Wax 101: Choosing the Perfect Wax for Your Creations!

If you’re new to candle making, one of the most daunting choices can be deciding which type of wax to use! There are quite a few varieties of wax available for candles, and to save time and money, it’s crucial to start with the right type for your project. Let’s explore some of the most common types of wax!

Para-Soy
Let’s start with the wax I use to make candles—a paraffin and soy blend! This blend is often referred to as para-soy. The blend I use consists of approximately 52% soy wax and 48% paraffin wax, creating a soft, buttery texture ideal for container candles. It’s much too soft for making pillar candles, though there are para-soy blends specifically formulated for harder applications, like wax melts. Para-soy offers an excellent hot and cold throw (hot throw = the scent when the candle is lit; cold throw = the scent of the hardened, unlit candle). One of my favorite features of para-soy wax is the creamy, smooth finish it creates when hardened. I include para-soy wax in my candle-making kits because it’s forgiving and beginner-friendly. Can you tell it’s my favorite?

Soy
Soy wax is highly regarded as a clean, eco-friendly alternative to pure paraffin wax. Made from soybean oil, it typically produces less soot than other waxes. Soy wax works well for containers, though many people (myself included) encounter tunneling and frosting when working with 100% soy wax. It’s also suitable for wax melts, but pure soy wax is generally not recommended for pillar candles because of its low melting point. Fortunately, many excellent soy blends are specifically labeled for use in wax melts and pillars. Soy wax is a favorite among those who value clean-burning, natural products.

Paraffin
Paraffin is a byproduct of petroleum and the most popular wax used by mass-production candle companies (think candles at Target or Walmart). It boasts excellent hot and cold throw, cools evenly, and has a translucent appearance that works beautifully with vibrant colors. Since paraffin is extremely soft, it’s best suited for containers. There’s a common myth that paraffin wax is harmful because it’s not natural, but that’s simply not true.

Beeswax
Honeybees are amazing, and so is the wax they create from their honeycombs! Beeswax is all-natural and has a subtle, sweet scent. This hard wax is ideal for stunning pillar candles and molds. It can also be used in containers but comes with a higher risk of tunneling and frosting. Although beeswax is pricier, it’s a wonderful option for creating unique, high-quality pillar candles.

Coconut Apricot
This newer wax is rapidly gaining popularity in the candle-making world. One of its biggest selling points is its quick cure time—most waxes require about two weeks for a full cure, while coconut apricot wax is said to cure in just 2–3 days. This softer wax is perfect for containers but not suitable for pillars. While its name sounds organic, keep in mind that it often includes paraffin or other additives. Many makers love the smooth tops and even pours achieved with coconut apricot wax.

TL;DR
Candle making is a fun and creative journey! Experimenting with different waxes, wicks, and scents is all part of the process. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it’s about finding what works best for you. If you'd rather skip the trial and error, my candle-making kit is a hassle-free way to dive in and start creating beautiful candles. Keep experimenting, keep creating, and most importantly, have fun! As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions or comments.

Craft responsibly,

Madison