Candle Makers in Lebanon: Soy, Beeswax, and Luxury Fragrances

What used to be Yankee Candle imports now competes with Lebanese-made luxury candles. Local makers source soy and beeswax, blend perfumer-grade fragrances, and hand-pour into ceramic and glass vessels often sourced from regional potters.

Wax types

• Paraffin: cheap, strong scent throw, petroleum-derived — losing favour.
• Soy: renewable, cleaner burn, lower scent throw — most common premium choice.
• Beeswax: traditional, slight honey scent, very clean burn — premium price.
• Coconut + soy blends: luxury favourite, holds fragrance best.

Fragrance quality

• Fragrance oil: synthetic, strong, dominates the market.
• Essential oil: natural, subtler, often blended for therapy.
• Perfumer-grade fragrance: Grasse-sourced, sophisticated notes — what luxury Lebanese brands use.
• Look for fragrance load 8–12% by weight.

Wick and burn

• Cotton wicks for most candles; wood wicks for crackle effect.
• Trim wick to 5 mm before each lighting — prevents soot.
• First burn: 1 hour per inch of diameter to set the melt pool.
• Quality candle: 40–60 hours burn time for a 250 g jar.

Lebanese makers to know

• Local boutiques in Mar Mikhael, Gemmayzeh, and Saifi.
• Pop-up at Souk el Tayeb and concept stores like Plan Bey.
• Custom corporate gifting with engraved vessels — popular for hotel turndown service.