What’s the answer to the best wax you should use for your candles?
It depends.
I know that’s not the answer you want to hear, but the truth is there isn’t a “best” candle wax…
The best wax for you will depend on what type of candle you want to make and your preference for wax.
So below, we’ll go over the different types of candle waxes, and by the end, you’ll be able to decide which candle wax is best for you.
Let’s get started!
Types Of Wax For Candles
Soy Wax
Works well with container candles
Melting point 49-82C (120.2-179.6F)
Soy is a natural wax processed from soybean oil.
Soy wax is easy to work with and inexpensive, making it an excellent choice for beginner candle makers. Check out our how to make a soy candle article for making a container candle in simple steps.
It burns clean and slower than other waxes like paraffin.
Soy produces less soot than other waxes.
It gives off a natural organic fragrance and can retain scents well.
Although more challenging to color than paraffin or beeswax, it’s still a great wax to experiment with different combinations of fragrances and colors.
Paraffin Wax
Works well with container, pillar, tealight, tart, taper, and votive candles
Melting point 46-68C (114.8-154.4F)
Paraffin wax is the by-product of the crude oil refinement process, so not exactly eco-friendly. But if you’re wondering about the safety of burning these candles, note that the national candle association claims, “No candle wax has ever been shown to be toxic or harmful to human health.”
Paraffin is the most commonly used wax due to its availability and cheap cost.
Very easy to work with, making it another excellent option for beginners.
Paraffin wax is great for its long-range scent throw. It may be easier to achieve that aroma-filling scent throw you’re looking for with paraffin which is why you’ll sometimes see people mix a little paraffin with their soy wax.
Another benefit to paraffin is that it’s easy to color. You can have fun experimenting with single tones to multiple shades with its versatility.
Beeswax
Works well with container, pillar, tealight, taper, tart, and votive candles
Melting point of 62-64C (143.6-147.2F)
Beeswax is a natural, sustainable, and eco-friendly wax produced as part of the honey-making process.
Naturally leaves a subtle scent of sweetness. Beeswax works well as an unscented candle.
It has strong scent retention and can work great with fragrances, although it doesn’t mix well with all fragrances.
Long burn time.
Expensive compared to paraffin or soy.
Beeswax may not be easy to work with for beginners but don’t let that discourage you. Testing is part of the fun!
Palm Wax
Works well with container candles
Melting point 82-86C (179.6-186.8F)
Palm is a natural wax that is vegetable-based and made from refined hydrogenated palm oil.
Palm wax can burn slowly without much soot.
Great for indoor scented candles.
It burns cleanly and can help fragrances last for hours after burn time.
Palm can be an excellent option for aromatherapy candles.
The big downside to palm wax is its sustainability. There have been links to mass deforestation to produce palm wax.
Rapeseed Wax
Works well with pillar or container candles
Melting point 43C (109.4F)
Rapeseed is a natural wax derived from the rapeseed plant. The wax is produced from the hydrogenation of rapeseed oil.
This is a great wax and a popular natural alternative to paraffin.
It has a clean and slow burn.
Rapeseed wax’s great benefits are its candle throw and long-term fragrance retention.
Sustainably sourced.
Be aware that people may be allergic to rapeseed. If you’re not sure, stick with beeswax or soy.
Coconut Wax
Works well with container candles
Melting point of 37C (98.6F)
Coconut is a natural wax extracted from hydrogenated and refined coconut oil.
Coconut wax has firmness which is ideal for container candles.
The wax is naturally odorless and has an excellent scent throw for any fragrances you add.
The great thing about coconut wax is its versatility. It works well for scented and unscented candles and a wide range of styles and colors.
It’s easy to work with, allowing easy pouring and good adhesion to containers.
Clean and long burn time.
Sustainable product.
Gel Wax
Works well with container candles
Melting point of 82C (179.6F)
Although referred to as gel wax, it’s a rubbery compound made from polymer resin and mineral oil.
The gel wax can produce very high-clarity and transparent candles. Because of this transparency, it’s great for decorative candles.
Gel candles burn with a bright glow. Great for use as a light source.
Gel has a long burn time (up to 2x as long as paraffin candles).
Gel wax is more difficult to work with than other waxes.
Types of Candles
Containers
Simply put, these are candles in reusable containers. You can choose from a whole bunch of containers, including glassware, ceramic, and tins. Container candles are a great way to start your candle-making journey.
Tealights
Tealights are small (usually an inch tall or smaller) candles in metal or clear containers. Great for decorative pieces.
Pillars
Pillar candles have a cylindrical shape and can stand independently without using a candle holder.
Tarts and Wax Melts
These are small candles that do not have wicks. They are designed for use in a wax warmer, which comes in various shapes and sizes.
Votives
Votive candles are small candles that sit in small glass containers. Votives are typically displayed on tables, mantles, or altars.
Taper
Taper candles are long and narrow with a tapered shape. They have a steady burn and are typically used for ceremonial purposes like weddings, parties, and other events.
Gel
Gel candles are solid and smooth with an even and long burn. They are great candles for experimenting with your artistic side.