Are Beeswax Candles Safe for Us, Our Kids and Our Pets?

I love candles and when I started to keep bees my thoughts went to all the lovely things I could make from my hobby beyond honey. The wax that comes from the beehive can make all kinds of things including candles and so I wondered whether beeswax candles are safe.

As a general rule, beeswax candles are considered safe assuming you follow basic safety precautions. Always trim the wick to a quarter-inch before each use, place candles in non-flammable holders, keep them away from flammable materials and drafts and never leave burning candles unattended.

I decided to do some research on the topic and although the short answer is above I’ve included a lot more detail below including whether beeswax candles are safe for our children and pets so please do read on.

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Are Beeswax Candles Safe to Use?

From all the research I did I didn’t find anything to suggest beeswax candles are any less safe than other candle types such as soy candles or paraffin candles.

In fact, what I found was that beeswax candles along with soy wax candles are often preferred due to their natural composition and clean-burning properties

What I did discover was the concerns people had and I’ve listed the main ones below.

Perhaps you share the same concerns?

1. Are Beeswax Candles Toxic?

What I find wonderful about beeswax is that it is a natural substance produced by bees. Therefore beeswax candles do not contain harmful chemicals or synthetic ingredients typically found in some other types of candles, such as paraffin wax candles.

This makes them a much safer option.

2. Do Beeswax Candles Burn Clean?

Beeswax candles burn cleanly and produce very little soot or smoke compared to candles made from other materials such as paraffin. Soot and smoke have the possibility to release harmful substances into the air, so the cleaner burn of beeswax candles is a distinct advantage.

3. Do Beeswax Candles Cause Allergies?

If you are an allergy sufferer like me then beeswax candles are one of your best choices.

Beeswax is known to be hypoallergenic, meaning that it is unlikely to cause allergic reactions in most people. This makes beeswax candles a great choice for people with sensitivities and/or allergies to other candle materials such as soy or paraffin.

Using Beeswax Candles Safely

While beeswax candles are generally safe to use, it’s important to note that any candle should be used with care and proper precautions.

My advice is to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, trim the wick to an appropriate length before each use, and never leave a burning candle unattended.

I wrote another article about soy candle safety where I shared my thoughts on How to use Candles Safely (Soy or Otherwise) which I’d encourage you to read next as it’s relevant to beeswax candles as well.

It has a wealth of safety tips along with a video you can watch about Candle Safety Tips.

Are Beeswax Candles Bad for the Environment?

This is a question we get asked a lot.

Burning any candle no matter what it’s made from will always release an amount of soot into the atmosphere.

Beeswax candles are an eco-friendly choice compared to paraffin candles, which are derived from petroleum. Candles made from paraffin release much more soot into the air than candles made from beeswax.

But what about the production of beeswax candles, well as already mentioned in this article beeswax is a natural and renewable resource, so its production has a minimal impact on the environment.

Lastly, beeswax candles are biodegradable – in case you want to discard them for some reason.

Beeswax Candles and Our Children

Are Beeswax Candles Safe During Pregnancy?

As with most women, during my pregnancy, I often needed to relax.

Whilst previously I’d have reached for a candle to provide the calming ambience and scent that I needed to unwind, I started to wonder if burning candles was a good idea.

And this is what I found out.

Beeswax candles are considered safe to use during pregnancy. They do not release harmful chemicals that could adversely affect the health of expectant mothers or their babies. However, it is advisable to use unscented candles to minimise any potential sensitivity to fragrances that can arise during pregnancy.

Are Beeswax Candles Safe for Babies?

Not sure why but things seem different when your children are actually born and you end up rethinking lots of decisions you’ve previously made.

This is right because once your baby is born you not only have to think about any harmful toxins or chemicals being released from candles but also candle safety comes into play once children can move around.

The good news is that all the evidence points to the fact that beeswax candles are considered safe for babies and pose no risks of respiratory issues or allergies. However, it is essential to keep burning candles out of reach to prevent accidental contact and potential injuries.

Are Beeswax Candles Safe for Pets?

I own a dog, a cocker spaniel and just as with children I wanted to make sure I looked after him and that burning beeswax candles would not be harmful.

Are Beeswax Candles Safe for Dogs?

As a general rule burning beeswax candles in a well-ventilated area is safe for dogs.

Now, of course, you should never leave a dog alone with a lit candle in case they decide to take an interest and knock into it giving them a burn or worse.

You should also take care when it comes to scents or essential oils in the beeswax candles.

Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to additives so even though beeswax candles are generally unscented it’s worth keeping an eye out and of course, consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog may have an adverse reaction.

Are Beeswax Candles Safe for Cats?

Beeswax candles are generally considered safe for cats as they are for dogs, but it’s important to exercise caution when using them around our feline friends.

Individual cats may have sensitivities or allergies to certain substances, so it’s crucial to observe their behaviour when introducing beeswax candles.

If any concerns arise, you should consult with a veterinarian asap.

As with dogs, it is essential to keep candles in a safe location, out of reach from curious cats, and to never leave a burning candle unattended.

Are Beeswax Candles Safe for Birds?

Beeswax candles are generally safe for birds because they do not release harmful toxins or soot when burned however birds have delicate respiratory systems, therefore it is best to keep them in a well-ventilated area and avoid scented candles, as some fragrances can be irritating to them.

Are Beeswax Candles Safer than Soy Candles?

From the information I’ve gathered beeswax candles and soy candles are pretty much as safe as each other as they are made from natural materials (beeswax and soybean respectively).

Whilst soot emissions may be similar, whichever type of candle you are using you must take the same safety precautions.

One thing to note is soy candles generally come in a container of some sort, such as a tin or glass jar and so if I was being really picky you could argue that this is a safer way to burn a candle.

Common FAQs

Do Beeswax Candles Really Clean the Air?

Whilst it is true that beeswax candles do clean the air by attracting and neutralising positive ions (airborne pollutants), the overall impact on indoor air quality is limited. You are far better to improve your air quality by other measures such as proper ventilation and air purifiers.

Are Beeswax Candles Better than Regular Candles?

Compared to regular candles made from paraffin wax, beeswax candles offer several advantages. They burn cleaner, produce less soot, have a longer burn time, and do not release harmful toxins into the air. Additionally, beeswax candles have a natural, pleasant scent and are free from synthetic additives.

Why Switch to Beeswax Candles?

You should switch to beeswax candles as they offer a safer and cleaner burning experience, are environmentally friendly, and have a natural, subtle fragrance. The production of beeswax candles is also a sustainable process helping to protect our valuable environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, beeswax candles are generally safe for us, our babies and our pets however as discussed in this article you should employ candle safety just as much as using any other candle type.

I hope that my article has given you some comfort that you can continue to use beeswax candles in your home to relax.

Enjoy!

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