Wax Types: Pros and Cons

Making an informed choice about which wax to use for candle making depends on several factors, such as your goals, ethical considerations, budget, and the desired qualities of the candle. Here’s a guide to help you make the right decision based on your priorities:

Key Factors to Consider:

  1. Environmental Impact

    • If sustainability is important to you, soy wax, beeswax and olive wax are excellent choices, as they are renewable and biodegradable.
    • Paraffin wax and some synthetic waxes (like vegan paraffin) are derived from non-renewable resources like petroleum, making them less environmentally friendly.
    • Palm wax and coconut wax are also considered more eco-friendly but have concerns around production practices (e.g., deforestation for palm oil or agricultural impacts for coconut wax (Ettovi Candle Company strives to avoid sourcing these types of waxes due to their environmental impact).

  2. Burn Quality and Performance

    • Soy wax burns cooler and slower, which can result in a longer-lasting candle. It’s also a good choice for those who want a clean burn with minimal soot.
    • Beeswax has a long burn time, and it’s known for its natural air-purifying properties. It also gives off a natural, subtle honey scent while burning.
    • Paraffin wax is often used in mass-produced candles because it burns well and holds fragrance effectively. It can burn faster than other waxes but produces more soot compared to soy or beeswax.
    • Blended waxes allow for the best of both worlds. Combining waxes can improve texture, fragrance throw, and burn time.                                                  

  3.  Scent Throw (How Well the Candle Holds and Releases Fragrance)

    • Paraffin wax is known for having a strong fragrance throw because it melts at a higher temperature, allowing it to hold more fragrance oil.
    • Soy wax can also hold a good amount of fragrance but has a lower melting point, which might result in a slightly weaker scent throw compared to paraffin. However, it still performs well with the right amount of fragrance oil.
    • Beeswax is less commonly used for highly fragrant candles but has a natural, light scent that can enhance the atmosphere without the need for added fragrance oils.
    • Olive wax has a mild scent and is suitable for candles where the focus is on natural aromas or subtle fragrances.

     

  4. Ease of Use and Cost

    • Paraffin wax is inexpensive, easy to work with, and readily available, making it a popular choice for beginners.
    • Soy wax is a bit more expensive but is still affordable and user-friendly, especially for those looking for a more natural option.
    • Beeswax tends to be more expensive than soy or paraffin and may require additional skills or tools due to its high melting point and firmness.
    • Vegan paraffin can be more cost-effective than beeswax or olive wax, providing an eco-friendly alternative with similar characteristics to paraffin. 

  5. Appearance and Aesthetics

    • Soy wax is creamy white and smooth, making it great for natural, handmade candles.
    • Beeswax has a beautiful golden color and adds a rustic, natural appeal to candles.
    • Olive wax can have a slightly greenish hue, which can be desirable for luxury or organic candle lines.
    • Blended waxes can be tailored to achieve a particular finish, texture, or colour, making them versatile for custom creations. 

  6. Ethical Considerations

    • If you're concerned about animal-derived products, soy wax and vegan paraffin are excellent plant-based options.
    • Beeswax is an animal-derived product, which may not align with vegan or cruelty-free standards. Ethical sourcing is important when choosing beeswax, as the health and well-being of the bees should be considered.
    • Palm wax has ethical concerns if the palm oil is not sustainably sourced. Look for RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified palm wax to ensure environmental and social responsibility.

How to Make Your Decision:

  • Eco-Friendly Option: Choose soy wax or olive wax if sustainability is a priority.
  • Natural and Aromatic Candles: Beeswax is perfect if you want natural air-purifying qualities and a long burn time.
  • Strong Scent Throw: Paraffin wax or vegan paraffin wax are great for strong fragrance retention and even burn.
  • Budget-Friendly: Paraffin wax is the most affordable, but soy wax is a good middle ground for those who want a more eco-conscious option without spending too much.
  • Customizable Candles: Consider blended waxes to tailor candles to your specific needs, whether for texture, scent, or burn time.

Ultimately, the best wax for your candle making will depend on your specific needs, values, and the type of candle you want to create. By considering these factors, you’ll be able to select the most suitable wax for your home  


1. Paraffin Wax

  • Description: Derived from petroleum, it's one of the most common and widely used waxes for candles. It is odorless, colorless, and has a relatively high melting point.
  • Common Uses: Candles (particularly mass-produced ones), and it holds fragrance well.
  • Pros: Inexpensive, readily available, and burns well.
  • Cons: Derived from a non-renewable resource (petroleum), which is not considered eco-friendly.

2. Soy Wax

  • Description: Made from soybean oil, soy wax is a natural and renewable plant-based option. It has a lower melting point than paraffin, which makes it burn cooler and slower.
  • Common Uses: Popular for eco-friendly and handmade candles.
  • Pros: Biodegradable, renewable, burns cleanly, and holds fragrance well.
  • Cons: Can be softer than paraffin and may require additional additives to improve performance.

3. Beeswax

  • Description: A natural wax produced by honeybees. It has a rich, golden color and a naturally sweet fragrance.
  • Common Uses: High-quality candles, especially for those looking for a natural product.
  • Pros: Long-lasting burn time, natural, and has air-purifying properties. It’s eco-friendly if sourced responsibly.
  • Cons: More expensive than other waxes, and there are ethical concerns regarding the production of beeswax.

4. Vegan Paraffin Wax (Plant-Based Paraffin)

  • Description: An alternative to traditional paraffin wax, vegan paraffin is made from plant-based sources rather than petroleum.
  • Common Uses: Similar to paraffin wax, it’s used for candles and fragrance products.
  • Pros: Environmentally friendlier than traditional paraffin, and it provides a similar burn quality.
  • Cons: Still not as eco-friendly as other plant-based waxes like soy.

5. Olive Wax

  • Description: Made from the hydrogenation of olive oil, olive wax is a soft and biodegradable option for candles.
  • Common Uses: Used in luxury candles, and is especially popular in natural and organic skincare products.
  • Pros: Biodegradable, non-toxic, and burns cleanly.
  • Cons: It is relatively expensive and might not be as widely available as other waxes.

6. Blended Waxes

  • Description: Some candle makers use a blend of different waxes to create the perfect candle. For example, a mix of soy and beeswax, or soy and olive wax, to achieve a better texture, burn, and fragrance hold.
  • Common Uses: Blends are used to get the best qualities of each wax, such as extended burn time, better scent throw, or texture.
  • Pros: Customizable to achieve specific results.
  • Cons: Can be more expensive, and finding the right blend may require experimentation.

7. Shimmer Granules & Additives

  • Description: While not technically a wax, shimmer granules are often used in candle making to add decorative effects to candles. They’re made from mica or biodegradable glitter.
  • Common Uses: To add sparkle to candles, often for special occasions or novelty products.
  • Pros: Adds a decorative and eye-catching effect.
  • Cons: Some glitter (especially synthetic types) is not biodegradable and can contribute to microplastic pollution.