Why I Chose Beeswax: The Benefits of All Natural Candles

For years, I’ve been slowly removing toxins from my family’s environment. It started with what we put on our skin — cosmetics, lotions, and body care products. I swapped out conventional brands for natural, handmade alternatives, learning along the way how many hidden ingredients were in the products we used every day. Once I began reading labels, I couldn’t stop. It became a mission to create a cleaner, healthier home.

But it wasn’t until later that I realized something surprising — while I was so focused on what we put on our bodies, I was still burning candles that were quietly polluting the air we breathed.

Like many people, I’ve always loved candles. The soft glow and cozy scents instantly make a house feel like home. Around the holidays, it’s a tradition — pumpkin spice in the fall, Frasier fir in December. Those smells remind me of my mom and my childhood home, of warmth and comfort and family gatherings.

So when I learned that most of those nostalgic, store-bought candles were made with synthetic fragrances and paraffin wax (a petroleum byproduct), I was heartbroken. Even many candles labeled “all natural” still contain hidden ingredients — fragrance oils and wax blends that companies aren’t required to fully disclose. In the U.S., “fragrance” is considered proprietary, which means it can include hundreds of undisclosed chemicals, including known irritants and toxins. The same goes for vague labels like soy blend or natural wax, which can contain anything from paraffin to palm oil.

Once I discovered this, I couldn’t look at candles the same way again.

My Journey to a Truly Natural Candle

I started experimenting in my kitchen, determined to create something different — a candle I could burn in my home and feel good about. I wanted it to be simple, beautiful, and completely free of synthetic ingredients. After many tests, I landed on a blend of pure beeswax and coconut oil, scented only with 100% essential oils.

It turns out, beeswax isn’t just a cleaner alternative — it’s actually beneficial. When burned, beeswax releases negative ions that help neutralize pollutants in the air, binding to dust, pollen, and other toxins. It burns brighter and longer than other waxes, giving off a warm, golden glow that feels comforting and alive. There’s something almost magical about it — the idea that something made by bees can help purify your space and create such a natural sense of calm.

Beeswax vs. Soy Wax: What I Learned

When I first started researching natural waxes, soy seemed like an obvious choice. It’s plant-based and more sustainable than paraffin, which made it a popular “eco-friendly” option. But as I dug deeper, I learned a few things that made me choose beeswax instead.

	Beeswax	Soy Wax
Source	Naturally made by honeybees	Derived from soybeans (processed oil)
Air Quality	Emits negative ions that help clean the air	Neutral effect on air quality
Burn Time	Long-lasting, bright flame	Shorter burn, cooler flame
Scent	Light natural honey aroma, blends beautifully with essential oils	Mild scent, often needs synthetic fragrance for stronger aroma
Sustainability	Supports beekeeping and pollination	Renewable but often from GMO crops and large-scale farms
Color & Texture	Golden hue, firm texture	Creamy white, softer texture

While soy wax can be a decent option, I found that beeswax aligned much more closely with my values — natural, sustainable, and truly non-toxic. It felt honest and connected to the earth in a way that no processed oil could replicate.

A Natural Glow That Feels Like Home

Every candle I make is designed to bring that same warmth and sense of peace to your home — without the hidden chemicals. My hope is that when you light one, you can breathe deeply and feel comforted, knowing it’s made only with pure, natural ingredients.

For me, creating beeswax candles isn’t just about fragrance or ambiance — it’s about living intentionally. It’s about knowing what’s in the things we bring into our homes, and choosing products that support both our health and the planet.

From Our Oregon Farm to Your Home

At Honor Botanicals, every candle is hand-poured in small batches on our family farm in the Willamette Valley. We use beeswax from responsible beekeepers, organic coconut oil, natural wooden wicks and pure essential oils — never synthetic fragrance, dyes, or mystery wax blends.

Each candle is crafted to bring the beauty of nature indoors — clean, comforting, and intentionally made to support your well-being and the planet.

Shop Honor Botanicals beeswax candles