Candle Wax Types: What You're Actually Burning
Most candle companies don't tell you what's in their wax because they don't have to. Terms like "soy blend" or "fragrance blend" can hide almost anything.
Here's what you need to know about the four main types of candle wax:
Paraffin Wax
What it is: Petroleum byproduct (yes, like gasoline)
Why companies use it: Cheap, readily available, burns consistently
The problem: Releases benzene and toluene when burned—both are known carcinogens. That's what you're breathing when you light most big-box store candles.
Found in: Big Box stores, chain stores, most grocery store brands
Soy Wax
What it is: Made from soybean oil
Why companies use it: Sounds natural, markets well as "eco-friendly"
The problem: "Soy blend" can legally contain 50%+ paraffin. You have no way to know the actual ratio. Even 100% soy often contains additives for color, hardness, or scent throw.
Found in: Most boutique candle brands, Etsy shops, "natural" brands
Beeswax
What it is: Natural wax from honeybees
Why it's good: Completely natural, burns clean, subtle honey scent
The problem: Expensive, limited scent throw, doesn't hold fragrance oils well
Found in: High-end candles, tapers, religious candles
Coconut-Apricot Wax
What it is: Blend of coconut oil and apricot kernel oil (both from upcycled agricultural waste)
Why we use it: Burns completely clean, zero petroleum, holds fragrance without additives, lower melting point (burns fully in 5 minutes with no tunneling)
The problem: More expensive, harder to work with, requires precise pouring temperatures
Found in: Nagomi Candles, a few other quality-focused brands
What About Wicks?
Many mass-market candles use zinc-core or metal wicks because they're cheap and make candles burn faster (so you buy more).
The problem: You're vaporizing metal into your air. Zinc oxide is a respiratory irritant. Lead wicks—still found in some imported candles—are even worse.
We use: 100% natural fiber wicks with a paper core. No metals, no zinc, no lead.
Bottom Line
If a candle label says "blend" or doesn't specify wax type, it's probably paraffin.
If it says "soy," ask if it's 100% soy or a blend.
If you want clean air in your home, look for 100% coconut-apricot or 100% beeswax.
Read more: Why We Make Candles the Hard Way.