Scented candle-making begins with choosing the ideal wax. The wax is the substance that births a candle, so it’s imperative that you choose the right wax. With a variety of waxes to choose from, here comes the tough part – which is the perfect wax for scented candles?
Out of the common range of waxes – paraffin wax, soy wax, beeswax, rapeseed wax, and coconut wax, we have listed out some pros and cons for you to pick the right choice that would be ideal for use at home or any other place, without causing harm to our environment.
Soy wax is a byproduct of soybean, making it all-natural, biodegradable, vegan, and environmentally friendly. It generally has a slower burn time which makes it value for money, and it burns cleaner resulting in lesser soot produced, as compared to other waxes. Moreover, the mild and softer scent that soy wax emits is highly preferred by many people since it’s less overwhelming on our delicate noses.
Paraffin wax is made from the byproduct of the oil industry. Being inexpensive and accessible, it is commonly used in the candle industry. On top of its convenience, it is rich in scent and colour, and its melting point makes it possible for it to be molded into different shapes to produce various candles. On the downside, paraffin wax is classified as less eco-friendly and sustainable due to the nature of the wax. It is said to emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are harmful to health. Besides, paraffin wax burns more rapidly and releases soot if not well-taken care of.
Beeswax is one of the oldest wax derived from the process of honey-making, bees and the honeycomb hives, which is very eco-friendly and sustainable, just like soy wax! Thanks to the natural aroma of honey, beeswax releases a subtle sense of sweetness and produces ions that are good for cleansing the air. In spite of this, it is rarely used for scented candles due to the distinct honey aroma that does not meld well with essential oils.
Rapeseed wax, otherwise known as Canola wax, is relatively new to the candle industry so it is harder to source. It is extracted from the yellow blooms of cabbage and mustard-like plants, a locally sourced and low-carbon alternative, but also expensive. It has a slow-burning time and sends off a strong scent that can last a long time.
Coconut wax is the latest invention for adopting sustainable practices in the candle industry, involving the harvesting of coconuts. The process of creating coconut wax is from the coconut flesh/oil fused with soy wax. In addition to sustainability, coconut wax holds the scents and colours well, which is great for decorative candles that play the role of enhancing home decoration. Similar to soy wax and beeswax, it burns cleaner and releases less soot. Unfortunately, coconut wax is expensive due to the utilization of coconuts for other purposes.
Wow, that’s a lot of information. So, what’s the best wax for scented candles? This question should be directed to your personal preference upon analyzing the benefits and drawbacks of each candle wax.
At Zendle, we chose soy wax for our scented candles simply because we prioritised the needs of our customers and importantly, our environment. So whenever you light our candles, you can be assured that the air quality at home will be improved and so is the well-being of your family; even your furry friends! Not forgetting, you are also kinder to the earth ♡