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Writer's pictureChristy Cheung

Exploring Different Candle Waxes: Soy (Container + Pillar), Beeswax, Paraffin, Gel Wax, and Palm Wax

 

Candles are a staple in many homes, providing warmth, ambiance, and a touch of luxury. However, not all candles are created equal. The type of wax used can significantly impact the candle’s performance, scent, and health implications. It can also be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. In this post, we’ll explore the characteristics of five popular candle types: soy wax, beeswax, paraffin wax, gel wax, and palm wax, highlighting their unique characteristics and benefits. We’ll also discuss the importance of sourcing wax from reliable suppliers.



Soy Wax (Container + Pillar)

Soy wax, made from soybean oil, is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable option that burns cleanly with minimal soot. Its eco-friendly properties make it a popular choice for candles, as it generally burns longer and cleaner than paraffin. However, like all waxes, improper burning can still release some toxins, though significantly fewer than paraffin. We’ll discuss this in detail in our next post.


While container and pillar soy wax are readily available on the market, understanding their differences and picking the right wax can be tricky. Let’s explore their unique characteristics and applications.


Container Soy Wax: This type of wax is soft and adheres well to jars and other vessels. It has a low melting point, high fragrance retention, and strong adhesion to the container, making it ideal for scented candles using natural or compound essential oils.


Pillar Soy Wax: This wax is harder and designed to hold its shape outside of a container. It has a higher melting point and excellent surface texture, allowing for easy demolding and a clean finish.


Our Cake Candles, crafted with pillar soy wax and beeswax, feature a clean finish and retain their shape beautifully even when not in a container.


Our Dried Flower Container Candles, crafted with container soy wax, feature a smooth, even burn and secure adhesion to the container.


Beeswax 

Beeswax is a natural substance produced by honeybees from a gland in their abdomen, which they use to construct their hives. It has a smooth surface, a distinct aroma, and a sticky texture that can be softened by the warmth of your hands. As one of the earliest waxes known to humanity, beeswax was originally found in a lumpy yellow form. Over time, it has been refined into granular and decolorized forms to suit various needs, though refined beeswax loses some of its original properties. Compared to paraffin wax, beeswax shrinks less and offers a longer burn time.


For optimal performance, use a wick that is 1 to 2 sizes larger than what you would use for soy wax. Adding beeswax to soy wax can enhance hardness, reduce black smoke during burning, and provide a glossy finish. Due to its higher cost, beeswax is often blended with other waxes rather than used alone.


Many classic taper candles were historically made from beeswax, a tradition that dates back to earlier times.

(Photo by Ceyda Çiftci on Unsplash)


Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax is one of the most popular types of wax used in candle making, suitable for creating a wide range of candles, including both container and pillar styles. Historically, candles were made from materials like beeswax or bayberry wax, but these were largely supplanted by paraffin wax with its development. As a by-product of the crude oil refining process, paraffin is a translucent, hard wax that burns faster than beeswax and lacks inherent fragrance. When melted, paraffin wax becomes transparent and clear. It also comes in various melting points, low, standard, and high — determined by the specific processing methods.


Paraffin wax is predominantly imported from the United States and Japan, with Japanese paraffin wax being particularly refined and valued for its high quality and safety. This is why Matse Studio sources paraffin wax directly from Japan for both our candle workshops and products, ensuring the highest quality and standards in our creations.


While paraffin wax has a higher shrinkage rate compared to natural waxes, this can be mitigated by using additives. Some paraffin waxes available on the market come pre-mixed with these additives for convenience.


One of our "Draw by Ballare" series candles, where each piece is uniquely crafted and takes hours to complete.


Gel Wax

Gel wax is a distinctive candle-making material known for its translucent, jelly-like texture. Composed mainly of polymer resin and mineral oil, gel wax achieves a clear appearance and offers a unique flexibility that sets it apart from traditional waxes. This combination allows for innovative and visually appealing candle designs, such as embedding objects and creating intricate patterns that remain visible within the gel. 


In terms of performance, gel wax exhibits several differences from paraffin wax. It generally produces a smaller flame, has a longer burning time, and boasts a higher melting point. These characteristics contribute to its extended burn life but also require careful handling during the candle-making process. Notably, certain fragrances may cause fogging or cloudiness when added to gel wax, so it’s recommended to use fragrances specifically formulated for this type of wax to maintain clarity. The wax comes in various melting points categorised as MP (low), HP (medium), and SHP (high), allowing for different applications based on the intended design and use. 


Our Iced Lemon Tea Candle Workshop utilises gel wax with varying melting points to optimise the appearance of each candle, ensuring they hold their shape even outside of a container.


Palm Wax

Palm wax, a vegetable wax derived from the oil palm tree, is primarily produced in Malaysia. This wax stands out for its distinctive crystalline structure, which creates an appearance reminiscent of ice or snowflakes on its surface. This unique aesthetic quality makes palm wax candles particularly visually appealing and distinct from other types of candles.


Palm wax is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of candle-making techniques, making it suitable for creating a range of candle types, including both container and pillar candles. Its inherent firmness and stability ensure that the resulting candles are durable and long-lasting.


Despite the fact that the oil palm tree is highly productive and palm wax is considered a renewable and eco-friendly resource, the production of palm oil and palm wax has been linked to significant environmental concerns. In some regions where palm plantations are established, the industry has been associated with deforestation, habitat loss, and other environmental issues. These concerns highlight the importance of sourcing palm wax from sustainable and responsibly managed plantations to mitigate its environmental impact.


Handcrafted crystal gradation candle.


Closing

Understanding the different types of candle wax can help you make informed decisions about the candles you purchase or create. Each wax has its unique properties and applications, offering a range of options for various candle-making techniques and purposes.


As the candle trend continues to grow, it’s not difficult to find candle shops and suppliers everywhere. However, it’s crucial to ask more questions and learn about the materials used in the candles you buy. Knowing the source and quality of the wax can ensure that you’re choosing products that are safe, eco-friendly, and aligned with your values. Look for businesses that are transparent about their ingredients, production methods, and the environmental impact of their sourcing practices. By selecting reliable suppliers and supporting ethical practices, you can enjoy high-quality candles while contributing to a more sustainable and responsible market.


In our upcoming posts, we’ll dive into whether soy wax is truly “toxic-free” and explore its safety in greater detail. Feel free to leave a comment below with any inquiries or subjects you’d like us to cover. Stay updated with our latest developments by subscribing to our newsletter or following us on Instagram.



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