7 Most Popular Wax Types Used in Candles

Candles are quite the popular way to add ambiance and fragrance to a room. The key ingredient in any candle is wax, and there are many different types of wax that can be used to make them. Below are some of the most popular types of wax used to make candles:

1. Paraffin wax: This is the most common type of wax used in candle-making, as it is inexpensive and has a high melting point. Paraffin is made from petroleum and is available in various grades, from low-grade (which is typically used in cheaper, mass-produced candles) to high-grade (which is often used in high-end, luxury candles). One downside to paraffin wax is that it is not environmentally-friendly, as it is a byproduct of oil refining. So if you are looking for better options to support Mother Nature, then you might look to one of the waxes below, such as soy or beeswax.

2. Soy wax: Soy wax is a natural, renewable resource that is made from soybean oil. It is becoming increasingly popular for use in candle-making because it is biodegradable and relatively environmentally-friendly. Soy wax burns slowly and evenly, and it is also easy to clean up with simple soap and water. However, soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax. For this reason, it may not be suitable for use in all types of candles.

3. Beeswax: Beeswax is a natural wax produced by bees to build the walls of their honeycombs. It is a popular choice for candle-making because it is all-natural and has a pleasant, honey-like scent. It also helps to support bees and the beekeeping industry, as bees are currently facing a number of environmental threats. So when you buy products made of beeswax you effectively support beekeepers and help the bee population to thrive. Even better, beeswax is great for candle-making. Beeswax candles burn slowly and have a long burn time, but they can be more expensive than candles made from other types of wax.

4. Palm wax: Palm wax is made from the oil of the oil palm tree and has a high melting point, similar to paraffin wax. It is a good choice for use in pillar candles because it holds its shape well and has a good scent throw. However, it can be more expensive than other types of wax and is not as widely available.

5. Coconut wax: Coconut wax is made from the oil of coconuts and has a creamy white color. It is often used in combination with other types of wax to add a creamy texture to candles. Coconut wax candles have a good scent throw and burn slowly, but they can be more expensive than candles made from other types of wax, such as paraffin.

6. Gel wax: Gel wax is a clear, synthetic wax that is made from a mixture of polymer resins and mineral oil. It is unique in that it is transparent and has a jelly-like consistency when it is melted, which allows for the inclusion of objects or mementos within the candle. Gel wax burns slowly and has a good scent throw, but it can be more expensive and difficult to work with than other types of wax.

7. Rapeseed wax: Rapeseed wax (aka Canola Wax) is a natural wax that is made from the oil of the rape plant (also known as canola). It has a high melting point and is often used as a natural alternative to paraffin wax. It is generally regarded as vegan. Rapeseed wax candles burn slowly and have a good scent throw, but can be a bit pricier and less common to find then candles made from other types of wax.

Below is a table comparing these wax types, along with their estimated selling price and burn time for a common 8-ounce candle size.

Wax TypeSelling Price (8oz)Burn Time (8oz)ProsCons
Paraffin$5-$25
(cheapest)
40+ hours– Inexpensive
– Widely available
– High melting point
– Not environmentally friendly
– May release harmful chemicals when burned
Soy$10-$3050+ hours– Biodegradable
– Environmentally friendly
– Burns slowly and evenly
– Easy to clean up
– Lower melting point than paraffin wax
– May not be suitable for all types of candles
Beeswax$20-$40
(most expensive)
50+ hours– All-natural
– Pleasant scent
– Burns slowly
– Long burn time
– More expensive than other types of wax
Palm$15-$3040+ hours– High melting point
– Great for pillar candles
– Bood scent throw
– More expensive
– Not as widely available
Coconut$15-$3050+ hours– High melting point
– Good scent throw
– Burns slowly
– More expensive
Gel$15-$30100+ hours– Transparent
– Good scent throw
– Burns slowly
– More expensive
– Difficult to work with
Rapeseed$15-$3050+ hours– High melting point
– Good scent throw
– Burns slowly
– More expensive

In summary, there are many different types of wax that can be used to make candles, each with its own unique properties and benefits. Whether you are looking for a clear, transparent option like gel wax, or a natural alternative to paraffin wax like rapeseed wax, there is a wax that will suit your needs.

Carl Adamson

Hi, I'm Carl Adamson, one of the founders here at Candleers. A few years ago I got really into the art and craft of candle making, initially with soy wax container candles. My friends started asking me to make candles for them and pretty soon it turned into a nice side-business. I started this website as a way to document what I've learned over the past few years and hopefully help others in the process. I still love candle making but I'm learning that what I enjoy even more is the business side of things - and for this reason I've started consulting others on how to start and grow their own candle-making businesses and side-hustles.

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