Soy, Beeswax, Paraffin & More: How to Pick the Perfect Candle Wax

Candle making is both a science and an art, and one of the most important choices you’ll make is selecting the right wax. Different types of wax impact the burn quality, scent throw, and overall performance of your candle. In this guide, we’ll explore seven popular wax types - Soy Wax, Beeswax, Coconut Wax, Paraffin Wax, Palm Wax, Rapeseed Wax, and Gel Wax - detailing their strengths, weaknesses, and ideal uses. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which wax best suits your candle-making needs.

Soy Wax

Soy wax, derived from soybean oil, has become the gold standard for modern candle makers due to its natural origin, clean-burning properties, and superior scent throw. Unlike paraffin wax, it burns with minimal soot, ensuring a healthier and more enjoyable indoor environment. Its smooth, creamy texture creates an elegant candle appearance, making it a favorite among artisan candle brands.

One of soy wax's standout benefits is its excellent fragrance retention. When properly cured, soy wax provides a balanced scent throw, ensuring your candles smell just as good when lit as they do in the jar. Additionally, soy wax burns at a lower temperature, allowing for a longer-lasting candle and providing better value for both makers and consumers.

Pros:

• 100% natural and renewable

• Burns cleanly with minimal soot

• Holds fragrance well for a consistent scent throw

• Long burn time

• Sustainable and biodegradable

Cons:

• Prone to frosting (a cosmetic imperfection on the surface)

• Requires proper curing time to achieve the best scent throw

• Can be softer in warmer temperatures

Beeswax

Beeswax is one of the oldest known waxes used for candle making, dating back centuries. It is a completely natural substance created by honeybees and carries a subtle, naturally sweet aroma. Unlike other waxes, beeswax emits negative ions when burned, which can help purify the air by reducing pollutants and allergens. This makes it a great choice for individuals looking for a cleaner indoor air environment. However, beeswax is more expensive than other options and has a high melting point, requiring higher temperatures for melting and pouring. It is best used for pillar candles and taper candles due to its firm structure and slow burn rate.

Pros:

• Naturally purifies the air

• Long-lasting burn time

• Subtle natural honey aroma

• Minimal dripping when used for pillar or taper candles

Cons:

• Expensive compared to other waxes

• Harder to scent due to its natural aroma

• Requires higher melting temperatures, making it trickier to work with

Coconut Wax

Coconut wax is known for its smooth and creamy consistency. It is made from coconut oil and offers an excellent scent throw, both hot and cold. While it burns slowly and evenly, coconut wax alone is too soft for standalone candles and is often blended with soy or beeswax to create a firmer structure. While it is a sustainable choice, it is more expensive than soy wax and less commonly used by large-scale candle makers.

Pros:

• Strong scent throw

• Slow, even burn

• Smooth, luxurious finish

• Highly sustainable and renewable

Cons:

• More expensive than soy or paraffin wax

• Too soft to use alone in pillar candles

• Limited availability compared to other waxes

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax has been the most commonly used candle wax for decades due to its affordability and versatility. It is a byproduct of petroleum refining and has a high scent throw, making it ideal for scented candles. However, paraffin is known for producing soot and is not considered the most environmentally friendly option. Despite its drawbacks, it remains a go-to for commercial candle production due to its cost-effectiveness.

Pros:

• Strong scent throw

• Affordable and widely available

• Works well for all types of candles

• Comes in different melting points for various applications

Cons:

• Derived from petroleum, making it less eco-friendly

• Produces soot when burned

• Not as long-lasting as natural waxes

Palm Wax

Palm wax is derived from palm oil and is known for its unique crystalline finish, which adds an artistic touch to candles. It burns cleanly and has a firm structure, making it suitable for pillar candles. However, the sustainability of palm wax is a significant concern, as palm oil production has been linked to deforestation. To ensure ethical use, it’s important to source RSPO-certified palm wax, which is produced under sustainable practices.

Pros:

• Beautiful crystalline texture

• Long burn time

• Clean-burning and firm structure

Cons:

• Environmental concerns due to palm oil production

• Can be brittle and crack in colder temperatures

• Requires ethical sourcing to be truly sustainable

Rapeseed Wax

Rapeseed wax is a lesser-known but highly sustainable wax, mainly produced in Europe. It is made from rapeseed oil and is fully biodegradable. This wax has a slow and even burn, making it comparable to soy wax in terms of performance. Rapeseed wax holds fragrance well and is an excellent choice for container candles. Due to its European origin, it may be harder to find in other parts of the world.

Pros:

• Highly sustainable and biodegradable

• Slow, even burn

• Great scent throw

Cons:

• Not as widely available outside of Europe

• Can be more expensive than soy wax

Gel Wax

Gel wax is a unique wax that differs from traditional waxes as it is not actually a wax but a transparent, rubbery gel made from mineral oil and polymer resin. It allows for creative candle designs where decorative objects can be embedded inside, creating stunning visual effects. Gel wax burns longer than paraffin and is excellent for showcasing layered or themed candles. However, it requires careful handling, as too much fragrance can break down the gel’s consistency.

Pros:

• Transparent, allowing for creative designs

• Long burn time

• Holds fragrance well when used correctly

Cons:

• Requires special wicking techniques

• Too much fragrance can break down the gel

• Made from mineral oil, which some candle makers prefer to avoid

Which Wax Do I Use?

Choosing the right wax is essential for creating high-quality candles. In my Candle Making Course, we take a deep dive into different wax types, their properties, and how to use them effectively. I’ll share my personal favorites and expert techniques to ensure your candles burn beautifully, last longer, and always deliver the perfect scent throw.

Join my course click here and master the art of candle making!