Wax Types Used in Candle Making
Several types of wax are used in candle-making, each with its own characteristics. Here's an overview of the most common types:
- Paraffin Wax (also mineral wax or oil):
- Derived from petroleum
- Inexpensive and widely available
- Good scent throw
- Not eco-friendly
- May release toxins/soot when burned
- Soy Wax:
- Made from soybean oil
- Renewable and biodegradable
- Burns slowly ha a tendency to soot
- Good scent throw
- May have a lower melting point
- Over cultivation is endangering rainforests
- Beeswax:
- Natural product from bees
- Has a natural honey scent
- Long burning time
- Purifies air while burning
- Most expensive
- Coconut Wax:
- Made from coconut oil
- Excellent scent throw
- Slow, clean burn
- Renewable and eco-friendly
- Often mixed with other waxes
- Palm Wax:
- Derived from palm oil
- Creates a unique crystalline appearance
- Good scent throw
- Renewable, but controversial due to deforestation concerns
- Rapeseed (Canola) Wax:
- Made from rapeseed oil
- Renewable and biodegradable
- Good scent throw
- Often mixed with other waxes
- Gel Wax:
- Made from mineral oil and resin
- Transparent appearance
- Good for creating visual effects
- Strong scent throw
- Apricot Wax:
- By-product of apricot oil production
- Good scent throw
- Totally renewable, sustainable resource
- Often used in blends
- More expensive option
- Blended Waxes:
- Combinations of different waxes
- Can offer benefits of multiple wax types
- Often used to optimize performance and cost