Candle Wax and their details
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is most widely used across candle brands, notes Fitchl, because it can hold a high amount of fragrance and color. Plus, it's fairly inexpensive. It also comes in various melt points, making it suitable for making many different types of candles, from containers to pillars. That said, it's not considered the most eco-friendly type of candle wax, since it's made from a byproduct of the oil industry, she explains. Another downside: If not properly cared for, a paraffin wax candle will create soot.
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 mid-range wax with a slow burn, making it a great value. The wax is made from—what else—soybeans and is considered more eco-friendly than paraffin wax. That said, it is a byproduct of the soybean industry, and there are growing concerns over deforestation, fertilizers, and pesticides used in the process, says Fitchl. It can also be relatively difficult to work with: "It's very temperamental with temperature and can shrink, as well as 'frost' with white spots," says Fritchl. The wax doesn't hold quite as much fragrance either, though this can be a pro or a con, depending on how heavy of a scent you like.
Pros:
- Mid-range price point
- Slower burn time
Cons:
- Highly temperamental
- Holds less scent
- Production may contribute to deforestation
Beeswax
Beeswax is one of the oldest forms of candle wax and is a more eco-friendly option since it's derived from bees during the honey-making process—therefore its production isn't vegan. Also because of this, beeswax has a very subtle naturally sweet aroma. Beeswax is also a harder, more solid wax that's often used in blends for container candles or to make unscented pillars, says Fritchl.
Pros:
- Harder wax makes it suitable for pillar and container candles
- Natural subtle scent
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Higher price point
Coconut Wax
This newer type of wax is harvested from coconuts—a high-yield and sustainable crop, says Fritchl. Coconut wax is popular for this reason but also because it holds fragrance and color very well, plus has a clean burn that produces very little soot. Unfortunately, it tends to be the most expensive candle wax of the bunch.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Holds fragrance and color well
- Clean burn
Cons:
- Higher price point