When it comes to candle making, wax is a major component to consider. There are numerous types of wax, whether that be soy, beeswax, paraffin, coconut, and more. Each one has a list of pros and cons to go along with it. To be considered when creating specific types of candles. Choosing the right type of wax for your candle is similar to choosing the correct player for each position in soccer.
So, what type of wax holds the most fragrance?
Paraffin wax is known to hold large volumes of fragrance. Similar to fragrance, it also holds color quite well, allowing it to be used for decorative or day-to-day candles. Due to these reasons, paraffin wax is commonly used by candle brands when creating their products.
The Different Types of Wax
Each type of wax has a different melting point, texture, and price range; to name a few items to consider beyond how much fragrance they hold. It all comes down to the quality of ingredients, their use case; and the vessel your candle will be stored in.
We will explain why paraffin wax is the best for holding scents, but do remember that there is more to candles and choosing a wax than just how well it holds fragrance as we break down each type of wax. If your ingredients and fragrances are high quality, for example, you typically will need to use less anyway. Or some may prefer a candle with a light scent to it.
Let’s Discuss Soy Wax
The first type of wax to discuss is soy wax. Now, this type has become quite popular in recent years due to its longevity. It is known to have a slow burn, allowing candles to last longer and it also gives off less residue and soot when burned.
However, the downfall to this wax is that it is not known to hold as much scent as other types can. This can be a good or bad thing depending upon the ingredients and preferences of the person making the candle. Although many will try to go fifty-fifty with soy wax and another type of wax to achieve a slower, cleaner burn at a more cost-effective price.
What About Beeswax?
Then we have beeswax, which is one of the most common types of wax used in candle making. It is an environmentally friendly option since it is created by bees as they make honey. No bees are harmed in the making or harvesting of this wax, which is important to note. It has also been shown to purify the air when burned due to its pure state.
However, it typically is used for lighter fragrance or unscented candles. Primarily because of its dense nature, it tends to be more solid and firm than other waxes. It is vegetarian, vegan, cruelty-free, and the healthiest wax option though. All characteristics to take into consideration when thinking about your target demographic and intended products.
This does make beeswax ideal for pillar or container candles, though. It does tend to have a sweeter aroma due to how it is created, which is a plus when it comes to fragrances, especially if you are using it as a base note for a warmer fragrance candle. Plus, fun fact, it does not drip due to its thickness which allows it to be a mess-free candle.
The Newest Type, Coconut Wax
A close runner-up for holding fragrance is coconut wax. This option is a relatively new one, however, it is one of the most expensive options. The coconuts it is harvested from can produce a large quantity of wax, but coconuts are a relatively pricier fruit.
However, that being said, coconut wax is known to hold color and scents quite well compared to beeswax and soy wax. Although, many companies say that they mix soy wax into their coconut wax to create a blend. It does also offer a cleaner burn, resulting in less soot being present during the burning process, which is another plus.
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The Most Popular Type of Wax, Paraffin
The wax of choice though is paraffin wax for most people who are looking to make a highly scented candle. It can hold colors and fragrances exceedingly well without being too costly. Thus, making it an accessible and workable option for many.
Keep in mind though that this wax is not favored by everyone, no matter how well it holds scent. Many have issues with it due to its environmental impact, as it is petroleum-based and is essentially the leftovers from crude oil. This gives it a reputation for being toxic, although that is not completely true.
Still, a good majority of candle makers use paraffin wax for some if not most of their candles if they are known to have strong scents or be highly scented. While paraffin wax is recommended for holding the most scent, at the end of the day you do have several options to choose from. Whether you need something to work with quality scents, at a cheaper price range, or you are looking for a mix of the two.
Honorable Wax Mentions
There are a few other types of wax that can be used for candles; however, they are not as popular or commonly used. They are worth mentioning though in case you are interested in using them for your candles and scents, depending upon your needs.
Palm wax is quite similar to soy wax when it comes to being environmentally friendly and cleaner options. The wax is not well known for holding scent, though. Sourcing it is quite tedious and expensive to do, which gives it a higher price tag.
Rapeseed wax is a popular option when it comes to blending waxes, as it holds scent and color well. The downside though is the price tag, which is why people often overlook it and choose paraffin wax.
Lastly, we have gel wax, which looks similar to an ice cube. It’s a combination of polymer resin and mineral oil, giving it a jelly-like consistency. It tends to burn slowly, but the ingredients do not make it a clean option.
Benefits Of Using Quality Scents
Believe it or not, there are quite a few benefits to using higher-quality ingredients when creating your candle scents, beyond having a stronger scent while using less product.
Quality essential oils and fragrances have been linked to helping candles to burn longer and smoother. Due to the ingredients being purer and having less filler. This lengthens the lifespan of your candle and enables you to enjoy it longer.
They blend and mix easier into the wax as well. You should not have to worry about any separation from occurring, cracks from forming, or other unsightly errors. Another common theme among quality scents is that they overall smell better and do not attack your senses when being burned. It’s a gradual burn that is releasing the scent rather than a sudden hit.
If you are looking for a popular and inexpensive option, then paraffin wax is your best choice when looking for one that can hold the most fragrance. However, options such as rapeseed and coconut wax can be good alternatives if you are not bogged down by a tight budget. It all depends on your preferences, price range, and fragrance quality.
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Related Questions
Is there much of a difference between the types of fragrances you can use for candles?
Yes, there is a difference between the fragrances you use. It all depends upon their ingredients and their overall quality. You will need to pay more to have a better and stronger scented fragrance, but you will also need to use less of it. Cheaper fragrances will require you to use more, which can still end up being expensive in the long run.
If I’m making candles for aesthetics and décor rather than burning, does the scent matter?
Typically, not, the scent and its quality will not matter as much if the candle is not going to be burnt. No scent or fragrance will be given off or expelled into the air unless the candle is lit, so if it’s meant to be used as décor you can typically leave the candle unscented or use a lighter fragrance. Nothing strong or over the top is needed, though. Just make sure to include in the candle’s description that it is lightly scented and intended to be used as décor in that situation.
Can you mix different types of wax and make a candle out of them?
Yes, you can mix different types of wax, but there are specific steps to follow. You would need to ensure that the waxes have similar densities and melting points, otherwise they may not mix well together, causing separation. There are also proper ratios needed in this type of situation, and it can become more of a hassle than it may be worth trying to mix them.
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Meet Shawn Chun: Entrepreneur and Candle Business Fan.
I’m a happy individual who happens to be an entrepreneur. I have owned several types of businesses in my life from a coffee shop to an import and export business to an online review business plus a few more and now I create online candle business resources for those interested in starting new ventures. It’s demanding work but I love it. I do it for those passionate about their business and their goals. That’s why when I meet a candle business owner at a craft fair, farmers market, retail location or anywhere else I see myself. I know how hard the struggle is to obtain and retain clients, finding good employees all while trying to stay competitive. That’s why I created Candle Business Boss: I want to help candle business owners like you build a thriving business that brings you endless joy and supports your ideal lifestyle.