A Comprehensive Guide to Candle Wax Types and Their Characteristics

This article is an exploration of the different types of candle wax, including paraffin, soy, beeswax, and coconut, highlighting their characteristics and considerations for use in candle making.

History of Candle Making

Candle making has a rich historical significance in creating ambiance and relaxation. From ancient times to the present day, candles have been used to illuminate spaces and evoke a sense of tranquility.

The earliest known candles were made from whale fat in China around 200 BC, and various ancient civilizations, including the Romans and Egyptians, also used tallow, beeswax, and other natural materials to create candles. The evolution of candle making led to the development of different types of candle wax, each with distinct properties and characteristics.

In the Middle Ages, candle making became an established trade, and tallow candles were commonly used for lighting. However, the emergence of beeswax candles during this time marked a shift towards a more refined and fragrant candle option.

The introduction of paraffin wax in the 19th century brought about a more affordable and accessible option for candle making. This historical evolution demonstrates how different types of candle wax have been instrumental in meeting various lighting and aromatic needs throughout different periods of history.

Today, candle making has evolved into an art form, with a diverse range of wax options available, from traditional paraffin and beeswax to eco-friendly soy and coconut wax.

The historical journey of candle making and the development of different types of candle wax illustrate the enduring appeal and significance of candles in creating ambiance and relaxation across cultures and time periods originating from several thousand years ago.

New Orleans candles have been around since the city was established in 1718, and we continue the tradition of creating New Orleans candles to this day at Parish Scents.

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax has a long history as a safe and well-established material invented in 1830. It's long been used in moisturizers, toiletry products, as a food additive, and many other applications. Paraffin wax is also one of the most commonly used waxes in candle making due to its affordability, easy availability, and the fact that it effectively holds fragrance.

Derived from petroleum, a natural resource, paraffin wax has been used for decades to create traditional candles with a strong scent throw, making it a popular choice among candle makers.

For instance, many candle enthusiasts prefer paraffin wax candles for their strong fragrance and cost-effectiveness. Paraffin wax continues to be widely used due to its affordability and strong fragrance retention. Candle makers and consumers often carefully weigh these factors when deciding whether to use paraffin wax in their candle creations.

In fact, Paraffin wax is commonly mixed as a base wax used in combination with other waxes such as Soy, Apricot, Coconut, Beeswax, and others to provide longer lasting scents and better hot and cold "throw."

Soy Wax

Soy wax, derived from soybean oil, has become a popular choice for candle making due to its slow burn and eco-friendly nature. This type of wax is an alternative to paraffin wax. While soy wax offers significant advantages in terms of burn time and biodegradability, it also poses challenges in handling and fragrance retention.

One of the limitations of soy wax is its ability to hold adequate fragrance. Compared to paraffin wax, soy wax may not retain fragrance as effectively, which can impact the overall scent strength and longevity of the candle. To address this limitation, candle artisans may need to explore different fragrance oils, concentrations and even wax blends to achieve the desired aromatic experience for soy wax candles.

In fact, candle makers often find that soy wax can be more difficult to work with in general compared to other waxes, requiring precise temperature control during the melting and pouring process to achieve the desired results. For this reason, it's rather common for candle makers to create powerful Soy and Paraffin blended waxes to boost the performance of the soy candle.

Some of the benefits of soy wax candles are its slow burn. Soy wax is also known for producing minimal soot, contributing to a cleaner and healthier indoor environment when the candles are lit.

It is important to note that people who are sensitive to soy products such as soy beans, soy sauce or other soy-related foods and scents may also be sensitive to soy candles.

Beeswax

Beeswax, a natural wax produced by honeybees, has been valued for centuries for its eco-friendly properties and subtle sweet aroma. It is often the preferred choice for creating unscented pillar candles due to its natural fragrance and clean-burning nature.

The process of collecting beeswax involves melting honeycomb cappings, which are then filtered to remove impurities and debris before being used in candle making. This meticulous process ensures that the beeswax maintains its purity and natural properties, making it a sought-after option for environmentally conscious candle enthusiasts.

One of the key considerations when using beeswax in candle making is its unique burning characteristics. Beeswax has a lower melting point compared to other waxes, which means it burns at a slower rate, allowing the candle to last longer.

Additionally, beeswax emits negative ions when burned, which can help purify the air by neutralizing pollutants and allergens, contributing to a cleaner and healthier indoor environment. These distinctive features make beeswax an attractive choice for those who prioritize sustainability, purity, and air quality in their candle selection.

Coconut Wax

Coconut wax is considered a sustainable option that holds fragrance and color exceptionally well, while producing minimal soot. As a renewable resource, coconut wax has gained recognition for its eco-friendly attributes. This type of wax is derived from the meat of coconuts, making it a sustainable and environmentally conscious choice for candle making.

An example of its sustainable nature can be seen in the fact that coconut wax is biodegradable, meaning it has minimal impact on the environment when disposed of, compared to non-biodegradable waxes like paraffin.

In addition to its eco-friendly nature, coconut wax offers an enhanced sensory experience for candle enthusiasts. It has the ability to hold fragrance and color well, resulting in a more potent and vibrant aroma when the candle is burned. This characteristic makes coconut wax an ideal choice for those who prioritize the olfactory impact of their candles.

For instance, a coconut wax candle infused with essential oils can provide a luxurious and long-lasting aroma, creating a serene and inviting ambiance in any space.

But, much like soy wax, for those who have allergies to coconut, this candle may not be a good option.

Other Candle Waxes

Aside from paraffin, soy, beeswax, and coconut wax, there are other intriguing options for candle making, such as palm wax, gel wax, and rapeseed wax.

Palm wax is known for producing stunning crystalline patterns and is often used for crafting pillar candles. Its unique texture and longer burn time make it an attractive choice for creating visually appealing candles.

Gel wax, on the other hand, offers a distinctive translucent appearance and burns longer than traditional wax candles, producing a bright, steady flame. This type of wax can add a modern and eye-catching element to candle designs, especially for those seeking a unique aesthetic.

Rapeseed wax, with its high melting point and clean-burning nature, stands out as another alternative for candle making. Although it is more expensive, its eco-friendly characteristics and minimal environmental impact make it an appealing choice for those prioritizing sustainability.

Each of these waxes brings something different to the table, catering to the specific preferences and priorities of candle makers and consumers. Exploring these options not only expands the range of available materials but also allows for the creation of candles with distinct visual, olfactory, and environmental profiles, enhancing the overall candle-making experience.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Candle Wax

When choosing the ideal candle wax for your project (or your next candle purchase), several essential factors come into play. Your personal preferences play a significant role in determining the type of wax to use.

For instance, if you prefer a slow-burning candle that is eco-friendly, soy wax might be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize allergy concerns, affordability and strong fragrance retention, paraffin wax could be more suitable for your needs.

Additionally, budget considerations will also influence your decision, as some waxes are more expensive than others, impacting the overall cost of candle production.

Moreover, the strength of the desired fragrance is a crucial factor to contemplate when deciding on the type of wax. For example, soy wax has a reputation for holding fragrance well, while paraffin wax is also known for its strong fragrance retention.

Furthermore, the vessel in which the candle will be housed and the type of wick used are equally important in ensuring the overall quality and experience of the candle. For instance, soy wax may perform differently when paired with a specific type of wick or when used in various vessel materials, thereby influencing the burn time and fragrance throw of the candle.

In summary, choosing the right candle wax involves a careful consideration of personal preferences, budget, fragrance strength, and eco-consciousness. By understanding how the combination of wax, fragrance grade, wick, and vessel can impact the overall quality of the candle, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific candle needs and preferences.