Candle Waxes Explained

Candles have a long history that have been dated back as far as 5,000 years. It is not known the exact origin, but the Egyptians are thought to have created some of the earliest torches or 'candles' by soaking reeds in animal fat and lighting. We have come a long way from the days of the ancient Egyptians.

Candles no longer provide our main source of lighting, but they provide a wide range of uses including symbolizing celebration, accenting decor, an aid in relaxation and can create an ambiance that enhances our moods and uplifts our spirits.

Along with the advancement of how a candle is made and used, its ingredients have also evolved. Gone are the days of using animal fat. Some of the wax choices today include: paraffin, soy, beeswax, gel, palm and bayberry. It is not uncommon to find many manufacturers even blend various waxes to achieve different properties. For example, some waxes have a higher melting point than another which may affect a candle depending on the climate it is being burned. Some waxes may frost more and another wax is added to help lessen or eliminate an unwanted characteristic.

Below is a description of each type of wax as well as some characteristics of each. Maybe you'll find an interest in trying a new wax candle!

Paraffin is a petroleum based wax. It is one of the most popular waxes used today. Some may argue that paraffin is dangerous to burn. Paraffin wax, like all candle waxes is non-toxic. It has actually been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in food, cosmetics and medical applications (http://www.candles.org/about_faq.html). However, you will still have those who prefer one wax over another. Either way, this wax offers the most creativity as far as free-form candles. It is smooth in texture and can be texturized with various tools to create any look you desire. It can also come with an additive that creates 'snowflakes' or what is considered 'mottling' that gives the candle a distinct look.

Soy is a vegetable based wax. It has become a very popular wax today as well because it is a renewable resource, biodegradeable and is great for the North American farmer. The wax tends to be on the softer side, so additives are needed in order to make a free-standing candle from it. The texture is also smooth and creamy in color.












Beeswax is a by product of bees. It can be bought in several forms including flat or honeycomb shaped sheets, blocks and pearls. You can get it pre-colored, refined or in its natural honey color. It is naturally aromatic which leads many to create fragrance free beeswax candles. Beeswax tends to be much more expensive than any of the other waxes, but if you've ever tried a beeswax candle, you know that they can be worth it.






Gel wax is a combination of processed mineral oil and a gelling agent. Candlemakers use this to achieve clear candles. This wax offers the maker tons of creativity as well and is popular to recreate drinks and food type items into candles. It has drawn negative attention to the fact that it requires close attention while burning because it's highly combustible. However, this wax is for those who desire the unique look that only gel can give but are highly aware of the candle and fragrance flashpoint.





Palm wax is gaining popularity as a renewable wax. It is also a vegetable wax and is biodegradeable. Palm wax is unique in the fact that it creates crystals or feathering depending on the blend you use. Right now there have been issues with how palm wax is harvested. Malaysia is widely known for clearing out precious forests in order to create palm 'farms'. There are a few distributors who can offer wax that has been harvested in a responsible way, so if this is important to you, make sure to ask.





Bayberry is considered a vegetable wax as well. It is produced from the bayberry shrub and is naturally an olive green color. There is no need to fragrance this wax either since it is naturally aromatic. The only drawback is how expensive it is. It takes anywhere from 3-15 pounds of bayberries to make 1 pound of wax. Even so, this wax is very popular around the holidays.


Post written by Jadewicks Home Goodness