What Type of Wax Should I Use?

One of the first questions candle makers face is: What type of wax should I use? The choice matters because every wax behaves differently, affecting burn performance, fragrance throw, appearance, and cost. There’s no single “best” wax—it comes down to what you’re making and what qualities matter most to you.

Here’s a look at the main wax types, along with their strengths, drawbacks, and common uses.

Soy Wax

Soy is one of the most popular natural waxes.

• Pros: Renewable, biodegradable, clean-burning, and offers long burn times. It’s also easy to clean up with soap and water. Many makers value its smooth, natural finish.

• Cons: Can be prone to frosting (white patches), often more expensive than paraffin, and sometimes produces a softer hot throw.

• Best for: Container candles and makers looking for a plant-based option.

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin has been used for decades and remains one of the most reliable waxes for performance.

• Pros: Strong hot scent throw, smooth finish, and affordability. It holds colour well and works in detailed moulds.

• Cons: Petroleum-derived, which some makers and buyers avoid. If wicked incorrectly, it can produce more soot.

• Best for: Containers, moulds, and situations where strong fragrance throw is a priority.

Beeswax

Beeswax is one of the oldest candle materials, with a naturally rich colour and aroma.

• Pros: Extremely clean-burning, with the longest burn times of all waxes. It adds a natural honey fragrance even without added oils.

• Cons: Expensive, not vegan, and doesn’t carry fragrance oils as strongly as other waxes.

• Best for: Tapers, pillars, and traditional-style candles.

Coconut Wax (and CocoSoy Blends)

Coconut wax is newer to the market and is often blended for stability—for example, with soy.

• Pros: Smooth tops, strong scent throw, and excellent glass adhesion. It burns slowly and evenly, giving a premium look.

• Cons: Relatively soft, which can make shipping or warm climates a challenge. It’s also one of the more expensive waxes.

• Best for: Premium container candles or blends like CocoSoy, which balance coconut’s creaminess with soy’s structure.

Palm Wax

Palm wax creates unique crystalline patterns, making it visually distinctive.

• Pros: Very firm, durable, and ideal for pillars or moulds. It also has good scent throw.

• Cons: Environmental concerns around palm oil production, unless sourced from certified sustainable suppliers.

• Best for: Decorative pillars and moulded candles.

Gel Wax

Gel is technically a mineral oil product, not a true wax, but is still popular for creative projects.

• Pros: Transparent and versatile—great for embedding decorative objects. It burns slowly and lasts a long time.

• Cons: Can be harder to work with, has limits on fragrance load, and requires specific wicking.

• Best for: Decorative or novelty container candles.

Blends & Specialty Waxes

Blended waxes combine the advantages of different types.

• Examples: Para-soy for improved scent throw like our Pillar Blend, or CocoSoy for smooth tops and even burning.

• Pros: More balanced performance—better adhesion, stronger scent, smoother appearance, and reliable burns.

• Cons: Labelling can sometimes be confusing for buyers.

• Best for: Makers who want consistent performance. Specialised blends like Pillar Wax are also commonly used when strength and structure are needed for freestanding or moulded candles.

Candle Wax Comparison

Final Thoughts

Choosing a wax depends on what you value most. Soy works well for those wanting a natural option with a clean burn. Paraffin is still unmatched for affordability and scent throw. Beeswax suits makers who want something traditional and long-lasting. Coconut and blends like CocoSoy give a premium finish, while Palm and Gel create unique looks. For structure and reliability in freestanding candles, a dedicated Pillar Wax is often the best choice.

Experimentation is key. Every fragrance, container, and climate behaves differently, so testing different waxes (or blends) is the best way to find what works for your candles and your audience.