Your Basket

Bottled in the UK. Vegan & Cruelty Free
Buy Now, Pay Later with Klarna & Clearpay
4.8 - Trustpilot | 2500+ reviews
You are away from FREE SHIPPING
🎉 Congrats! You've unlocked FREE SHIPPING!

Your cart is empty!

Add your favorite items to your cart.

Shop Now
CUSTOMERS ALSO BOUGHT

3 min read / 22 March 2024 / yasmin sharp

What Are Candle Wicks Made of?

Discover the materials and science behind candle wicks, from wooden to speciality types, and their crucial role in candle burning.

Choose a topic

Share this post

What are candle wicks made of? If you are a candlemaker or just enjoy the ambience provided by a calming flame, this may be a question you’ve always wanted to answer.

The truth is, there are a few different materials used to make candle wicks, depending on the type of wax, candle or product you buy.

We explain more about what candle wicks are made from and break down the science behind how they work.

How do candle wicks work?

Candle wicks work through a process called capillary action, which involves the adhesion, surface tension and cohesion of the fuel.

Melted wax serves as the fuel, pulling liquid into the wick by adhesion. The cohesion between the molecules of the wax and its surface tension then allows it to travel upward towards the flame.

Another way to understand how this works is by dipping a piece of paper in water, and you will see the water travel upwards through the material.

Small candle placed on a window sill

Are candle wicks important?

Candle wicks have a pivotal role to play in ensuring that a candle has a stable and self-sufficient flame.

The material used to make the wick will have a direct effect on its ability to absorb and pull up the liquid wax, which keeps the flame alive.

With the right wick in place, the candle will enjoy a constant smooth burn, which helps to avoid issues like tunnelling.

What is a candle wick made of?

Candle wicks are made out of a variety of different materials, such:

  • Wooden wicks: Wooden wicks are usually made from natural wood, which produces a crackling sound, similar to a campfire. They help to give the candle a slow, even burn, with some featuring multiple plies, whilst others use a single ply.
  • Flat wicks: This is the most common type of wick, and they are made from three bundles of cotton or similar fibres. Flat wicks are shaped like backpack and purse straps and can easily self-trim as they curl whilst burning.
  • Square wicks: Similar to flat wicks these are made from braided fibre, although they are strong and rounder, as you can see by their ability to remain upright for longer whilst lit. If you buy square wicks, they will often need to be frequently trimmed because they do not curl as much as flat wicks.
  • Cored wicks: Cored wicks feature an inner core made from zinc or cotton wrapped inside a fibrous outer layer. This makes them ideal for container candles, as the core structure enables them to stand up independently. Frequent trimming may be required, as they can be prone to mushrooming.
  • Speciality wicks: Some wicks will fall outside of the categories mentioned above, with certain brands selling their own proprietary versions. Some products also need specialised wicks, such as oil lamps or insect-repellent candles to ensure you get the most out of the flame and wax.

Black and white illustration of a candle

Final thoughts

When it comes to answering the question “What is the wick of a candle made of?” there is no single answer, as it depends on a few different factors.

Flat wicks are the most common type, whilst square wicks are made from similar material but require more maintenance.

Wooden wicks produce a lovely campfire-style crackle, cored wicks are perfect for container candles and speciality wicks are used for certain unique types of products.

You might also like to read

Crafting for Different Cultural Celebrations

5 min read / 17 August 2025 / yasmin sharp

Crafting for Different Cultural Celebrations

Discover how to create authentic handmade candles, lamps, and scents that celebrate the beauty and traditions of global festivals.

Memory, Scent, and Essential Oils: How Smell is Tied to Memory

5 min read / 6 July 2025 / yasmin sharp

Memory, Scent, and Essential Oils: How Smell is Tied to Memory

Discover the fascinating connection between scent and memory, examining scientific research on how essential oils like peppermint, rosemary, and lavender may enhance cognitive function and memory retention.

The Wonders of Beeswax: An Introduction to Its Many Uses

7 min read / 22 June 2025 / yasmin sharp

The Wonders of Beeswax: An Introduction to Its Many Uses

Explore beeswax's remarkable properties, from its ancient history and natural production process to its modern applications in skincare, candle making, and sustainable home solutions.

Essential Oil Facts and Myths

5 min read / 15 June 2025 / yasmin sharp

Essential Oil Facts and Myths

We debunk the most common misconceptions about essential oils while providing science-based facts on safe usage, proper dilution, and realistic expectations for their therapeutic benefits.

Best Essential Oils for Exam Season

5 min read / 23 April 2025 / yasmin sharp

Best Essential Oils for Exam Season

Discover how rosemary, lavender, and other essential oils can help boost memory, improve concentration, and reduce stress during exam season.

What Are Flash Points?

4 min read / 24 February 2025 / yasmin sharp

What Are Flash Points?

Understanding flashpoints in essential and fragrance oils: what they are, why they matter, and why they're not a concern for candle makers.

Candles and Scents Explained

7 min read / 15 January 2025 / Ellie Tyler

Candles and Scents Explained

Discover the science behind how different candle scents affect your brain, mood, and well-being with practical tips for creating a perfectly scented home environment from Tyler Aromatherapy.

Guide to Summer 2024 Fragrance Oil Trends

4 min read / 6 August 2024 / yasmin sharp

Guide to Summer 2024 Fragrance Oil Trends

Discover the top fragrance oil trends for summer 2024 to refresh your candles, soaps, and diffusers with the season's best scents.

Medical Disclaimer

The content in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please consult your personal physician for any advice or treatment regarding specific health questions. Neither the article editor, writer, nor the organisation of Nikura takes any responsibility for possible health consequences following the information given in any article. All readers should consult their physician before taking any advice given within these articles.

We use strictly necessary cookies to personalise your site experience. You can learn more here.

close

Explore Our Pure Essential Oils Collection

Discover Our Best Sellers