Wax , Which One?
Okay so what the difference, does it really matter when it comes to, wax. What can the different wax produce and where might we find them? Wax comes in various types, each with its own characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks. Here's a breakdown of the most common types of candle wax and their differences:
1. Paraffin Wax
Facts: Did you know Paraffin Wax is Derived from petroleum. (which means that isn’t really Natural so if you are looking for a sustainable Natural Wax in your products and Candles Paraffin Free Candles are the way to go. So why would you use Paraffin products. Personally I tend to not use it, But it does have its effectiveness when making certain products for instance Melting Point is Around 46-68°C (115-154°F). Which assist when fragrances are released giving excellent holding and releasing abilities. It’s very easy to work with and can be moulded and bent into shapes. Also it’s one of the most inexpensive options for Wax.
Why I Don’t use it: It has a high Toxicity, Since it’s derived from petroleum, burning paraffin wax releases chemicals, such as benzene and toluene, which can contribute to indoor air pollution. Ultimately is a petroleum byproduct, it is not biodegradable and has a significant environmental footprint.
2. Soy Wax
Facts: Okay so if you weren’t too sure from our website SOY SOY SOY… Is one of the most popular choices in modern times, But Why? Soy Wax is made from soybeans and has a Melting Point: Around 49-82°C (120-180°F). It Burns typically longer than paraffin and is Natural, so it’s great for those natural candle makers like MWAH because Pure Essential Oils generally work well with Pure Soy Wax. It’s great for Releasing fragrance throughout your home and is consistent.
Most Importantly Eco-Friendly: A renewable resource and biodegradable. Clean Burn: Burns cleaner with minimal soot production.
So why wouldn't you use Soy Wax, it doesn’t bow well in warmer climates, it needs to be kept at the right temperature and can be quite soft so it’s a harder wax for moulds and shape bending. If your using it for pillar candles and unlike. You may encounter problems when removing from moulds and frosting of candles tends to be a common complaint when using Soy Wax and colour.
So while this Wax is our go to choice … it can be a little moody!
3. Beeswax
Facts: Yes its made by Bees.. Beeswax . Produced by bees during the process of making honey. So the Melting point is a little higher on this one Around 62-65°C (144-149°F). It Burns much slower than both Paraffin and Soy Wax so can be good for making cost effective candles. Also Beeswax is great for beauty products, most of your balms will use beeswax. So thanks Bees for Natures Great source of Beauty not too mention the HONEY.
Our Beard Balm products both use Beeswax and Honey and both materials are great for the skin.
So what’s great about Beeswax its natural and is non-toxic it burns cleanly and produces no soot. It also helps to purify the air by releasing negative ions when burned. It has a long burn time often better than soy and paraffin. It can also be great as an unscented option as it naturally has a pleasing aroma.
It can be very expensive and costly as to produce this type of was is very labour intensive for those BEE’S
4. Palm Wax
Facts: So Palm Wax is derived from the oil of palm fruit and .Melting Point: Around 52-58°C (125-136°F). It has similar Burning times at Soy Wax but in general terms will burn slightly longer. Natural and Renewable: Derived from a renewable resource. It produces minimal soot. When using Palm Wax it can give candles a unique appearance because it has a feather like texture.
So we Advocate against Palm Wax because of its links to deforestation, loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction we like to choose sustainable materials that benefit from our environment. Also it melts quickly if it’s exposed to high heat.
5. Coconut Wax
Facts: Made from coconut oil. Coconut wax Melting point is around 40-60°C (104-140°F). It burns blower than both soy and paraffin wax. (See Below The Importance of Burn TIme) The great thing about coconut wax is it is sustainable and derived from renewable resources and biodegradable. It is a clean burn, minimal soot and pollutants. It has a good scent through due to is low burn rate and holds fragrance and releases evenly when burned. It also is easy to work with as it is smooth and glossy finish when cooled. The downside like beeswax its expensive than other waxes and too needs to be climate controlled.
6. Gel Wax
Facts Gel Wax is made from mineral oil and polymer resin. EEK its melting point is around 70°C (158°F). It depends on the thickness of the gel wax but generally considered it has a longer burn time than parafin, but due to its characteristics it will burn quickly and will not last as long compared to other waxes. . Mainly used in decorative candles due to its transparent appearance and shells and beads can be embedded into the wax and viewed through the vessels. It’s important to use a Wick that Is sperficially designed for Gel Candles.
This is not our go to Wax and If you into decorative candles, please consider the toxic burning properties of this type of wax. But you can certainly achieve many cool looks like ice in your iced latte. Or Seashells under the Ocean Candle.
7. Tallow Wax
Facts: Derived from animal fats (usually beef or sheep). Its Melting point is quite low 45-50°C (113-122°F). It burns slowly but it not as clean as plant-based waxes probably due to it being from animal fat, like a spit wax …. Tallow Wax is commonly known as the historical wax and was used in candle making Eons ago. Before modern waxes. Tallow wax came out of favour when more plant based waxes became widely available and concerns of more sustainable and ethical products were on the rise. Tallow Wax is now widely and historically used in skincare and cosmetics products and is gaining momentum in the industry due to beneficial properties. Tallow is rich in vitamins and fatty acids and can nourish and hydrate the skin. Tallow wax is obviously not Vegan Friendly so there has been ethical concerns, as some are opposed to using animal-based products for environmental or ethical reasons, as it contributes to the use of animal resources. Also it has strong smell and can produce an unpleasant smell when burned especially if it is not properly refined.
Longer Burn Time
I just want to take a minute to talk about Burn time in this article, while this can be considered its own entire conversation. I think talking about the properties and meetings points of Wax we must consider how that will impact your candle. A wax that has a longer Burn time means… Wait for it…. ‘Your Candle Will Last Longer’ If it burns longer you're going to get more value for money. Slower burning candles also release fragrance more evenly and you scent throw will be more consistent. The scent throw will dissipate into the room gradually and enhance the experience. Your wax will have a more even pool and melt to the edges as well as burn cleaner minimising soot and having a cleaner flame that contributes to healthier indoor quality.
So who wouldn’t appreciate a clean burn, longer lasting candle. So consider the wax when choosing your candles and beauty products wisely and choose sustainable and cost effective products.
What’s your WAX Choice?
