Types of Waxes for Candles

In Wonder Candles I don’t use paraffin. My choice is mainly soy wax, beeswax or gel wax for elements or design. Here’s what you need to know about these waxes if you are a candle lover or candle maker )

Each type of wax has its unique characteristics that affect its performance, scent throw, and environmental impact.

Soy Wax:

Derived from soybean oil, soy wax is a favorite among environmentally conscious consumers. It burns cleaner and longer than paraffin wax, with less soot production. Soy wax is biodegradable and renewable, making it a sustainable choice. It has a lower melting point, which helps to distribute fragrance more effectively and makes it ideal for container candles.

Gel Wax:

Gel wax is not actually wax but a combination of mineral oil and polymer resin. This gives it a unique, gel-like texture and transparency that allows for artistic candle designs, like embedding objects or creating layers of colors. Gel wax holds fragrance well and burns longer than paraffin, but it requires more attention to safety as it can burn hotter than other waxes.

Beeswax:

Beeswax is the most natural candle wax, secreted by bees and used in their hives. It has a naturally sweet, honey-like aroma and purifies the air by releasing negative ions when burned. Beeswax burns very clean and long, often considered the premium choice among candle waxes. However, it is the most expensive and has a higher melting point, which makes it less effective at distributing added fragrances unless they are naturally very robust.

Each type of wax has its own appeal depending on the candle-making goals, whether it’s sustainability, aesthetics, or natural benefits. Soy wax offers an eco-friendly, efficient fragrance throw, gel wax provides unique visual possibilities, while beeswax offers a luxurious, naturally aromatic experience.

Whatever choice I make in my production there’s one factor that never changes - safety.

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