Understanding the Differences Between Each Type of Candle Wax

From warm pumpkin to clean and crisp linen, there's an endless array of deliciously scented candles to choose from. But your options go beyond just fragrance: Candles also come in a variety of waxes that may look identical but do not necessarily perform or burn the same.

"Wax is considered the 'fuel' of your candle," says Chrissy Fitchl, founder and CEO of Apotheke, an artisanal candle company in Brooklyn. According to Fitchl, the most popular types of candle wax include paraffin (also known as mineral wax), soy, and beeswax. Coconut wax, a relative newcomer, is also gaining popularity, she adds. So, which type of candle wax is best? The answer isn't entirely cut and dry, as the various types all have their own pros and cons.

If you're looking to restock your candle collection—or try your hand at making your own DIY candles—read up on the differences between candle waxes and blends below to decide which will work best for you and your home.

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax is most widely used across candle brands, notes Fitchl, because it can hold a high amount of fragrance and color. Plus, it's fairly inexpensive. It also comes in various melt points, making it suitable for making many different types of candles, from containers to pillars. That said, it's not considered the most eco-friendly type of candle wax, since it's made from a byproduct of the oil industry, she explains. Another downside: If not properly cared for, a paraffin wax candle will create soot.

Pros:

• Inexpensive price point
• Versatile in terms of melting points
• Easy to work with
• Can be highly saturated with both fragrance and color

Cons:

• Does not burn "clean"
• Less eco-friendly than other options
• Tends to burn more quickly

Soy Wax

Soy wax is a mid-range wax with a slow burn, making it a great value. The wax is made from—what else—soybeans and is considered more eco-friendly than paraffin wax. That said, it is a byproduct of the soybean industry, and there are growing concerns over deforestation, fertilizers, and pesticides used in the process, says Fitchl. It can also be relatively difficult to work with: "It's very temperamental with temperature and can shrink, as well as 'frost' with white spots," says Fritchl. The wax doesn't hold quite as much fragrance either, though this can be a pro or a con, depending on how heavy of a scent you like.

Pros:

• Mid-range price point
• Slower burn time

Cons:

• Highly temperamental
• Holds less scent
• Production may contribute to deforestation

Beeswax

Beeswax is one of the oldest forms of candle wax and is a more eco-friendly option since it's derived from bees during the honey-making process—therefore its production isn't vegan. Also because of this, beeswax has a very subtle naturally sweet aroma. Beeswax is also a harder, more solid wax that's often used in blends for container candles or to make unscented pillars, says Fritchl.

Pros:

• Harder wax makes it suitable for pillar and container candles
• Natural subtle scent
• Eco-friendly

Cons:

• Higher price point

Coconut Wax

This newer type of wax is harvested from coconuts—a high-yield and sustainable crop, says Fritchl. Coconut wax is popular for this reason but also because it holds fragrance and color very well, plus has a clean burn that produces very little soot. Unfortunately, it tends to be the most expensive candle wax of the bunch.

Pros:

• Eco-friendly
• Holds fragrance and color well
• Clean burn

Cons:

• Higher price point

Wax Blends

When shopping for candles, you'll often see blends of paraffin waxes, soy waxes, etc. "Many brands blend different waxes together to form a more eco-friendly option that also burns strong," says Fritchl.

What Type of Candle Wax Should You Use?

The type of wax you choose is ultimately a matter of personal preference, depending on what type of candle you're making, how much you want to spend, what strength of fragrance you prefer, and how eco-conscious you are. At the end of the day, these popular types of candle wax all have their pros and cons.

Remember: No matter what you choose, adds Fitchl, the combination of wax, grade of fragrance, wick, and vessel are all extremely important to the overall marker of quality and the resulting experience you'll have.