“Commonly Used Wax Terms You Should Know | Types of Waxes (2024)

“Commonly Used Wax Terms You Should Know | Types of Waxes (1)
  • April 23, 2019

When you think of wax, you probably think of candles or waxed paper, but there are many other uses for wax. Learn about some different types of waxes:

Mineral Wax: Mineral wax is a waxlike mineral resin. It is a mixture of hydrocarbons found in connection with certain deposits of rock salt, coal or petroleum.

Crude Wax: Crude wax is an unrefined mixture that contains a high percentage of oil. It is used to manufacture scale and paraffin waxes.

Palm Wax: Palm wax is derived from hydrogenating palm oil. It is used for candle making.

Slack Wax: Slack wax is an unrefined crude wax that contains a high percentage of oil. It is typically yellow or brown in color. Slack wax is used to waterproof products

Synthetic Wax: Synthetic waxes are man made waxes composed from natural gas or ethylene. Examples of synthetic waxes are Fischer-Tropsch waxes and polyolefin waxes.

Natural Wax: Natural waxes are derived from plants, insects and animals. Examples of natural waxes are carnauba wax, candelilla wax and beeswax.

Check Out Natural Wax

Each wax type has its own properties. These are some common wax properties:

Congealing point: This wax property measures the temperature where the wax begins to “set” The congealing point is close to the solid state.

Needle Penetration: The needle penetration test measures the physical hardness of wax.

Viscosity: The viscosity is the measure of a liquid’s resistance to flow. For example, honey has a higher viscosity than water.

Are you interested in learning more about wax types? Check out these blogs:

“Commonly Used Wax Terms You Should Know | Types of Waxes (2024)

FAQs

What is the most commonly used wax around the world? ›

Paraffin is by far the most frequently used candle wax on a worldwide basis today. Beeswax is also used around the globe, although in significantly smaller quantities. Stearin candle wax is largely limited to European use.

What is the classification of wax? ›

Waxes are large, and they are classified into two types: "natural waxes" derived from animals and plants and petroleum, and "synthetic waxes" which are artificially made.

What are the different waxes used for candles? ›

Here are the main waxes that can be used for candle making:
  • Paraffin wax.
  • Soy wax.
  • Palm wax.
  • Beeswax.
  • Gel wax.
  • Rapeseed wax.
  • Coconut wax.
25 Apr 2018

Which is the hardest known wax? ›

Pure Carnauba wax has the highest melting point of all natural waxes and is widely accepted as the hardest commercial wax known to man.

How many types wax? ›

There are two different types: soft wax and hard wax. Although both do a good job of removing hair from the follicle, hard wax is better for smaller, more sensitive areas like your bikini line. Soft wax, on the other hand, is a better option for larger areas like your legs.

What are three functions of waxes? ›

Their strongly hydrophobic nature allows them to function as water repellents on the leaves of some plants, on feathers, and on the cuticles of certain insects. Waxes also serve as energy-storage substances in plankton (microscopic aquatic plants and animals) and in higher members of the aquatic food chain.

What is the chemical name of wax? ›

In chemistry, paraffin is used synonymously with alkane, indicating hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2.
...
Paraffin wax.
Identifiers
Chemical formulaCnH2n+2
AppearanceWhite solid
OdorOdorless
Boiling point> 370 °C (698 °F)
11 more rows

Which wax type is best? ›

Paraffin wax is the most common candle wax out there. And it's for a good reason. Paraffin wax offers lots of advantages, making it a pretty reliable candle wax. For example, paraffin wax can hold a lot of fragrance, casting stronger scents and throwing it farther across a room.

What are the elements of wax? ›

A wax is a simple lipid which is an ester of a long-chain alcohol and a fatty acid. The alcohol may contain from 12-32 carbon atoms.

What is wax in simple words? ›

Wax is a solid, slightly shiny substance made of fat or oil which is used to make candles and polish. It melts when it is heated.

What wax Do luxury candles use? ›

Luxury candles tend to use higher-end alternatives to paraffin, such as coconut wax, beeswax, and soy wax. For example, our candles are made with natural soy wax, which burns less quickly than paraffin and allows you to savor the ambience and aroma up to 50% longer.

Which wax holds the most scent? ›

If you decide that you want a clean-burning candle that will give you the strongest scent throw you can get, you might choose paraffin. If you want a wax that is clean-burning, comes from a renewable source, has a great scent throw, and burns longer, soy might be the way to go.

Which wax is used in salons? ›

Gigi Honee Wax is one of the most popular waxes used by beauty professionals. The whole Gigi line has a lot of options to choose from. From soft and hard waxes, to therapeutic waxes, you can tailor your usage to each client's individual needs.

What is c3 wax? ›

Nature Wax C-3 is a natural blend of soy wax and soy-based additives to help with glass adhesion, fragrance throw, and to minimize frosting. This wax is packaged in flakes, making it easy to work with, measure, and handle.

What is the safest type of wax? ›

Beeswax. Beeswax candles are the healthiest choice in candles. Made from the caps of bee honeycombs, beeswax candles burn clean, are very long-burning, and give off a pleasant natural fragrance as they burn. Beeswax candles are dripless when burned properly, and release negative ions which help clean the air in a room.

What is the easiest wax? ›

Pre-Made Wax Strips

This method is the most user-friendly, mess-free option and is recommended for beginners. Not only are they easy to use, but there's no chance of putting on too much product. And depending on how much hair you're removing, a strip can often be used more than once per area.

What is the most painless way to wax? ›

First, apply a numbing cream to the bikini area 30 minutes before you're about to wax. You can also take an over-the-counter pain reliever like Advil or Aspirin to minimize the pain. Also, ensure that the wax is cool before application.

What is the main source of wax? ›

Petroleum Waxes

Two of the most commonly used petroleum waxes are paraffin and microcrystalline. Both of these waxes are derived from crude oil, but have different properties. Paraffin wax is white in color and has no odor. It is one of the most commonly used waxes.

What is the important of wax? ›

The best known benefit of waxing is that the hair doesn't grow back very quickly. Waxing removes the hairs from the root. With shaving, the hairs are cut off close to skin level. Even with a very close shave, this still leaves a considerable amount of the hair just below the surface ready to appear in a day or two.

Which alcohol is used for waxes? ›

Triacontanyl palmitate, a typical wax ester, is derived from triacontanyl alcohol and palmitic acid.

What is the pH of paraffin wax? ›

In this experiment, the pH of paraffin wax was 9 and addition of paraffin wax does not give great changes in pH of RVNRL even the amount of paraffin wax increased as shown in the graph.

What means paraffin wax? ›

paraffin wax, colourless or white, somewhat translucent, hard wax consisting of a mixture of solid straight-chain hydrocarbons ranging in melting point from about 48° to 66° C (120° to 150° F). Paraffin wax is obtained from petroleum by dewaxing light lubricating oil stocks.

What polymer is wax? ›

Polyethylene wax (also known as PE wax) is a low molecular weight polyethylene polymer. Because of it's low molecular weight Polyethylene Wax has wax like physical characteristics that include properties such as low viscosity, high hardness (brittleness) and relatively high melt point.

What is a 3/4 wax? ›

3/4 leg wax

This wax includes everything from mid-way up the thigh downwards. It also normally includes the feet and toes.

Which wax is best for skin? ›

Fruit Wax. This kind of body wax works just like hard body wax and is recommended for people with sensitive skin. As the name suggests it's infused with fruit extracts, making it antioxidant and vitamin-rich. It's much gentler than soft wax and nourishes the skin while removing hair.

What is the raw material of wax? ›

The word wax is a collective term for various raw materials. Candle wax can be mineral, animal or vegetable. The most common raw materials used in candle production today are paraffin, beeswax and stearin.

What is natural wax? ›

Natural waxes are generally defined as being intimately derived from natural sources such as living plants and animals. Natural waxes include; Beeswax, Carnauba Wax, Candelilla Wax, Genuine Rice Bran Wax, Laurel Wax, and many others of note.

What metal is in wax? ›

Detailed Solution. The correct answer is Lithium.

Why is it called wax? ›

It's known as "ear wax," or simply "wax." It obviously gets its name because of its appearance, and the process of ingesting it is called "dabbing" or taking a hit of a "dab." As High Times notes, it's also called BHO, which stands for "butane hash oil" or "butane honey oil." The process of of producing BHO is called " ...

What is the slang for wax? ›

Using BHO, also known as wax or shatter, is also referred to dabs or dabbing. Cannabis is also known as marijuana and is referred to by many slang terms from the past and present. A few nicknames for marijuana and cannabis are: pot, ganja, bud, weed, and Mary Jane.

What is organic wax? ›

The organic waxes are good for removing hair and they are made of natural ingredients like beeswax and honey. There are many popular brands of organic wax and you can choose any brand. Some organic waxes are made from cane sugar and tea tree oil. Such waxes are safe to be used.

What is the strongest candle scent? ›

Typically Rose fragrances have more pungent, and penetrating notes, while Honeysuckle is a sweeter, blossoming type. If you were to say which is stronger, most would choose the Rose.

What is the highest quality candle wax? ›

Beeswax and Beeswax Sheets

Beeswax is another 100% all-natural wax. One of the best candle waxes on the market, beeswax can be used to make all types of candles, including pillars, tapers, votives and containers. It is also available in beeswax sheets.

Which smell is best for candles? ›

Best overall candle

At the top is cannabis leaf, lemon peel, and rhubarb — which you smell immediately. Then there's almond, tulip, sage, and eucalyptus. Finally, when you blow it out or let it burn for a while, you start to smell the suede, musk, and amber.

Which wax burns the fastest? ›

Soft wax has a higher oil content and lower melt temperature; therefore, it burns faster. Typically, candles in jars have soft wax, and pillar candles have hard wax.

Which wax burns longest? ›

My conclusion is that Soy Wax, being a natural, non-animal oil, burned longer than the other waxes. I also observed that Soy Wax seemed to burn cleaner and clean up was easier. This information is useful in the decision making process of buying candles.

What smells last the longest? ›

Below, our favorite long-lasting scents.
  • Atelier Cologne Vanille Insensée Cologne Absolue Pure Perfume. ...
  • Chanel Chance Eau de Parfum Spray. ...
  • Chanel Les Eaux de Chanel, Paris-Edimbourg. ...
  • Christian Dior Oud Rosewood Eau de Parfum. ...
  • Gamine Eau de Parfum. ...
  • Giorgio Armani Si Passione Eau de Parfum.
29 Sept 2022

Which wax is best for Brazilian? ›

Additionally, it is our professional opinion that, when it comes to sensitive skin such as the bikini area, hard wax is also the best option. It attaches itself only to the hair, not the skin, reducing discomfort and minimizing the possibility of irritation. Nevertheless, soft wax is ideal for Brazilian waxing.

What is a Hollywood wax? ›

What is a Hollywood wax? A Hollywood wax is where all pubic hair is removed from the whole intimate area, including the labia, perineum and anus, as well as from the mons pubis.

What is the most popular Brazilian wax? ›

Brazilian Bikini Wax

This means all the hair from the front, labia as well as between your butt and around your butthole would be waxed away. You can keep a bit of hair on the front in a shape of your liking, could be a triangle, rectangle, or square. But the most popular shape is the triangle.

What is the best wax to use? ›

Best Car Waxes For 2022
  • Meguiar's G7016 Gold Class Carnauba Plus Premium Liquid Wax : Best Overall Wax.
  • Mother's California Gold Pure Brazilian Carnauba Liquid Wax : Best Carnauba Liquid Wax.
  • Turtle Wax Hybrid Solutions Pro Graphene Spray Wax : Best Spray Wax.
  • Chemical Guys Butter Wet Wax : Best Soft Wax.
2 May 2022

Which is the most painless wax? ›

Hard wax adheres to the hairs rather than to the skin, and thus offers a less painful experience. Perfect body wax beads for face, eyebrow, armpit, bikini, legs.

What waxes do professionals use? ›

  • 01 of 05. Satin Smooth Honey Wax. Satin Smooth Honey Wax is produced from natural pine resin and beeswax which melts and cools quickly to pull more hair with no breakage. ...
  • 02 of 05. Gigi Honey Wax. ...
  • 03 of 05. Berodin Blue Pellets. ...
  • 04 of 05. Cirepil Blue Hard Wax. ...
  • 05 of 05. Shobha Sugar Wax.
21 Nov 2022

What wax throws the best scent? ›

Paraffin-type waxes will maximise your scent throw. You can choose between the following: Paraffin container wax has great adherence to jars and containers, can hold a fragrance load of up to 9% and comes in slab form.

What is the cleanest wax to burn? ›

Beeswax is the oldest known material used for candles, and remains one of the cleanest options. Beeswax is natural, free of toxins, and makes fall candles that provide slow burn. It's considered the cleanest burning candle wax, as it acts as a natural air purifier.

How many types of wax are there? ›

There are two different types: soft wax and hard wax. Although both do a good job of removing hair from the follicle, hard wax is better for smaller, more sensitive areas like your bikini line. Soft wax, on the other hand, is a better option for larger areas like your legs.

What is a full vs Brazilian wax? ›

While a bikini wax involves removing hair along your underwear line, a full Brazilian wax removes all pubic hair from your entire pubic area, including the perineum—the area between the vulva or scrotum and the anus.

Which wax is less painful for Brazilian? ›

Most people agree that for a Brazilian wax, hard wax is the best option. If your hair is coarse, multiple applications will be necessary, and hard wax allows for this. Additionally, because this area of your body is so sensitive, hard wax removal tends to be less painful.

Which wax is safest? ›

Beeswax candles are the healthiest choice in candles. Made from the caps of bee honeycombs, beeswax candles burn clean, are very long-burning, and give off a pleasant natural fragrance as they burn. Beeswax candles are dripless when burned properly, and release negative ions which help clean the air in a room.

Which wax is best for beginners? ›

Which Hair Removal Wax Is Best For Beginners? Nova's Hard Wax is best for beginners because of the formula's professional qualities. Nova's hard wax can be used for all-over body waxing, meaning that beginners don't have to spend extra time learning about what type of wax to use where.

What kind of wax is best for beginners? ›

Pre-Made Wax Strips

This method is the most user-friendly, mess-free option and is recommended for beginners. Not only are they easy to use, but there's no chance of putting on too much product. And depending on how much hair you're removing, a strip can often be used more than once per area.

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