When it comes to making candles, one of the most important choices you’ll make is selecting the right wax. The type of wax you use can affect everything from the candle’s scent throw and burn time to its texture and appearance. Whether you’re a beginner experimenting with your first candle making kit or a seasoned maker developing your own blend, understanding the different wax types is essential.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most popular types of candle wax and what makes each one unique.
Soy Wax
Best for: Beginners, eco-conscious makers, and clean-burning candles
Soy wax is a natural, plant-based wax made from soybean oil. It’s one of the most popular waxes for DIY candle makers due to its ease of use, slow burn time, and smooth finish. Soy wax also holds fragrance well, making it ideal for scented candles.
Pros:
- Renewable and biodegradable
- Burns clean with minimal soot
- Good scent throw with proper pouring technique
- Ideal for container candles
Cons:
- Can frost (a white crystalline layer on the surface)
- May have difficulty releasing from moulds
Beeswax
Best for: Natural and unscented candles, or those with subtle fragrances
Beeswax is a 100% natural wax produced by honey bees. It’s been used in candle making for centuries and is known for its golden hue and subtle honey scent. Beeswax burns longer than most other waxes and purifies the air as it burns.
Pros:
- Completely natural and non-toxic
- Long-lasting and clean-burning
- Naturally aromatic (no need for added scent)
- Minimal dripping
Cons:
- More expensive than other waxes
- Harder to colour or scent
- High melting point, making it trickier for beginners
Paraffin Wax
Best for: Strong scent throw, vibrant colours, and budget-friendly candles
Paraffin wax is a petroleum by-product and is widely used in commercial candle production. It offers excellent scent throw and vibrant colouring and is easy to work with, making it a good option for those focused on performance over sustainability.
Pros:
- Holds scent and colour extremely well
- Inexpensive and widely available
- Smooth, professional finish
Cons:
- Derived from petroleum
- May produce more soot when burning
- Less environmentally friendly than natural waxes
Coconut Wax
Best for: Luxury candles and premium blends
Coconut wax is made from the meat of coconuts and is often used in blends with other waxes like soy or beeswax. It has a creamy consistency, excellent scent throw, and burns cleanly.
Pros:
- Sustainable and clean-burning
- Strong scent throw
- Beautiful smooth finish
Cons:
- Expensive on its own
- Rarely sold as a standalone wax—usually part of a blend
Palm Wax
Best for: Decorative pillar candles with textured finishes
Palm wax is a hard, natural wax derived from palm oil. It crystallises as it cools, creating a distinctive feathered or marbled finish that’s visually striking.
Pros:
- Unique crystalline texture
- Good for freestanding candles
- Long burn time
Cons:
- Sourcing can be environmentally controversial
- Not as commonly available
- Requires higher pouring temperatures
Gel Wax
Best for: Transparent candles with embedded objects
Technically not a wax, gel wax is a blend of mineral oil and polymer resin. It’s used to create clear, jelly-like candles that can include decorative items like shells, beads, or glitter.
Pros:
- Completely transparent
- Fun for decorative projects
- Long burn time
Cons:
- Requires special wicks
- Not suitable for beginners
- Fragrance and colour need to be used carefully
Choosing the Right Wax for Your Project
Each type of candle wax has its strengths, and the best choice depends on your needs and goals:
- Choose soy wax for a natural, easy-to-use option with a clean burn—great for containers and beginners.
- Opt for beeswax if you want a traditional, long-lasting candle with minimal additives.
- Go with paraffin wax if scent throw and colour vibrancy are your priorities.
- Try coconut wax for a luxurious feel and smooth finish—especially in blended waxes.
- Use palm wax for eye-catching textures and pillars.
- Select gel wax for novelty candles with a see-through effect.
Final Thoughts
No single wax is perfect for every project, which is why many candle makers experiment with different types or even create custom blends. Whether you’re aiming for sustainability, performance, or aesthetics, choosing the right wax is the foundation for a successful candle.
Ready to get started? Once you’ve picked your wax, explore wicks, fragrance oils, and containers to complete your setup—and let your creativity shine.
