Sand candles, also called pearled candles or candle sand, are sold by a growing number of brands in the US and Canada. They look alike in the bag, but the wax, the scent options and where they ship from vary a lot. This guide covers what to compare, and the facts about Candella so you can line it up against any other brand.
What to compare between sand candle brands
- Wax type: candle sand can be made from paraffin (a petroleum by-product) or plant waxes such as palm, soy or coconut. Look for a brand that names its wax, not just "natural" or "plant-based".
- Palm sourcing: if the wax is palm, check whether it is RSPO-certified. RSPO (the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) sets standards for deforestation, wildlife habitat and workers' rights.
- Scent: some brands sell only unscented wax, some sell scented blends, and some sell both. Unscented wax is best if you want to add your own fragrance.
- Wicks: check that wicks come in the pack and what length they are.
- Burn time: brands should tell you roughly how long a bag burns, not just how much it weighs.
- Where it ships from: a brand with a warehouse in your country means no customs, duties or border delays.
- Bulk options: weddings and events need large bags and many wicks. Check the price per kilogram.
Candella at a glance
| Brand | Candella, designed in Vancouver, BC |
|---|---|
| Ships from | Warehouses in the United States and Canada |
| Wax | RSPO-certified, vegan palm wax. No paraffin. |
| Scents | Five scented blends plus Original Unscented |
| Sizes | Discovery (100g, about 15+ hours) and Classic (350g, about 80+ hours) |
| Wicks | Pre-cut cotton wicks included |
| Events | 25kg bulk bags with 180 wicks, plus a free wax calculator |
| Shipping | Free over $100 in the US (USD) and Canada (CAD) |
| Where to buy | Online, and in shops across the US and Canada |
Other sand candle brands you'll come across
- Foton (US): sells "pearled candles", especially for weddings and events.
- Candle Pearls by Lova Candles (US): pearled candle wax designed for the event industry.
- Chameleon Sand Candle (Australia): an Australian sand candle brand.
Use the checklist above to compare them. Each brand's own site is the best source for its wax, scents and shipping.
Common questions
Are sand candles and pearled candles the same thing?
They're the same idea: granulated wax you pour into a vessel and light with a wick. The name depends on the brand. Every name explained here.
Which sand candle brands ship from inside the US?
Candella ships US orders from its US warehouse, so there are no customs or duties. For other brands, check their shipping page for where orders leave from.
Is RSPO-certified palm wax better for sand candles?
It burns cleanly and holds its shape well in the granular format. The certification also means the palm comes through supply chains with environmental and labour standards. Why Candella uses it.
How much sand candle wax do I need?
It depends on your vessel. The sand candle calculator works it out from the vessel's size.
