Beeswax: how bees make it, its properties, candles and common pitfalls

What is beeswax?

Beeswax is the building material of the hive’s comb. Worker bees make it from eight glands located under segments 4 to 7 of their abdomen: it comes out as small transparent flakes, which the bees chew and shape into hexagonal cells. It takes roughly 1,100 flakes to make a gram, and the hive must be heated to 33–36 °C for the bees to produce it. According to an old experiment (Whitcomb, 1946), several kilos of honey, on the order of 7 to 9 kg, are needed to produce one kilo of wax: beeswax is a precious material.

Fresh wax is almost white. It yellows or browns over the seasons, through pollen oils and propolis, which accounts for the range of colours from cream to golden brown.

Composition and properties

Its high melting point makes it a hard wax that burns slowly and with a steady flame. It is also used in cosmetics (lip balms, creams), wood-care waxes, encaustic painting and lost-wax casting.

In candles

• Slow burning: a beeswax candle generally lasts longer than a candle of the same size made of paraffin or soy.
• Thicker wick: a harder wax needs a suitable wick (see Candle wicks).
• Scent: a light, natural honey scent. It masks added fragrances poorly, which is why beeswax candles are rarely scented.
• Bloom: a whitish, matte veil may appear on the surface. It is natural and harmless: it is a migration of components. It can be removed by rubbing with a soft cloth or with a hairdryer.
• Embossed sheets: sold for making your own candles; simple and safe for craft activities.

Beeswax has a long liturgical tradition: it is prescribed for the paschal (Easter) candle, and the Eastern Orthodox Church prefers it. See also Candle colours and symbolism.

What is claimed about “air purification”

Some sellers claim that beeswax candles “purify the air” or “release negative ions that capture dust.” We have not found any solid study that demonstrates this. Like any flame, a beeswax candle consumes oxygen and releases particles; the French Ineris–CSTB study of nine scented candles shows large differences from one product to another, and health authorities recommend ventilating after any burning. Beeswax candles are a matter of tradition and taste, not a method of air purification.

Traps and adulteration

• Blends: a candle sold as “beeswax” may contain mostly paraffin or stearin. Look for the percentage and the honey smell of the wax. Adulterated wax lacks this smell.
• Wax imported from treated hives: analyses have found residues of products used against hive parasites in some commercial waxes. The risk is low for a candle, but you may prefer wax from a local beekeeper, sometimes certified organic.
• Allergy: the wax sometimes contains traces of propolis and pollen; people allergic to honey, propolis or bee stings may react. Ask a doctor for advice.
• Not vegan: it is a material of animal origin.

Melting, care and sustainability

To melt beeswax at home, always use a double boiler: never a direct flame, as the wax can ignite. Do not exceed about 85 °C, stay beside it, and keep a lid within reach: a burning wax fire is smothered with a lid, never with water (see Fire safety and rituals). As for sustainability, wax is a by-product of beekeeping: it does not harm bees when the beekeeper collects it responsibly, but it remains an agricultural product whose impact depends on how the hives are managed. Wild and domestic bees face several pressures; supporting local beekeeping is one way to help.

Frequently asked questions

Also read

The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Herbs, waxes and accessories.