Understanding the Different Types of Candle Wax, From Beeswax to Soy

When shopping for candles (or supplies to make them yourself), you'll certainly never be short on scent options. With countless possible notes and fragrance oils, you can bet that you’ll always be able to find the exact scent you’ve been dreaming of—or didn’t even know existed. (Heck, you can even create customized blends for a one-of-a-kind aroma.) Similarly, you also have your pick of wax. From paraffin to soy, beeswax to coconut, each type of candle wax has its own set of benefits that could affect its performance and the way it scents your space.

"Wax is considered the 'fuel' of your candle," says Chrissy Fitchl, founder and CEO of Apotheke, an artisanal candle company. Therefore, you’ll want to select the one most fitting to your preferences and the project at hand. For example, paraffin is the most common type of candle wax and the least expensive in most cases. However, it’s less eco-friendly and burns faster than some other options. Meanwhile beeswax’s hardier nature makes it ideal for crafting free-standing pillar candles, though it has a higher price point. 

Which type of candle wax is best? The answer isn't entirely cut and dry, as the various types all have their own pros and cons. We’re breaking down the details below so you can light up your space with the perfect match.

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax is inexpensive and holds onto fragrance and color like a champ, making it the go-to choice for many candle brands, says Fitchl. It's available in various melt points, which makes it perfect for creating everything from container candles to thick pillars.

However, Fitchl adds, it’s not the most eco-friendly option out there since it’s derived from the oil industry byproducts. Paraffin wax candles also tend to produce more soot than some of their other counterparts. (You can help prevent this by keeping the wick properly trimmed.)

Pros

• Inexpensive price point
• Versatile in terms of melting points
• Easy to work with
• Can be highly saturated with both fragrance and color

Cons

• Does not burn "clean"
• Less eco-friendly than other options
• Tends to burn more quickly

Soy Wax

Soy wax is a solid middle-ground choice for candles, offering a slow, steady burn that makes it a great value. As you may have guessed, it's made from soybeans and is a more eco-friendly option compared to paraffin wax. That being said, there are some concerns about deforestation, fertilizers, and pesticides within the soybean industry and production process—so it’s not entirely without its issues.

Soy wax also doesn’t hold quite as much fragrance as some other waxes (which can be a plus if you prefer a lighter scent), and can be a bit more difficult to work with. "It's very temperamental with temperature and can shrink, as well as 'frost' with white spots," shares Fritchl.

Pros

• Mid-range price point
• Slower burn time

Cons

• Highly temperamental
• Holds less scent
• Production may contribute to deforestation

Beeswax

One of the oldest forms of candle wax, beeswax is made by bees during the honey-making process—so while it’s natural, it’s not vegan. Perks of working with beeswax include its subtly sweet natural scent and its tougher, more solid nature. (This makes it particularly perfect for crafting unscented pillar candles.

Pros

• Harder wax makes it suitable for pillar and container candles
• Natural subtle scent
• Eco-friendly

Cons

• Higher price point

Coconut Wax

Coconut wax is a newer option, but one that is becoming increasingly popular. It's harvested from coconuts—a high-yield, sustainable crop—and it burns cleanly with barely any soot. Also justifying its higher price point is its excellence at holding both fragrance and color.

Pros

• Eco-friendly
• Holds fragrance and color well
• Clean burn

Cons

• Higher price point

Wax Blends

In addition to the types of candle wax above, wax blends (consisting of mixes of paraffin waxes, soy waxes, etc.) are also available. "Many brands blend different waxes together to form a more eco-friendly option that also burns strong," notes Fritchl.

What Type of Candle Wax Should You Use?

Every popular type of candle wax has its ups and downs, so it’s all about finding what works best for you. When it comes down to it, choosing the right wax depends on the type of candle you're making, your budget, how strong you like your fragrance, and just how eco-conscious you wish your craft project or new candle to be.

And don’t forget: It’s not just the wax that matters, reminds Fitchl. The right combo of wax, fragrance quality, wick, and vessel all play a huge role in the overall experience and the quality of the candle. All of these flame-fanning factors work together for the perfect burn.