The Foton Pearled Candle has been gaining attention for its unique sand-like design and reusable features. Curious to see if this unconventional candle could live up to its claims, I decided to try it out for myself. With promises of long burn times and an intriguing setup, this candle brings something new to the table—but does it deliver? Here’s my firsthand experience.
Where to Purchase
You can pick up the Foton candle for about $35. It comes in a variety of different scents.
Note: This is the written companion to my video review found here, or you can watch it below.
Unboxing and First Impressions
When I first unboxed the Foton Pearled Candle, I was met with eye-catching packaging and a bit of a surprise—a card inviting me to trade a good review for a coupon. Moving past that, the packaging itself was sleek but a little tough to open. Inside, I found the “pearls,” which looked and felt like fine white sand, and a packet containing 30 candle wicks. This “sand” can be poured into any container, with each wick burning for about 12 hours. If their math holds up, that’s over 120 hours of total burn time.
The candle also claims to be clean-burning, non-toxic, and plant-based, which made me feel comfortable experimenting with it indoors. I opted for the “Dreamy Dune” scent, although unscented and other scented options are available.
Setting Up: Pour, Wick, and Light
According to the instructions, you need a container at least four inches wide to hold the pearls and keep the wick centered. I poured the sand-like substance into a glass dish, then placed a wick into the “sand.” Adjusting the wick height took a bit of fiddling to make sure it was just right for a safe and effective burn.
The process was straightforward—add the wick, light it up, and watch it go. My first impression once lit was that it looked like a traditional candle but with an interesting twist: a textured, sandy surface around the flame.
Burn Time and Performance
Once the Foton Candle was burning, I set it aside to see how it held up. The first thing I noticed was that the scent wasn’t overpowering. It was subtle, which I appreciated, especially since some candles can be a bit too fragrant for my taste. After two hours, the candle was still going strong, and the glass container stayed relatively cool, suggesting the size recommendation was spot-on.
At around the four-hour mark, the candle continued to burn consistently without tunneling too much. By the 11th hour, I could tell it was nearing the end of this particular wick’s life. The instructions suggested blowing out the flame, letting it cool, and removing the wick for reuse. A note: I mistakenly removed the wick too soon, making it a bit tricky to pull the wax out cleanly. Lesson learned!
Reusability: Just Add Another Wick
Once cooled, I was able to pull out the hardened wax, smooth the surface of the “sand,” and add another wick without issue. The process was surprisingly simple, and I was able to reuse the candle without any mess or fuss. It genuinely felt like I was getting a new candle with each reuse.
Safety Claims: Testing the Self-Extinguishing Feature
One of the Foton Candle’s unique selling points is its self-extinguishing feature. The company claims that if the container tips over, the loose pearls will immediately put out the flame. Curious, I gently tipped it over, and it worked as advertised—the flame extinguished almost instantly as the sand dispersed.
For a final experiment, I tried recreating the promotional image where the candle is lit in the palm of your hand. While this looked cool, I don’t recommend holding a lit candle for long, as the pearls can get warm over time. But it worked, and the flame extinguished easily with a little shake.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Reusable Design: The pearls and wicks are easy to reset for each use.
- Subtle Scent: Pleasant but not overwhelming, making it suitable for sensitive noses.
- Safety Feature: The self-extinguishing sand worked flawlessly.
- Novelty Factor: It’s a fun, interactive alternative to traditional candles.
Cons:
- Price: At $34.99, it’s pricier than standard candles, though the reusable factor helps balance the cost.
- Potential Mess: Handling the sand can get a bit messy, especially during the cleanup and wick-changing steps.
Final Thoughts: A Unique Candle with Good Functionality
In the end, the Foton Pearled Candle lived up to most of its promises. It provides a nice ambiance, a pleasant scent, and a fun, reusable setup. While the price point is higher than most candles, you do get an impressive burn time and a reusable system that adds value over time. I ended up going through all of the “sand” and found myself with far more extra wicks than I needed. I held onto them in case I get more of these candles down the road.
Would I recommend it? Yes—especially if you’re looking for a unique candle experience that’s clean-burning and fun to use. Just be ready for a bit of mess and follow the instructions closely to get the most out of it.
Video Review
Check out my full video review of the Foton candle below.