5 July 2023 / Laura Garvin Gomez

What is the Best Wax for Wax Melts?

Uncover the ideal wax for your wax melts in our expert guide to enhance your fragrance experience.

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beeswax candle wax coconut wax gel wax paraffin wax soy wax wax melts

Rows of wax melts with various botanicals sprinkled on the tops of them

Using the right wax for wax melts can make a big difference to how well they perform once placed into a melter.

Although most wax tends to look alike, apart from their differences in shape and size, there are important differences you’ll need to be aware of.

Some types of wax take longer to melt and produce stronger scent throws compared to others, so whilst a particular variety may be suited to candle making, it doesn’t necessarily follow that it will produce similar results as a wax melt.

To make things a little clearer, we look at the best wax to use for melts and what you also need to consider when weighing up your options.

How to choose the best wax to use for wax melts?

If you are new to wax melts and want to know how to choose the best type of wax for your creations, take the following points into consideration:

Mould release: Once you have finished melting the wax and have added the colours and fragrance, the wax will be poured into a mould. One of the trickier parts of the process can be getting the wax melt out of the mould once it has cooled and hardened without breaking it. Some manufacturers create wax blends that are designed to make this easier to manage, or you could use additives like Vybar 3451, which will help the wax to shrink as it cools.
Melting point: Softer wax, which is generally better for wax melts, tends to have a lower melting point. For example, soy wax has a lower point than palm, coconut or paraffin wax, which makes it better for form-fitting and adhesion. Most natural waxes have a lower melting point, so you may want to prioritise these over man-made waxes like paraffin or gel wax, depending on how experienced you are with handling and cleaning away the melts from the burner once they have finished.

Small pile of 6 wax melts with brown botanicals within them on a wooden surface

What is the best wax for wax melts?

To help you find the best wax for wax melts, here are some of the most popular options you can buy right now:

1. Soy wax

Soy wax is a popular option because it is 100% natural (derived from soybeans), which makes it biodegradable and eco-friendly. Another big benefit is that it has a slower melting point, so it takes longer to burn whilst producing a strong scent throw, making it ideal for melts. Learn how to make soy wax melts.

2. Beeswax

If only natural wax will do for your melts, another good option is beeswax, which is sourced from bumblebee honeycombs. It releases a light, sweet scent when burned and has a high melting point, so you can enjoy the fragrance for longer.

3. Coconut wax

Coconut wax is usually blended with soy wax as by itself it is too soft to be moulded into a solid form. However, this gives it an advantage for wax melts, as it has a low melting point so can easily be used in moulds and it also produces a steady burn.

Small pile of wax melts one on top of the other with dried lavender sprinkled in the tops of them

4. Palm wax

Palm wax is suited to anyone who wants a slow burning natural wax, whilst also releasing a strong fragrance. It offers a high melting point for longevity, and it can last longer than some other types of natural wax. The environmental impact of palm olive production has raised some concerns, so if this is important to you, look for sustainably sourced palm wax.

5. Gel wax

Ideal for anyone who wants to create translucent, colourful wax melts, you should consider using gel wax. This wax has a high melting point so you will be able to enjoy a longer burn time that can often outlast other types of wax. However, gel wax is a by-product of refined crude oil, so it isn’t an eco-friendly option, and it will release toxins into the air. Learn how to make gel wax melts.

6. Paraffin wax

Paraffin wax is on the cheaper end of the scale, which partly explains its popularity and use in a whole host of commercial wax-based products. It has a high melting point, although it is not a natural substance and is known to release toxins when burned.

Black and white illustration of a leaf

Finding the right wax for wax melts depends a lot on personal preferences. Some varieties are 100% natural and sustainable, whilst others may be a little cheaper and produce a longer burn. Take some time to weigh up the pros and cons for each one and don’t rush your decision as you want to ensure you have good quality ingredients for your melts. Our last piece of advice is that you should start with a small amount of wax, so you can check that you are happy with results without spending a fortune on a lot of wax you will never use again.