Candles are a popular and versatile item that can be used for various purposes, such as decoration, aromatherapy, ambiance, and ritual. But did you know that not all candles are made of the same type of wax? In fact, there are several different types of wax that can be used to make candles, each with their own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. In this blog post, we will compare the different types of candle wax and help you choose the right one for your needs.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is the most common and widely used type of candle wax. It is a byproduct of the oil industry and is very inexpensive and easy to work with. Paraffin wax can hold a high amount of fragrance and color and can be used to make various types of candles, such as votives, pillars, tea lights, and containers. Paraffin wax also has a high melting point and a long burn time.
However, paraffin wax is not very eco-friendly or healthy, as it releases soot and chemicals into the air when burned. Some people may also be allergic or sensitive to paraffin wax or its additives. Paraffin wax can also shrink or crack when cooled and may require multiple pours to achieve a smooth finish.
Beeswax
Beeswax is one of the oldest and most natural types of candle wax. It is derived from bees during the honey-making process and has a subtle honey scent and a golden color. Beeswax is very eco-friendly and biodegradable and does not release any toxins or pollutants into the air when burned. Beeswax also has a negative ion effect that helps purify the air and reduce allergens.
Beeswax is a hard and solid wax that is often used to make unscented pillars or tapers or blended with other waxes for container candles. Beeswax has a low melting point and a slow burn time. However, beeswax is also very expensive and scarce, as it depends on the availability of honey production. Beeswax does not hold fragrance or color well and may have variations in quality depending on the source.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is one of the most popular and modern types of candle wax. It is made from soybeans, a natural and renewable source, which makes it an eco-friendly and vegan choice. Soy wax is also biodegradable and does not release any soot or harmful substances into the air when burned. Soy wax has a creamy white color and a smooth texture that gives candles a clean and elegant look.
Soy wax is usually used to make container candles or tea lights, as it has a low melting point and a soft consistency that does not support free-standing shapes. Soy wax also has a slow burn time and a good scent throw. However, soy wax can be difficult to work with, as it is very sensitive to temperature changes and may shrink, crack, or frost when cooled. Soy wax also does not hold color well and may fade over time.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is a relatively new type of candle wax that is gaining popularity among candle makers and consumers. It is made from coconut oil, which is extracted from the meat of coconuts. Coconut wax is very eco-friendly and sustainable, as coconuts are widely available and do not require pesticides or fertilizers to grow. Coconut wax also has a high oil content that makes it very moisturizing for the skin.
Coconut wax is usually blended with other waxes, such as soy or palm, to improve its performance and stability. Coconut wax can be used to make container candles or melts/tarts, as it has a low melting point and a soft texture that does not support free-standing shapes. Coconut wax has a long burn time and an excellent scent throw. However, coconut wax is also very expensive and hard to find, as it requires a complex extraction process.
Palm Wax
Palm wax is another type of candle wax that is derived from natural sources. It is made from palm oil, which is obtained from the fruit of palm trees. Palm wax is eco-friendly and biodegradable if it comes from certified sustainable sources that do not contribute to deforestation or habitat loss. Palm wax also has a unique crystalline structure that gives candles a beautiful appearance.
Palm wax can be used to make various types of candles, such as pillars, votives, containers, or melts/tarts, as it has a high melting point and a hard consistency that supports free-standing shapes. Palm wax also has a long burn time and a good scent throw. However, palm wax can be difficult to work with, as it requires high temperatures and precise measurements to achieve a smooth finish. Palm wax also does not hold color well and may fade over time.
Rapeseed (Canola) Wax
Rapeseed (canola) wax is another type of candle wax that is made from natural sources. It is made from rapeseed oil, which is extracted from the seeds of rapeseed plants. Rapeseed wax is eco-friendly and biodegradable and does not release any toxins or pollutants into the air when burned. Rapeseed wax also has a low carbon footprint, as rapeseed plants are easy to grow and do not require much water or fertilizer.
Rapeseed wax is usually blended with other waxes, such as coconut or soy, to improve its performance and stability. Rapeseed wax can be used to make container candles or melts/tarts, as it has a low melting point and a soft texture that does not support free-standing shapes. Rapeseed wax has a slow burn time and a moderate scent throw. However, rapeseed wax can be hard to find and may have variations in quality depending on the source.
Final Thoughts
The candle business is booming and there are so many different types of candle wax available. So, whether you are a small business or a candle lover, the options seem endless. At Witch's Mark, we like to set ourselves apart by using a clean burning coconut palm wax that is eco-friendly and sustainable. Coconut wax is well known for it's slower burn time. Did you know that our smaller (5.7 oz) candles burn for 30-35 hours and our larger (8.6 oz) candles burn for 50-55 hours?