Tealight

Tealight is a small candle encased in a thin cup, typically made of aluminum, though plastic and other materials are used for some variants. The wick sits at the center of the wax, and the candle is designed to burn with a gentle flame while contained by the cup. The wax is commonly paraffin, but blends with soy or beeswax are also available. The cup catches melted wax, protects surfaces, and makes handling safer.

Most tealights have a burn time of about 3 to 5 hours, depending on wax type, cup size, and wick length. They are usually sold unscented, but scented versions are widely available for decorative or ambient purposes. Floating tealights and larger or longer-burning variants exist for special displays and events.

Uses and applications include decorative lighting for tables, centerpieces, and festive displays, as well as heating in oil warmers, fragrance lamps, or aroma diffusers that require a low, steady heat source. They are common in homes, hospitality venues, and ceremonial settings due to their compact size and relatively low cost.

Safety and handling: tealights should be placed on heat-resistant surfaces away from flammable materials, and never left burning unattended. The cups and nearby surfaces can become hot, so they should be kept out of reach of children and pets. After extinguishing, allow the cup and remaining wax to cool before disposal or recycling. Wax types vary in environmental impact, with renewable options like soy or beeswax offering alternatives to paraffin. Aluminum cups are typically recyclable where facilities exist.