Why Our Candles Aren’t Perfect (And Why That’s a Good Thing)

There’s something you might notice when you open one of our candles—maybe a little swirl in the wax, a tiny air bubble, or a label that’s not 100% machine-perfect. And we get it. If you’re used to store-bought, mass-produced candles, these little details might feel unexpected.

But here’s the thing: that’s exactly the point.

Every California Handcrafted candle is made by hand—from placing the wick to pouring the wax, to applying each label after the candles have cured. There’s no assembly line, no automation, no machines to guarantee perfection. Just a pair of hands (mine) doing the work, one candle at a time.

We also choose to use all-natural, healthy ingredients. Our wax is coconut apricot—not paraffin—and we don’t add stabilizers, hardeners, or other chemicals just to make the surface look flawless. Because those same additives are the ones that release toxins into your home when burned. That’s a tradeoff we’re never going to make.

So no, our candles might not always look perfect. But they’re real. They’re made with care, with clean ingredients, and with the intention that they’ll bring something warm and meaningful into your home.

In our eyes, every candle we make is perfect. Not because it’s flawless, but because it was made for you.

Thanks for being part of our journey,

— Greg
Founder, Maker & Candle Guy at California Handcrafted