What is the Best Wax for Candles?

How you choose the best wax for candles depends on what type of candle you want to make.

Each type has its own unique qualities, with some being the best wax for scented candles, whilst others are more suited to containers or tealights.

With numerous types of candle wax available, selecting the best wax for your project comes down to these considerations:

• Burn Time: Different waxes have varying burn times. Natural waxes like soy tend to burn longer than paraffin wax, offering more value and extended enjoyment from each candle.
• Scent Throw: The ability of a candle to release fragrance into the air, known as scent throw, varies by wax type. Paraffin wax is often praised for its superior scent throw, but natural waxes have been catching up thanks to advancements in wax blends and fragrance technologies.
• Appearance: The look of your candle, including its clarity, colour, and finish, can be influenced by the choice of wax. Paraffin tends to offer a smooth, clear appearance, while soy and other vegetable-based waxes may result in a more matte finish.
• Ease of Use: Some waxes are more beginner-friendly than others. For instance, soy wax is known for its ease of use, requiring less heat to melt and being easier to clean up, making it a great choice for those new to candle making.
• Melting Point and Performance: The melting point of the wax affects how well a candle performs in different environments. Waxes with higher melting points, like paraffin, are better suited for warmer climates, while soy and other vegetable waxes with lower melting points are ideal for cooler conditions.

If you love nothing more than putting together your own wax creations to enjoy at home or sell online, we evaluate the best wax for candle making so you can enjoy the best possible results.

2. Beeswax

Like soy wax, beeswax is also a natural material and much kinder to the environment. As the name suggests, it is derived from bees and their hives, so once lit, you should also be able to smell some of the honeycomb sweetness.

This perhaps does not make it the best wax for scented candles, as when mixed with essential oils or fragrance oils, the natural scent can prove to be disruptive. That said, beeswax does burn very well, and it also releases negative ions, which are thought to neutralise pollutants to purify the air. Rolled candles are best for beeswax, as the process does not require you to use much equipment.

3. Coconut wax

Coconut wax is harvested from coconuts and does not contain any extra chemicals, so like soy wax and beeswax it is completely natural and renewable. In most cases, it is mixed with soy or beeswax to create a solid form that is suitable for candles. Container candles, tealights and wax melts are the best types to make using coconut wax.

It’s a wax that holds fragrances and colours well, so if you are interested in creating more decorative candles, then coconut wax is a good place to start. One downside is that it can be a little more expensive than other types of wax, so that should be factored into your decision making, especially if you intend to sell your candles.

4. Rapeseed Wax

Rapeseed wax is a relative newcomer that is derived from the oil extracted from the flower. It’s another natural option that is fully vegan, biodegradable and sustainable, and because it is sourced from the parts of Europe where there is strict regulation, it is not linked with the overuse of pesticides or deforestation.

It’s a slow burning wax that will usually last longer than paraffin candles and it produces virtually no soot at all. You’ll enjoy a good scent throw with rapeseed wax and it works particularly well in container blends.

5. Gel Wax

Whilst you can use gel wax in a candle recipe, it is not actually a wax, but a man-made combination of mineral oil and polymer resin. It’s ideal for making brightly coloured, eye-catching transparent candles and wax melts, as it holds colour very well, as well as producing a good scent throw.

Gel wax is typically used for wax melts, container or votive candles, although there is a firmer gel wax available that is suitable for making pillar candles. One thing to bear in mind is that it is not a natural material, as the oils are a by-product of petroleum, so it will release toxins whilst being burnt.

6. Paraffin wax

You’ll find that paraffin wax is used in a lot of commercial candle products, largely because it is low cost and tends to produce a steady burn. The wax holds fragrances very well to produce a strong scent throw, and you can also buy paraffin wax in several different grades, which all have their own melting, fragrance and pouring points.

This gives you more options in terms of the shape and size of the candle, allowing you to make large pillar candles, narrow tapered candles and many more. One thing to be aware of with paraffin is that it does release toxins, so it is not an eco-friendly option if that is a priority for you.

Each type of candle wax has its benefits and disadvantages, so it’s all about finding the right one that suits the style of candle you want to make and that will perform as you need.

Whether you are a novice or experienced candle maker, it all begins with choosing a wax that meets your requirements and expectations, so you can then focus on the other elements needed for the recipe.

In the end, it means that choosing the best wax for candles is a subjective decision, so hopefully all the information we’ve provided will help you to narrow down your options to make the right choice for you.