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A Guide to Candle Waxes: Types, Properties, and Benefits

Writer's picture: Stephanie DenmanStephanie Denman

Candles have been a staple in homes for centuries, creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere. But not all candles are made from the same type of wax, and each type has its own unique properties, burn times, and environmental impact. At The Denman Homestead, we’re passionate about creating natural, sustainable home products, and understanding candle waxes is an important part of making better choices. Here’s a look at some of the most popular candle waxes, their properties, and the benefits of each type.



 

1. Soy Wax (This is what I use in all the Denman Homestead Candle products)


What It Is

Soy wax is made from soybean oil and is a natural, renewable resource. It’s one of the most popular waxes for eco-friendly candles, offering a clean, long-lasting burn with minimal soot.


Properties

- Burn Time: Soy wax burns more slowly than many other waxes, making it a great choice for longer-lasting candles.

- Fragrance Throw: It has a good cold and hot fragrance throw, meaning it holds and releases scents well.

- Appearance: Soy wax has a creamy, opaque appearance and is often available in a natural off-white color.


Benefits

- Eco-Friendly: Soy is biodegradable and comes from renewable soybean crops, making it a greener choice.

- Easy to Clean: Soy wax spills can be cleaned up with warm water and soap, unlike paraffin wax.

- Affordable: Because soybeans are widely grown, soy wax is often more affordable than other natural waxes.


Ideal For: Those seeking a longer-burning, eco-friendly candle with great scent release.



2. Beeswax (This is what I use from our beehives for cosmetic products)


**What It Is**

Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees. Known for its golden color and subtle honey scent, beeswax is one of the oldest and most luxurious candle waxes.


Properties

- Burn Time: Beeswax has a long burn time and burns brighter than other waxes due to its high melting point.

- Fragrance Throw: Beeswax has a natural, gentle honey scent even when unscented. It doesn’t always hold additional fragrances well.

- Appearance: Beeswax is naturally golden and doesn’t require additives for color, offering a warm, rustic look.


Benefits

- Air-Purifying: Beeswax candles emit negative ions as they burn, which may help to neutralize pollutants in the air.

- Hypoallergenic: Beeswax is often recommended for those with allergies or sensitivities because it doesn’t contain synthetic chemicals.

- Sustainable and Non-Toxic: Beeswax is a natural byproduct of beekeeping, and it’s renewable and biodegradable.


Ideal For: Those who prefer a natural, non-toxic candle that burns cleanly with a soft, honey scent.


3. Paraffin Wax


What It Is

Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct and one of the most common types of candle wax. It’s often used in commercial candles due to its affordability and ability to hold color and scent well.


Properties

- Burn Time: Paraffin burns relatively quickly compared to other waxes, though certain blends can last longer.

- Fragrance Throw: It has an excellent fragrance throw and holds scent well, both in solid and burning forms.

- Appearance: Paraffin is versatile and can be colored or molded into various shapes easily, giving it a polished look.


Benefits

- Affordable and Widely Available: Paraffin is low-cost, making it accessible for many consumers.

- Versatile in Appearance: Paraffin can be easily colored and molded, allowing for a variety of candle shapes and designs.

- Good for Strong Scents: Paraffin holds fragrance well, so it’s ideal for strongly scented candles.


Drawbacks

- Environmental Impact: Since it’s derived from petroleum, paraffin wax is less eco-friendly and can release more soot when burning.

- Potential Toxins: Paraffin candles can emit small amounts of chemicals when burned, which can impact indoor air quality.


Ideal For: Those looking for budget-friendly, strongly scented candles with a variety of color and shape options.


4. Coconut Wax


What It Is

Coconut wax is made from cold-pressed coconut oil, and it’s one of the newer, premium candle waxes on the market. Coconut wax is often blended with other waxes, like soy or beeswax, to improve burn time and stability.


Properties

- Burn Time: Coconut wax burns slowly and evenly, offering a long-lasting candle.

- Fragrance Throw: Known for an excellent scent throw, coconut wax holds and releases fragrances well, both cold and hot.

- Appearance: Coconut wax is creamy white and has a smooth finish, making for elegant candles.


Benefits

- Sustainable and Renewable: Coconut wax is a natural, renewable resource with a lower environmental impact.

- Clean Burn: It burns cleanly with minimal soot, which is great for indoor air quality.

- Great for Fragrance: Coconut wax has a high fragrance retention, making it ideal for scented candles.


Ideal For: Those seeking a luxurious, eco-friendly candle with a strong fragrance throw and long burn time.


5. Palm Wax


What It Is

Palm wax is derived from palm oil and is known for its crystalline, feathered appearance. It’s often used in pillar candles because of its durability.


Properties

- Burn Time: Palm wax has a relatively long burn time, making it ideal for larger, long-lasting candles.

- Fragrance Throw: Palm wax has a decent fragrance throw but not as strong as paraffin or coconut wax.

- Appearance: Palm wax has a unique crystallized or feathered texture that makes for a beautiful, textured look.


Benefits

- Hard and Durable: Palm wax is solid and durable, making it great for long-lasting pillar candles.

- Aesthetic Appeal: The natural crystal patterns give a unique, eye-catching look to candles.

Drawbacks

- Environmental Concerns: Unsustainable palm oil production has significant environmental impacts, so it’s important to ensure the wax is sustainably sourced.


Ideal For: Those who love decorative, textured candles and want a durable wax for long-burning pillars.


6. Gel Wax


What It Is

Gel wax is made from a mixture of mineral oil and polymer resin, giving it a clear, jelly-like appearance. Gel wax is often used for novelty or decorative candles due to its transparent quality.


Properties

- Burn Time: Gel wax has a long burn time, but it’s often used in small, decorative candles.

- Fragrance Throw: Gel wax holds fragrance well, offering a decent scent throw.

- Appearance: The transparency of gel wax makes it ideal for embedding decorations, like seashells or dried flowers, within the candle.


Benefits

- Unique Look: The transparent quality of gel wax allows for creative designs, making it popular for decorative candles.

- Long Burn Time: Gel wax burns longer than paraffin, though it doesn’t usually fill larger spaces.


Drawbacks

- Limited Use: Gel wax is best for decorative purposes and is not ideal for strong, scented candles.

- Synthetic Base: Because it’s petroleum-based, it’s not as eco-friendly as other natural waxes.


Ideal For: Decorative candles, novelty candles, and those who want a unique, see-through candle with embedded items.


Choosing the Right Wax for Your Needs


Each candle wax has unique qualities, so choosing the best type depends on your priorities. For eco-conscious, clean-burning candles, consider soy, beeswax, or coconut wax. For budget-friendly, highly scented options, paraffin might be a good choice. And if you’re looking for a beautiful, decorative candle, palm or gel wax could be the way to go.


At The Denman Homestead, we love experimenting with different waxes for various needs, and we hope this guide helps you find the best fit for your home or candle-making projects. Happy candle-making, and may your home be filled with warmth and light!

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