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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.