As you do your candle shopping and look around at the array of different brands and wax on the shelf, you may think to yourself, “Eeney, meeny, miny, moe, which of these gives off the best throw?” Until candles are able to speak and give their expert opinion, allow us to walk you through this nuanced question.

Paraffin: The Wax, The Whiff, The Legend

This wax is commonly the go-to choice for some of the biggest candle brands in the world. With such versatility, the many varieties of it each have a specific melting point. Aside from candles, paraffin is also used for skin-softening and heat treatments in spas, crayon-making, wax paper, and much more. Paraffin wax is notable for its ability to hold fragrance and give off a potent scent for long durations of time. Since it’s translucent, it also possesses the ability to retain its color, ergo candles made from this wax maintain their vibrancy longer than those made from other waxes. In addition to its great capabilities, the petroleum-based wax is also a cheaper option than other waxes and is produced in large quantities. But with great prowess comes great controversy. Being a byproduct of the crude oil refinement process, this wax is also called mineral wax. When burned, it releases VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are gasses that are considered harmful to the environment as well as to humans if inhaled in large quantities. Because of this, many candle lovers have opted for more natural alternatives. 

Soy: New and Improved

With a debut that happened in the early 1990s, soy wax is one of the newer options on the market. This wax quickly became a household flame as it’s an organic alternative to paraffin and less costly than beeswax. Candles made from this wax typically burn clean and don’t release harmful vapors or soot. As the name hints, it’s made from the oil of soybeans. Because of its low melting point, this wax has a longer burn time than its petroleum predecessor. However, they are alike in some respects. For example, soy wax also has a variety of blends and melting points. Some blends are pure soy while some are a mixture of soy and coconut (cocosoy) or soy and paraffin (parasoy). 

Candle Gel “Wax”: 

This differs from the other kinds that we’ve named in that — it’s not actually wax! The mineral oil and resin-based concoction is clear with a jelly-like consistency. Candle-makers can use this “wax” to show off cute embeds such as flowers, sea shells, stones, and so much more. With the capability to retain fragrance and color, it’s a great artistic outlet. It also has its share of variations as some gel wax may be completely translucent, while others may have a tint to them. However, it raises the same concerns as paraffin as it uses the same petroleum substance. So, while you can get very creative with it, your candle won’t burn very cleanly. If you are more focused on the aesthetic than the burn, candle gel is for you!

Beeswax: The Big Brother 

The saying, “Old is gold” rings true when it comes to beeswax. It is known as the oldest kind of wax ever as well as one of the most expensive. For centuries, candles were made from tallow (animal fat). But beeswax was introduced as an alternative as it burned longer and had a better scent. This type of candle dates back so far that it was even found in the pyramids (guess you find beeswax when you’re not minding yours)! 

This all-natural wax is a byproduct of honey bees’ honey-making process. It’s procured through the combs, which are ejected by the bees to nurture their larva. While the renowned wax has a subtle smell because it’s infused with honey, its scent is also contingent on the type of flowers the bees have been consuming. Because it’s natural and organic, this product is sure to burn clean.

Palm Wax:

Made from palm oil, this is one of the firmest waxes — so don’t shake hands with it. This is a go-to choice for pillar or votive candles. If a candle that has a crystalline, ice-like look has ever caught your eye, it was probably made from palm wax. Some firmer palm wax blends include soy wax. 

This wax is often used as a vegan alternative to beeswax. It burns cleanly, but it’s also often critiqued for its lack of sustainability. In order to make palm wax, you need palm oil — which is extracted from palm trees. Growing palm trees contributes to habitat loss for many animals and plants as land needs to be cleared for palm trees to grow. The fire that’s used to make way for these trees also isn’t the best for the environment. Additionally, these candles have a tendency to be pricier, due to the process and sourcing of materials.

Coco Apricot Creme: A Wax of All Trades

Used in every single one of our candles, you get the best of all worlds as this vegan blend consists of apricot, coconut, soy, and an eency weency amount of paraffin wax. With smooth tops after every use, this wax isn’t just aesthetically pleasing — it also burns really clean and doesn’t produce a lot of soot. A great scent throw is also a perk of coco apricot creme wax (thanks paraffin). 

The questions that you have when you shop for candles are the same burning questions we had when we first started making candles. While there may not be a wax that is “The one”, you can weigh the pros and cons and distinguish what works for you (and your nose). We hope this read was as entertaining as it was insightful. Share and let us know what day of the week you’re reading on:

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