Let’s face it, candles are awesome! They’re fun to watch burn and enjoyable to smell. However, most candles that are sold in stores bad for the environment and not the best for your health. But this doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy candles anymore… Beeswax candles do not only have all of the fun perks of regular candles (a mesmerizing glow, a nice smell), they are eco-friendly and good for your health! Better for your lungs and the environment!

Types of Candles (Ranked)

To determine why beeswax candles are the best, let’s compare them with some of the common types of candles (and rank them!). 

Candles are most commonly made from paraffin wax, soy wax and beeswax.

Last Place: Paraffin Wax

This is both the cheapest and most common wax found in candles, especially because it can hold artificial colouring and fragrance well. 

A chemistry professor at South Carolina State University, and an undergrad student found that paraffin candles gave off a variety of harmful chemicals, including toluene, alkanes, and alkenes. However, it’s also important to note that other studies have found that there are no toxic emissions from paraffin wax. Regardless, paraffin wax usually generates soot, especially if it is not properly cared for. 

Soot is known to cause a myriad of breathing issues and can even lead to cancer. It’s also not good for the environment, considering that it’s made from a byproduct of the oil industry. 

This candle wax seems like it would best be avoided! We give this one last place.

2nd Place: Soy Wax

This wax doesn’t hold fragrance as well as paraffin wax and is pricier.

On the upside, soy wax is known to be better for the environment than paraffin wax. Though it is a byproduct of the soybean industry, and there are growing concerns over deforestation, pesticides and fertilizers used in the retrieval process. 

And unlike paraffin wax candles, soy wax candles are not suspected to release any harmful chemicals nor soot! 

We give this wax second place. Not too bad.

1st Place: Beeswax

Beeswax has a higher melting point than other waxes, causing it to emit the brightest, most warm-toned flame, which is the easiest on the eyes. Beeswax candles also last longer than most other candles, burns slower and drips less.

Beeswax is also a renewable resource, so they’re not detrimental to the environment!

Another benefit to beeswax candles is their natural scent. They smell great without any added fragrances since beeswax absorbs the honey and nectar scents found in honeycomb.

Most impressively, beeswax candles produce negative ions when burned, which help to neutralize air pollutants, improving the breathing of the people nearby.

Wow! With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder why beeswax scored our #1 spot. 

Where to get them?

If you’re interested in switching to beeswax candles, a great online store is Gammy’s Beezwax Candles. Or if you’re feeling crafty, you can try your hand at making them yourself with a DIY kit!

Click here to check out 5 Natural Candles that Bring Exotic Destinations into Your Home!