Top 7 different types of candle wax to make candles

Scented candles are no longer a strange product to consumers today. Scented candles are commonly used in dinner parties, spas or especially in meditation and yoga. Scented candles are a perfect combination of ingredients that create sparkling beauty. But one of the most important factors when looking for high-quality candles is candle wax. In this blog post, Le Rustique have compiled a complete guide to “7 types of candle wax for making scented candles”.

1. What is candle wax?

Candle wax is a flammable, slightly shiny carbon-containing solid made from fat or oil used in making candles or polishing. When heated at room temperature, candle wax becomes liquid.

2. 7 types of candle wax to make candles

Choosing candle wax is an important part of the candle-making process. There are many different types of candle wax, and each kind of wax has its own characteristics to create quality candle boxes that are safe for health and the environment.

2.1. Soy wax

Soy wax is one of the newer waxes in the candle making industry, and has become the most popular wax on the market today. Soy wax is a 100% natural wax made from soybeans, renewable, vegan and eco-friendly. This type of wax retains its scent very well but is more difficult to color than paraffin wax and beeswax. When burned, soy wax burns slower and cleaner than most waxes. Therefore, soy candle wax is usually more expensive and has a longer lifespan.

Soy wax has a flake shape and is very easy to use. If you want to create candles in different shapes like jars, teacups, or tins, soy wax is a great choice for you. It is also a very good smelling wax and used for scented candles will result in a box of candles with a pure scent.

Some unique properties of soy wax:

• Texture: quite soft and pliable
• Color: opaque white/beige
• Melting temperature: 49 to 82 °C (120 to 180 °F)
• Scent: natural/forest-like

2.2. Coconut wax

Coconut wax is made from hydrogenated and refined coconut oil. This is an eco-friendly, vegan and sustainable wax choice for candle making. When burned, coconut wax burns cleanly, creating little soot, making it a safe choice for your home.

Coconut wax is colorless, odorless and has the ability to emit scent very well, so it is used to make scented candles. It is often combined with soy wax and is suitable for candle making in containers.

Some unique properties of coconut wax:

• Texture: firm
• Color: obright white to creamy and opaque
• Melting temperature: 37°C (100 ºF)
• Scent: odorless

2.3. Beeswax

As for natural waxes, beeswax ranks alongside soy wax and coconut wax. Beeswax is the oldest type of candle wax and is also a good wax for candles. Beeswax is created during the honey-making process, is completely natural, and is not vegan. Beeswax is suitable for making pillar candles and has a high price. However, beeswax has a major drawback: it does not retain and release fragrance as long as some other types of wax. If you're looking for candles with a long-lasting scent, beeswax may not be the best choice for you.

Some unique properties of beeswax:

• Texture: solid
• Color: yellow and/or brown
• Melting temperature: 62 °C to 64 °C (144 °F to 147 °F)

2.4. Paraffin wax

Paraffin wax is the most popular synthetic wax today. However, it is not widely accepted for use. Paraffin wax is a byproduct refined from crude oil in the oil refining industry. It is the cheapest wax on the market, but is not environmentally friendly. When burned, paraffin wax produces soot.

If you want to make candles with high color saturation, paraffin wax is the right choice because it retains color and scent very well. It is a very versatile wax that can be used for everything from box candles to taper candles and pillar candles.

Some unique properties of paraffin wax:

• Texture: solid at room temperature
• Color: white/colorless
• Melting temperature: between 46 and 68 °C (115 and 154 °F)
• Scent: odorless

2.5. Palm wax

Palm wax is a completely natural wax such as soy wax and coconut wax, made from palm oil. When burned, palm wax burns cleanly, making it a sustainable, environmentally friendly choice. Compared to other types of wax, palm wax has a high price. However, it produces candle boxes that are of high quality and have a long burning time. Palm wax would be a great choice for use in scented candles. It is a durable and strong wax that can be easily shaped into different shapes for free-standing candles, without containers, and pillar candles.

Some unique properties of palm wax:

• Color: yellow
• Melting temperature: between 82 to 86 °C (180 to 187 °F)

2.6. Rapessed wax

Rapeseed wax is a renewable vegetable wax that is less commonly used. They are derived from rapeseed native to Europe. Rapeseed wax is used to make container candles but is more expensive than other waxes, due to the rigorous sourcing and extraction process. When burned, rapeseed wax burns cleanly, without creating soot. In particular, this type of wax has the ability to retain fragrance for a long time, radiate fragrance and have a long burning time.

Some unique properties of rapeseed wax:

• Texture: firm
• Color: white/beige
• Melting temperature: 43°C (109 °F)

2.7. Gel wax

Gel wax is not considered completely wax, it is made from 95% mineral oil and 5% polymer resin, the consistency is quite soft and gelatin-like. Gel wax is used to make clear candles or embedded gel candles. It has the ability to create different colors like paraffin wax. The main disadvantage of gel candles is that they come in thin glass containers that can easily crack or break when they get too hot. Besides, they are not of natural origin and are not biodegradable.

Some unique properties of rapeseed wax:

• Texture: jelly
• Color: transparent
• Melting temperature: 82 °C (180 °F)

3. Best candle wax from essential oil candles

When it comes to choosing wax for essential oil candles, certain factors must be considered to ensure the quality of the candle box.

3.1. Soy wax

Soy wax is a great wax, suitable for most essential oils thanks to its ability to retain scent for a long time. When burned, the wax easily melts and helps spread the essential oil scent.

Essential oils that are woody, spicy, and strong can create wonderful scents. Lighter essential oils such as lavender and citrus may be less effective, unless a higher ratio of essential oils to wax is used.

3.2. Beeswax

Beeswax is another popular choice for making candles with essential oils. It has a sweet scent like honey. Beeswax has a high melting point, so it can hold essential oils well and release them slowly over time.

Essential oils such as eucalyptus and patchouli, which have a very strong smell when combined with beeswax, will not be overwhelmed. Light floral and herbal scents can easily be overwhelmed by the natural scent of beeswax.

3.3. Coconut wax

Coconut wax has become a popular wax in essential oil candles. Coconut wax has a high melting point and good fragrance. This helps keep the essential oils well and releases them slowly over time. Coconut wax candles have a longer burning time and have a natural scent.

4. Considerations when choosing scented canlde wax for essential oils

• Scent throw

When choosing wax for essential oil candles, the spread of fragrance when burned is an important thing to consider. Some waxes will have a stronger scent than others and can affect the overall effectiveness of the candle.

• Burn time
  

One aspect that needs to be considered when choosing wax for essential oil candles is burning time. The burning time of a candle will determine how long the candle will last before burning out. Some waxes have a longer burning time such as soy wax, coconut wax, and beeswax while other waxes, such as paraffin wax, have a shorter burning time. This can affect the overall value of the candle for the money the customer spends.

• Eco-friendliness

Eco-friendliness is an essential factor when choosing wax for essential oil candles. Some types of wax such as soy wax and coconut wax are biodegradable and more environmentally friendly. There are some other types of wax such as paraffin wax that are derived from petroleum and are not biodegradable.

• Ease of use
  

The final factor to consider is ease of use. Some waxes, such as beeswax, have a high melting point and are more difficult to process. As for soy wax, the wax is soft, has a lower melting temperature and melts easily.

5. Tips for candles-making with essential oils

Here are some simple steps to make candles with essential oils that you can make at home.

Step 1: Measure candle ingredients

First, you need to measure the amount of wax and essential oils you plan to use. For effective essential oil usage, you should use 6% or 1 ounce of essential oil per pound of wax. To keep the candle's scent from being diminished, you should not exceed the maximum amount of wax, which is usually 10% for soy wax.

Step 2: Melt the wax

After weighing out the required amount of wax, boil water at moderate temperature and add wax. Then, stir the wax and let it melt completely, monitoring the temperature of the wax. Melting temperature depends on each type of wax.

Step 3: Heat your candle container

A special trick to help candle wax stick to the container is to gently heat the candle container before pouring the wax into it. You can heat it with a hair dryer or put it in the oven at 120°F for a few minutes.

Step 4: Add wick candle

Once the candle container is heated, attach the wick label to the bottom of the candle wick. Place the candle wick in the center of the candle holder and hold it in place with the wick holder.

Step 5: Blend essential oils

When the wax is at 160°F, add the essential oil and stir for 1-2 minutes. Stir gently to avoid creating air bubbles in the melted wax.

Step 6: Pour your candle

Once your candle wax is at 100 - 130°F, slowly pour the wax into the candle container and then wait until the wax cools. Wait at least 24 hours or 3-5 days for the wax to completely cure before lighting the candle.

6. Frequently asked questions

6.1. What is the best way to store essential oils?

The best way to store essential oils to last as long as possible is to protect them from oxidation, light and moisture. You can store it in a plastic box with a lid or a box that doesn't get sunlight, keep it in a cool place.

6.2. Why essential oils make good candles?

Using essential oils in candle making has many benefits - both practical and aromatherapy. In addition to having a pleasant scent, essential oils also have many health benefits. Some essential oils have a positive impact on mood such as reducing stress and increasing concentration.

6.3. Why is soy wax often recommended for essential oil candles?

Because natural essential oils are less fragrant than chemical fragrances, you need to choose a suitable wax that can last a long time and radiate fragrance into the air. This is why soy wax is recommended to use.

Essential oil scented candles are a great way to refresh your mood from the therapeutic properties of natural essential oils. Choosing the best candle wax for your essential oil will create an atmosphere that is both soothing and beneficial to your health. You can also choose for yourself candle boxes with the best natural aromatherapy from Le Rustique.