Beeswax vs Citronella Candles: Which Lasts Longer?
By Unplug. Connect. Outdoors. That's UCO | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Comparisons
Compare UCO beeswax and citronella candles on burn time, function, and best use. Find out which camp candle lasts longer and which one fits your outdoor needs.
Quick answer
The UCO 18-Hour Natural Beeswax Candle lasts three hours longer than the 15-Hour Citronella Candle, but the citronella candle adds insect repellent. Choose by your priority: longer burn or bug defense.
Burn time difference
The beeswax candle runs for 18 hours, while the citronella candle burns for 15 hours. That three-hour gap matters if you need light through a full night or a long evening without swapping candles.
Function vs. light
The citronella candle does double duty: it provides light and repels mosquitoes thanks to natural citronella oil. The beeswax candle focuses on clean, dependable light without added fragrance or insect repellent. If bugs are a problem, the citronella candle saves you from carrying a separate repellent.
Trade-offs at a glance
- 18-Hour Natural Beeswax Candle: Lasts 18 hours, clean-burning, no added scent or repellent. Best for pure light needs.
- 15-Hour Citronella Candle: Lasts 15 hours, infused with natural citronella for mosquito repellent. Combines light and bug defense. If you need both light and repellent, the citronella candle is the efficient choice despite the shorter burn.
- Decision rule: Choose beeswax if you want the longest burn time and clean light. Choose citronella if bugs are a concern and you can trade three hours of burn for built-in repellent.
Product facts
- 15-Hour CITRONELLA CANDLES - 3 PACK: UCO Citronella Candles are infused with natural citronella oil for mosquito repellent. This candle combines light and bug protection in one stick, reducing what you pack.
15-Hour CITRONELLA CANDLES - 3 PACK - 18-Hour Natural Beeswax Candles - 3 pack {Made in USA}: UCO Natural Beeswax Candles are made in the USA from 100% natural beeswax and provide clean-burning light. Beeswax burns longer and cleaner than paraffin, making it a premium choice for extended use in lanterns.
18-Hour Natural Beeswax Candles - 3 pack {Made in USA}
Which candle fits your trip?
Best for
- Campers who want the longest burn time and clean light without added scent
- Emergency kits where every hour of light counts
Not for
- Trips where mosquitoes are heavy and you want an all-in-one light and repellent solution
