There’s an endless array of deliciously scented candles to choose from.If you look closely, you’ll notice that not all candles are made of the same type of wax—even if they look nearly identical. Like scents, there are a variety of different wax materials that candles can be made from, whether store-bought or handcrafted.
While there are a number of different types of candle wax—including blends—the most popular are paraffin (also known as mineral wax), soy, and beeswax. Coconut was a relative newcomer, is also gaining popularity. So, which type of candle wax is better? The answer isn’t entirely cut and dry, as the various types all have pros and cons.
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax, a very inexpensive wax, is most widely used across candle brands. Because it can hold a high amount of fragrance and color. It also comes in various melt points, making it suitable for making many different types of candles, from containers to pillars. That said, it’s not considered the most eco-friendly type of candle wax, since it’s made from a byproduct of the oil industry, she explains. Another downside: If not properly cared for, a paraffin wax candle will create soot.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is a mid-range wax with a slow burn, making it a great value. The wax is made from—what else-soy bean and is considered more eco-friendly than paraffin wax. That said, it is a byproduct of the soybean industry, and there are growing concerns over deforestation, fertilizers, and pesticides used in the process. It can also be relatively difficult to work with: “It’s very temperamental with temperature and can shrink, as well as ‘frost’ with white spots. The wax doesn’t hold quite as much fragrance either, though this can be a pro or a con, depending on how heavy of a scent you like.
Beeswax
Beeswax is one of the oldest forms of candle wax and is another eco-friendly option, since it’s derived from bees during the honey-making process. Because of this, beeswax has a very subtle naturally sweet aroma that helps purify the air. Beeswax is also a harder, more solid wax that’s often used in blends for container candles or to make unscented pillars.
Coconut Wax
This newer type of wax is harvested from coconuts—a high-yield and sustainable crop. Coconut wax is popular for this reason, but also because it holds fragrance and color very well, plus has a clean burn that produces very little soot. Unfortunately, it tends to be most expensive candle wax of the bunch.
Blends
When shopping for candles, you’ll often see blends. Many brands blend different waxes together to form a more eco-friendly option that burns strong.
What type of candle wax should you use?
The type of wax you choose is ultimately a matter of personal preference, depending on what type of candle you’re making, how much you want to spend, what strength of fragrance you prefer, and how eco-conscious you are. At the end of the day, these popular types of candle wax all have their own draws and drawbacks.
And remember: No matter what you choose, the combination of wax, grade of fragrance, wick, and vessel are all extremely important to the overall marker of quality and the resulting experience you’ll have.
