The buzz on Beeswax

How I got started

When I started making candles in 2023, I was as beginner as it gets. The reason I started was because of my ultra-sensitive body system to scents, chemicals, and toxic fragrance. I am blessed and cursed with being an ingredients reader. Trust me, I want the Vanilla Coffee Bean scented candle from Tj.maxx just as much as the next person. But I knew it was not worth the risk of a headache that would last for days. So, my solution was to start making my own.

When I started researching, I found that soy wax was the “easiest” wax for beginner candle makers. Though soy wax isn’t the most ethical, at least I wasn’t adding toxic chemicals to the wax itself. I found myself obsessed with it. At this time just experimenting with the wax itself.

I had candles all over my house. My friends had candles, heck, I even started making smaller candles to put on top of my other candles. My candles had candles! They were everywhere. As great as they were, and I loved the ambiance that they offered. I was still missing the scent. Maybe I could just buy ONE of the Strawberry Shortcake scented candles from HomeGoods……

I did not. I kept experimenting. I do not believe in toxic fragrance, and I will not subject myself to cancer. Yes, it is that dramatic.

I started experimenting with therapeutic grade essential oils. After a hard math lesson on the weight of candle to essential oil volume, I still wasn’t satisfied. The amount of essential oil to wax ratio for an average size candle was insane! And was also breaking the bank. Not. Working. So I caved. I bought the “Healthier” version of toxic fragrance. It worked in a way. My house smelled like Lilac Dream for days and…. Low and behold, the headache lasted for weeks. I’m sorry, body!

It wasn’t until one year later that I was at one of our local spots that sells honey from all over the State. I frequented there often, but until one day, I never noticed the golden block of beeswax. I bought one. In my research, I found that Beeswax was supposedly the hardest wax to work with. I was intimidated by it. It was on the more expensive side, so I didn’t want to waste it. Wasting something cheap like soy wax is much easier. I’m sorry, but that’s the truth. So, I kept trying with soy wax. I bought mica powder and “painted” the candles. I tried adding herbs to the top for fragrance. Nothing was hitting. And even the plain soy wax was starting to give me a headache at this point. It wasn’t until another 6 months later; I finally was ready to try beeswax. I would try a very small candle, just in case. I bought a special mold just for the beeswax. That way, even if it didn’t work as a fragrance candle, it was cute and decorative. This is where it all turned. I melted the wax, being very meticulous on the temperature, poured it, and waited for it to set. The mold was so small it started setting instantly. It blew. My. mind. Not only did the wax set in under half the time, but the Beeswax totally changed the energy of my house, my mood, AND it smelled so good! Like warm honey and a hug. I cried. Then I poured the rest of the wax into the molds. The Baby Buddha’s were born. Frankly, I was born. After a year and a half, I had worked for this. Trial and error, headaches, happiness, disappointments. It finally happened. The Baby Buddha’s were so cute I didn’t burn them for a few months. But after the excitement calmed down, I was curious to see how well they burned. That is when I found out that Beeswax burns for almost 2 times longer than other waxes. Okay, now you have my full attention.

I started researching, and this is what I found:

What is Beeswax?

Beeswax is a waxy substance created by young honey worker bees. In beehives, beeswax is used by worker bees to create cells. The hexagonal design of these cells creates the iconic “honeycomb” pattern.

Chemically, beeswax is composed of over 280 different compounds

Benefits of Beeswax

Beeswax has a multitude of natural benefits, and although it is edible, beeswax is most commonly added to everyday personal care routines. A few advantages to using beeswax include:

Beeswax Candles: Beeswax burns 2x longer than other wax types, is a renewable resource and is by product that bees produce when eating honey. It burns soot free, and neutralizes free radical positive ions (dust, dandruff, toxins, etc.) making it ideal for people with allergies like asthma. Beeswax flame mimics the rays of the sun which calms the immune and nervous system.

Moisturizing Components: Beeswax locks in moisture and can help keep the skin firm and plump. The anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory properties soothe easily irritated skin, making it one of the best skincare ingredients for healing rosacea or eczema.

Ability to Protect from Irritants: Beeswax can also act as a layer of protection when applied to the skin. It can protect the skin from environmental irritants and extreme weather.

Promotion of Hair Growth: Beeswax not only moisturizes and soothes hair, but it can keep natural moisture from getting out of the hair. It also stimulates hair growth and reduces hair loss.

There are many other benefits to using beeswax, some of which I’m sure we don’t even know of yet. But this is a wonderful and beautiful product. One that I stand and use daily. I burn my candles for air purity (works amazingly if you’re in a state that gets affected by fire season). And for ritual. They have been an amazing addition to my mediation and yoga sessions, a candlelight bath, or to light with your morning cup of coffee. I can truly say I have found and created what I was looking for and so much more! I hope you try it and find out for yourself if you love them as much as I do.

To end this, I'd just like to say thank you for taking the time to read these amazing benefits, and most of all, a huge thank you to the Bees who have supported me through this whole process.