Are Foton Pearled Candles Worth The Hype Or Simply A Trend?

What's better than a gift? A gift that keeps on giving, and that's exactly what the Foton Pearled Candle Company does best. Now you may be thinking...what's so great about a candle? Isn't it sort of on par with giving a tie for Father's Day or getting socks for Christmas? Well, yes, it's a candle, but it's not just any candle. This candle is magic. Okay, not really, but it does have the ability to turn almost anything into a candle...which sounds pretty darn magical if you think about it. But as unique as it is, is this candle really something that will stick around? Or just another trend whose flame will eventually go out? 

From what we could find, these candles hold up to their claims, and they seem to have discovered a gap in the market rather than forcing their way in. Instead of using a melted and hardened wax, this "candle" comes with a wick — either cotton or wood — and a bag of wax pearls that are roughly between sand-grain and quinoa-sized. To make your candle, you choose a container, pour the pearls, place the wick, and voila — candle. Not only does this allow you to make use of various items (think shells, centerpieces, or repurposing cookie jars into gorgeous candles), but it also allows you to have a brand-new candle experience every time you use it. Once your melted wax has cooled, you can remove the wick and the solid piece of wax. All you need to do then is cut the wick, replenish your pearls, and stick it back in.

In recent years, there has been an uptick in concern as to how burning scented candles could be hazardous to your health, and this concern is shared by the Foton company. Their website dictates that in addition to natural cotton and wood wicks, they also use a clean-burning, plant-based wax that is designed to keep smoke and soot to a minimum. In addition, the wax is vegan and contains no paraffin, parabens, or phthalates. The wax also comes in an unscented option, so it won't irritate sensitive olfactory organs. If you do want a fragrance, you can either add your own essential oil blend or candle-safe fragrance before lighting, or choose one of the scented options. 

The other big concern with candles is fire safety. Well, Foton thought of this too. Not only will these candles self-extinguish if knocked over, but they will also eventually extinguish themselves if left alone to burn too long, making this a great gift choice for even your most forgetful friends. These safety features could make the products a safer bet than your average candles, which in turn could ensure they are more than just a passing trend. 

Though they can seem a bit pricey, you are paying for both quality and longevity. One 18-ounce bag of pearls costs $35, but it has a burn time of up to 120 hours and comes with 30 wicks — each of which can burn for up to 12 hours, so you won't even have to use tips for making your candle last longer. The quality is also bolstered by customer reviews, the majority of which are overwhelmingly positive.