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Did you know that candles can be created using different types of wax? Available in a wide range of substances and derived from many natural resources, all kinds of wax can be poured into containers or handcrafted into various shapes and sizes. Basically fuel for your lovely scented candles, wax is designed to melt away and evaporate, releasing an expertly designed fragrance into the air of your home.
So many people ask the question, “What is the best wax for candles?” At Homesick, we believe soy wax — or at least a soy wax blend — is a good choice, offering a more natural wax that carries a scent for a long time.
However, there are many other types of wax to get to know and consider, so pinning down a definitive answer for the best wax for candles isn’t always a straight answer. There are many reasons why one wax could be more suitable than another. Here are the many different types of candle wax, along with some insight into their advantages, disadvantages and other important considerations.
Paraffin Wax
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. Another advantage to paraffin is that it is offered in several different grades, according to its melting point and oil content. This means that it can be molded into all kinds of shapes, from large pillar candles to long, narrow tapered candles to little origami-sized animals. Paraffin wax can also be poured into tins or glass containers.
Another reason paraffin is often used to create candles is that it’s inexpensive. However, being affordable doesn’t always make it the best wax for candles. Paraffin wax is not exactly eco-friendly. A by-product of the crude oil refinement and the oil industry as a whole, paraffin wax is not sustainable. Even though the by-product wax is not discarded, it is only temporary.
Paraffin wax has also been found to emit small amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) toluene and benzene when they are lit, which have been linked to asthma and lung cancer. Furthermore, it can cause respiratory irritation when used in an unventilated space. VOCs aside, paraffin wax will also create unsightly soot.
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Soy Wax
Generally speaking, when comparing soy vs. paraffin wax, there are several differences. Soy wax is denser and has a smaller crystal structure, whereas paraffin wax has a large crystal structure. Due to this, soy wax is softer and more pliable, whereas paraffin wax is harder and more brittle. Ultimately, this offers one significant advantage: a higher melting point and slower burn time. Soy wax can burn up to 50 percent longer than paraffin, although this depends on factors like candle size, wick height, etc. Case in point: one Homesick candle jar can burn 60 to 80 hours.
Soy wax is also healthier than paraffin wax. It emits less soot and few toxins. Soy wax, a by-product of soybeans (not crude oil), is a more natural wax alternative. So when you light a soy wax candle, you can rest easy knowing it’s better for your home’s indoor air quality, keeping your family and pets safe. Not to mention, it’s simply better for the earth.
Homesick candles feature a soy wax blend that is non-toxic, lead-free and free of plastics, paraben, synthetic dyes and phthalates.
Without the soot and toxins released into the air, soy wax also has a stronger scent profile. While a paraffin wax candle does hold scent better, this also depends on the oil quality used to create the fragrance. A higher-quality essential oil needs only a fraction in soy wax, compared to its paraffin counterpart. Plus, soy wax releases a scent that is more subtle and not too on the nose, letting you enjoy the fragrance far longer without it being overwhelming.
Last, but not least, since the U.S. is the world’s greatest producer of soybeans, there’s a good chance your soy wax candle is supporting local farmers.
Beeswax
Beeswax is another type of candle wax and one that has been around for thousands of years, even dating back to the Egyptian era. Like soy wax, beeswax is quite eco-friendly and sustainable. Derived from bees and their honeycomb hives, a beeswax candle even gives off a tinge of sweetness into the air. And unlike paraffin, beeswax produces ions, which are thought to purify the air. Beeswax also offers a hard wax substance, which makes it suitable for shaping pillar candles.
Unfortunately, the subtle, sweet aroma of beeswax is also its biggest downside. Beeswax works wonderfully when used in an unscented candle. However, this sweetness isn’t suitable for some candles that offer other scents and may not mingle well or could disrupt the fragrance.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is a relatively new type of wax, harvested from coconuts. Coconuts are considered a sustainable crop and renewable material, unlike paraffin wax. In addition, coconut wax holds a fragrance quite well, making it an excellent substitute for paraffin, or at least offering a way to create a wax blend. Finally, coconut wax can also hold color rather well, making it nice for more decorative candles that lend themselves to your home’s color palette.
Like soy and beeswax, coconut wax doesn't produce much soot and gives a cleaner burn. However, while coconut wax comes from a high-yield crop, coconuts are used for many other things, from foods to beauty products, which drives up the cost of coconuts. So, coconut wax candles are often more expensive.
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Rapeseed Wax
Rapeseed oil, also known as canola wax, is the newcomer wax that has recently entered the candle scene. Rapeseed oil is derived from a yellow flower that is produced from cabbage and mustard-like plants.
The one downside to rapeseed wax is that it isn’t common in the United States. In European countries, you can easily find rapeseed wax candles, where it is considered a locally sourced and sustainable product with a minimal carbon footprint. But here in America, it’s harder to come by. So even if you ordered it from the EU, the transportation would negate the carbon-neutral advantage.
However, for those across the pond, rapeseed wax is a nice wax for a candle and throws a far scent. A rapeseed wax candle offers a slow burn, too, making it long-lasting.
Wax Blends
Wax blends offer the best of two worlds, simply put. Many candle makers and candle brands prefer to use two — if not multiple types — of wax to create their own signature blend that performs exactly the way they want.
For example, Homesick candles are made of a natural soy blend. As a result, paraffin wax burns strong, while soy wax offers a more eco-friendly material that supports American farmers and reduces our carbon footprint simultaneously. Our candles are not dyed with vibrant colors, but we’re okay with that. There’s no need for dyes. Instead, our wax offers an intentionally neutral, vanilla white hue that matches any home decor effortlessly.
Our soy wax blend makes our candles burn strong and not nearly as hot as straight-up paraffin. Reducing the harmful toxins and chemicals put into the air by paraffin wax, our candles are healthier for the home and healthier for you and your family’s lungs, too. No more soot!
So, What Wax Do You Prefer?
Paraffin, soy, beeswax, coconut and beyond — what is the best wax for candles? Like many answers to questions, it’s not that simple. At the end of the day, it’s really and truly a personal preference. And as you can see, each type of candle wax has its benefits and drawbacks.
Candlemakers everywhere, both novice DIYers and established brands have to answer the same question: What is the best wax for candles? At some point, they too have to make a call on what candle wax is best for their image and product. At Homesick, we are more eco-conscious, so we prefer to make our candles with a soy wax blend.
However, candle wax is only the beginning. Homesick designed its candles to be environmentally friendly and green all-around, from the wick to the container. For instance, our wicks are made of premium cotton and our products are entirely free of lead, plastics, parabens, synthetic dyes and phthalates. And once you burn down your candle, even our glass containers can be upcycled to hold everything from office supplies to small succulents.
Homesick’s Fall Scented Candles
Looking for some fall-scented candles to bring into the home this autumn? Get cozy with some of Homesick’s most homey, autumnal scents. Whether you know a new high school graduate headed off to college or just miss the apple orchards of the Northeast, these fall-inspired candles will make your home or dorm smell warm and inviting.
The Apple Candle
Homesick’s Apple candle will transport you to a sprawling apple orchard of the Northeast. As soon as you light the wick, you're hit with the aroma of apple pie, apple cobbler and warm and soothing apple cider. Top notes of red apple and mandarin leaf linger on top of spices like clove and cinnamon sticks. Base notes of pomegranate and sugar cane add a sweetness and foundation to this autumnal-inspired candle, too. So pick up a few of these Apple Orchard candles to make your home smell like a peck of nice, juicy apples ready to be harvested.
Autumn Hayride
With top notes of fresh hay, warm amber and clove, the Autumn Hayride candle will carry you on an autumn adventure to the farm on a crisp fall day. With mid notes of nutmeg, birch and maple bark, along with a foundation of tonka bean, patchouli and oakmoss, this fall-inspired candle will make you feel like you’re bouncing along behind a tractor on a fun hayride.
Pumpkin Candle
Love taking a trip to the pumpkin patch to select the perfect Jack-o-Lantern for Halloween? Then you'll absolutely love Homesick’s Pumpkin candle. Ignite the pumpkin candle to call to mind hayrides with friends and family members each autumn and crisp, cool fall days that call for a mug of hot apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte. Top notes of pumpkin and nutmeg, along with mid notes of spices, will make you crave pumpkin pie, while sweet vanilla, tonka bean and sugar offer a more treat-like foundation.
Grandma’s Kitchen Candle
If you miss your Nana’s cooking, this is the Homesick candle for you. Light a Grandma’s Kitchen candle whenever you need that down-home comfort of fresh-baked goods straight from the oven. Like a warm apple pie a la mode with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, the Grandma Kitchen candle is nothing but sugar, spice and everything nice. Top notes of butter (naturally) with apple and cream, paired with mid notes of cinnamon and clove spices will make you crave snickerdoodles and apple pie.
Discover More Candles with Our Signature Soy Wax Blend
Whether you pick up one of our fall-inspired candles or any other season or holiday, one thing’s for sure. Our natural soy wax blend offers a long-lasting candle that throws a subtle scent everywhere throughout your home.
Explore the entire collection of Homesick candles today. From candles that bring back fond memories and remind you of your childhood to reed diffusers that last 24/7, Homesick is here to make your home smell amazing.
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