Types of Candle Wax and Which Are Better For Your Business

Types of Candle Wax and Which Are Better For Your Business

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There are several wax varieties out there that could be an appropriate choice to begin your candle making business. How do you know which candle wax is best for your business? Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of different wax types, their properties, and the different candle types each are best suited for. 

Depending on your type of business, particular types of candle wax will work better than others. The different wax varieties that are commonly used in candle making are:

  • Beeswax
  • Paraffin
  • Stearin

Beeswax is the best choice for your business for multiple reasons, but paraffin has been more popular in the past and continues to be the number one choice. The reason why Beeswax is the best option is that it has a higher melting point compared to other wax types, so a Beeswax candle will hold its form and stay upright. It is also nature-based and free from toxins. Each wax type has unique properties that are important to know about before committing to using them in your products. The candle type is another element to consider when choosing the wax, as the shape and style can affect the wax differently.

Also keep in mind that people purchase candles for various reasons; some examples include holidays, church, candlelight vigils, for fragrance, spas, and maybe even practicing witchcraft. It is important to keep your consumer in mind when making your choice. This article will cover wax varieties, candle types, fragrance and therapeutic benefits, and environmental factors to consider when choosing which candle wax is better for your business.

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Pros and Cons of Different Wax Varieties

The different wax types that are commonly used in candle making include Beeswax, Paraffin, Soy, Palm, Stearin, and more. Each wax type can benefit your business in different ways depending on your ideal customer. Beeswax and Soy Wax have longer burn times compared to the other waxes mentioned, so if you are in the business of making dipped and molded candles, you might want to consider one of those options, so your candle creation lasts longer. Additionally, always test out your candle by lighting the wick to make sure that the wax, candle shape, and type of wick are a combination worth selling. 

Here is a little more about each type of wax: 

Types of Candle Wax and Which Are Better For Your Business
  • Paraffin: This is the most popular wax that candle makers use in their business. Around the 15th century, Paraffin wax surpassed Beeswax in being the most frequently used, as Beeswax is more expensive to purchase. Paraffin wax is

made from coal, natural gas, and petroleum. It can be used with any candle type and process (poured, dipped, etc.) making it the most versatile of all wax types. 

  • Beeswax: This particular type of wax has been used in candle making rituals for hundreds of years and is the oldest known type of wax used for candle making. Although today it is the most expensive type of wax to purchase, the quality of Beeswax candles is greater than Paraffin. Beeswax is made from a combination of honey bee microbes and is best used for pouring candles. Candles with the longest burn time are Beeswax and Soy.
  • Stearin: Made from vegetable and animal fats and oils. This wax type is best used for pouring candles. It is the second most popular wax type used for candle making, behind Paraffin. Typically, people who use Stearin today in their business will choose vegetable based over animal-based fats.

Rolled, dipped, or molded? 

Choosing HOW you are going to make your candles is another factor to consider when choosing the best wax type for your candle making business. Candles can be rolled, dipped, or molded into a specific shape. If you are a church-goer, you may often see candles in the shape of religious figures. Molding candles is the most difficult method in candle making, as it takes delicate skill and time to develop your craft. Rolled candles are the most common because this method is the most consistent when it comes to accuracy.

Rolled candles are made by rolling sheets of wax around the wick in the middle. Dipped candles are made from dipping the wick into melted wax, which can get quite messy especially if it is your first time. Multiple wicks can cause your candle to burn more quickly. Tea lights and votives are small and should only have one wick. Container candles and floating candles can have multiple wicks. Tip: Make sure the wick size is proportionate to your candle width. 

Choosing the Candle Type With Your Consumer in Mind 

  • Pillar: A thick straight candle, commonly seen at church or at the dining table.
  • Container: Any candle that is made by pouring wax into a container. 
  • Tealight: Small and circular, used around the home. 
  • Taper: Long and skinny, made from dipping, two are often held together.

Fragrances and Therapeutic Benefits 

When lit, candles can emit both positive and negative properties into the air. Negative organic compounds, such as cancer-causing carcinogens, can bring forth adverse health effects. Understanding the chemical elements in the type of wax that is going to be purchased by your customer is crucial for their safety. Paraffin wax is more toxic than Bees or Soy wax, so it is recommended to choose one of those options over the latter. Soy wax candles burn cleaner compared to other types of wax. Colors and scents are added during candle production. Some popular scents include jasmine, lavender, and eucalyptus. Aromatherapy is a possible therapeutic benefit of fragrant candles, which is the use of essential oils made from plants to heal physical or mental illnesses. 

Environmental Factors to Consider 

Types of Candle Wax and Which Are Better For Your Business

Does your business sell or plan on selling to customers with small children and families? The holidays with the highest home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Eve. Wax is combustible and in busy homes with a lot of people, pets, and children, fire related accidents can happen. It is important to keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn. Tip: Do not burn candles longer than 3 hours at a time. 

For Pet Lovers 

Did you know that some types of candle wax are toxic for your pets? Before using the wax with the lowest price do your research for your animal loving customers. The types of wax that are toxic to pets are paraffin, lead, and synthetic oil. The safest wax for pets

are Beeswax, Soy, and Coconut. Nature based waxes are less harmful than synthetic brands. 

Overall, the candle wax you choose should make the most sense for your individual business. If you are just getting started in the candle making business, consider the different properties and benefits of your wax options, and decide which makes the most sense for your business and your ideal customer. Be sure to follow safety guidelines, use raw materials free from toxins, and understand the burning behavior before selling new candles to your customers.

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