Wax in Candles
When it comes to making scented candles, choosing the perfect wax for yourself is essential. It is imperative that you select the right kind of wax for your candle because it is the substance that makes a candle come to life. When there are so many waxes to choose from, which one is best for scented candles?
For you to choose the right wax for use at home or in another place, we have listed out some pros and cons of the common waxes - paraffin wax, soy wax, beeswax, rapeseed wax, and coconut wax.
- Soy wax is a byproduct of soybean, making it all-natural, biodegradable, vegan, and environmentally friendly. As compared to other waxes, it generally has a slower burn time, making it a great value for money. It also burns cleaner, which results in less soot being produced as compared to others. As compared to other waxes on the market today, soy wax has a much stronger scent throw than the other waxes available. A stronger scent throw also refers to the amount of fragrances it releases when lit. Soy wax also tends to be more opaque and has a creamy, smooth appearance.
2. Paraffin wax: This is the most common type of wax used in candle making. It is derived from petroleum and is relatively inexpensive, making it a popular choice for mass-produced candles. However, it has a low melting point and can release potentially harmful chemicals when burned, so it is not considered a "clean" burning wax.
3. Beeswax: This wax is made by bees and is considered to be the oldest type of wax used in candle making. It is more expensive than other types of wax and has a higher melting point. It has a natural honey scent and is considered a clean-burning wax, as it does not release harmful chemicals when burned.
4. Rapeseed wax: This is a type of wax derived from the seeds of the rapeseed plant, which is a member of the Brassica family. The plant is also known as canola, and the wax is sometimes referred to as canola wax. Rapeseed wax is a hard, creamy-white wax with a low melting point.
5. Coconut Wax: Coconut wax is a type of wax made from the oil of coconuts. Unrefined coconut wax is white or off-white in colour, and has a slightly tropical, coconuts scent. Coconut wax has a high melting point, which makes it a good choice for making candles that can withstand high temperatures.Coconut wax is known for its slow, clean burn and good fragrance retention, this is considered one of the best alternative to traditional paraffin wax which is derived from petroleum. Because it is natural, it is also more sustainable and biodegradable.
At Burnt, we used soy wax in making the perfect scented candles. Soy wax is the best candle wax for scent throw, it also burns at lower temperatures and has a longer burn time than paraffin wax. Soy wax is also easy to clean up with just soap and warm water, unlike paraffin wax which can be difficult to remove and often requires solvents. For making natural scented candles, soy wax is the top choice as it’s biodegradable and non-toxic, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to many traditional waxes.
