There is no such thing as cheap beeswax!

Sep 11, 2010 By Pat Cattermole

Beeswax candles are generally expensive compared to other candles. If you come across a company claiming to sell cheap beeswax they may not be telling the truth about what's in their candles. Chinese Beeswax - Chinese beeswax is typically very low quality. According to one of our beekeepers, some Chinese honey bees are not allowed to forage on plants. They are fed sugar water instead. The result is a wax that doesn't have much natural scent, a lack of color and does not burn well (often Chinese beeswax has a green muddy appearance.) Mixed or Blended Waxes - Some companies will call their product "beeswax" when it's blended with other waxes such as soy, palm or paraffin. If a beeswax candle is blended with these waxes the benefits of the beeswax is minimized even if the wax is natural, if it's paraffin the benefits are negated. According to candle regulations, a company can call their candle a beeswax candle as long as it has 10% beeswax in it. When shopping for real beeswax candles (because you want all the benefits of natural beeswax) make sure the candle says "100% pure beeswax candles". Rolled Honeycomb - Rolled honeycomb candles are very different than poured, solid beeswax candles. They don't burn for very long compared to solid beeswax candles and don't burn as well. When shopping for beeswax candles here are some tips to make sure you get the real deal:

100% pure beeswax is very hard and heavier than blended candles. When you pick it up you can feel the weight in your hands.
100% pure beeswax candles typically develop "bloom." The whitish film is an indicator of purity and is cherished by candle connoisseurs. Bloom is defined in the Merriam Webster’s Dictionary as a “state or time of beauty, freshness and vigor.” Candles mixed with other waxes will not develop bloom.
100% pure beeswax candles have a richer looking color (see photo on the above right) than Chinese wax and blended wax.
100% pure beeswax candles have a subtle honey scent. Some companies will use artificial scent in their blended candles to mimic the natural honey scent.
If you are unsure about your candles call the company and ask them where they source their wax and if it's blended with other waxes.

Published By Pat Cattermole

I had the good fortune to be hired at Honey Candles in the fall of 2004. Experience managing a small rural printing business and 15 years as an elected public school trustee has been a benefit as Honey Candles moves through the need for flexibility and the demands of rapidly changing natural products marketing. I am the Sales Manager and most likely to be the one answering the phone when you call. Social Media and blogging for Honey Candles has been a recent addition to my list of skills.