Candle Making: Soy Wax Alternatives

Besides soy wax, some of the most commonly used waxes for candle-making are paraffin wax, beeswax, and coconut wax. You can read more about each of these alternatives below.

Paraffin Wax:

Paraffin wax, otherwise known as petroleum wax, is created when crude oil is refined into gasoline. According to CandleScience, the resulting white, odorless solid is the most commonly used wax for candle-making.

Benefits of Using Paraffin Wax:

• It does not frost like natural wax (e.g. soy wax).
• The majority of candle fragrances/dyes work well with it.
• Information is readily-available regarding candle-making with paraffin wax.

It is important to note, however, that although paraffin wax comes from a natural source, it is not typically thought of as a natural wax. It also does not burn as cleanly as some other waxes--it gives off black soot when burned.

Beeswax:

Beeswax is produced by honeybees and is therefore a naturally derived product. According to CandleScience, it has a higher melting point compared to other natural waxes, resulting in longer-lasting candles.

There are two types of beeswax: yellow and white. Yellow beeswax is the more natural of the two, as it is not bleached. Yellow beeswax is also typically better to use in candles.

Beeswax can be fun to experiment with, but it isn't recommended for use by those just starting on their candle-making journeys. It can be challenging to work with, especially when it comes to finding the correct wick to use with it.

Coconut Wax:

Suffolk Candles has an article that goes into great detail about coconut wax, and the most important aspects of it are summarized below.

Coconut wax is odorless and colorless. As you could probably guess, it is naturally sourced from coconuts. Using coconut wax has multiple benefits:

• It produces zero soot - it burns cleanly. 
• It is sustainable since it's made from a renewable product: coconuts.
• Candles made with coconut wax are slow-burning, so they are long-lasting.
• Coconut wax candles hold scents for a long period of time, resulting in phenomenal scent throws. Once a candle is lit, you will start smelling the aroma very quickly.
• Coconut wax is less prone to frosting.
• It blends well with other natural, harder waxes.

Now that the benefits of coconut wax have been established, some cons can be discussed:

• It has a low melting point, so coconut wax candles that are in high temperature climates will often melt. Those who live in warmer regions may want to use caution when it comes to making/purchasing coconut wax products.
• Due to its low melting point, coconut wax should typically be combined with other types of waxes (e.g. paraffin, soy, or beeswax). Thus, making candles with coconut wax can be expensive--the coconut wax and the wax it will be combined with would have to be purchased. That cost can be lessened a bit, however, by buying pre-made coconut wax blends.

Coconut Soy Wax Blends:

With this type of blend, the appearance will still be creamy and off white-- similar to 100% soy candles. These types of natural wax blends are typically frost-resistant and leave smoother candle tops after the wax has been poured and cooled. In short, these blends have many of the same benefits mentioned in the Coconut Wax section above.

CandleScience offers Golden Brands 454 Coconut Soy Wax if you are interested in trying out a coconut-soy blend.

Conclusion:

There are lots of wax options out there. If you are just starting with candle making, it is important to do some research on all of the available options so that you can make an informed decision about what wax you would like to use going forward.

Here at Nut House Candle Co., we use soy wax. You can read more about it here.

Sources:

CandleScience. “Fragrant, Filtered Beeswax for Candles.” CandleScience, https://www.candlescience.com/wax/beeswax/.

CandleScience. “Paraffin Wax for Candles - Igi Paraffin Candle Wax.” CandleScience, https://www.candlescience.com/wax/paraffin-wax/.