Heidi Norton
There are many types of waxes available for fragrance candles, each with its own unique properties and benefits. The most common types of waxes used for fragrance candles include paraffin, soy, beeswax, and coconut wax. Paraffin wax is currently considered the best option for achieving a strong fragrance, which is why many commercial brands use it in their candles. However, newer natural waxes like soy, coconut, and rapeseed wax are gaining popularity due to their environmental advantages and ability to hold fragrance well. The type of wax chosen depends on various factors such as burn time, sustainability, scent throw, and personal preferences.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best wax for strong fragrance | Paraffin wax |
| Best natural wax for fragrance | Coconut wax |
| Best natural alternative to paraffin wax | Soy wax |
| Best wax for beginners | Coconut-Apricot wax |
| Best wax for eco-friendliness | Coconut wax |
| Best wax for burn time | Soy wax |
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What You'll Learn
Paraffin wax for strong fragrance
Paraffin wax is currently considered the best wax for achieving a strong fragrance, which is why many popular brands still use it in their candles. It holds scent well and disperses it more efficiently when burned. Its higher melting point, typically above 130°F, makes it ideal for use in votive and pillar candles. Paraffin wax burns at a higher temperature, which helps amplify the hot throw of fragrance oils.
The percentage of fragrance oil added to the wax is called the fragrance load, and each wax type has a maximum load capacity, usually between 6% and 10%. While paraffin wax can hold up to 10%, 6% to 8% is often enough for a strong scent throw. To achieve this, melt the paraffin wax to around 82°C, and add the fragrance oil at this temperature or just below it. This ensures the oil fully incorporates, leading to a powerful scent throw when burning.
For an even stronger fragrance, additives like Vybar can be used with paraffin wax to increase fragrance oil retention. However, many waxes on the market today come pre-blended and already contain additives. They can retain fragrance loads of 8% - 12%, and additional additives are generally not needed.
While paraffin wax is great for achieving a strong fragrance, it has been found to release some volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere when lit. Therefore, if this is a concern, there are plenty of other wax options available, such as soy, coconut, and rapeseed wax, which are constantly improving year after year.
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Soy wax for eco-friendliness
Soy wax is a popular alternative to traditional paraffin wax, often marketed as a more eco-friendly option. Soy wax is a vegetable wax derived from soybean oil, which is extracted from soybeans. It is a renewable and biodegradable alternative to paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum.
Soy wax is considered more eco-friendly because it does not increase CO2 levels in the atmosphere, contributing minimally to the carbon footprint. It is also biodegradable, reducing landfill waste, and has a lower carbon footprint than paraffin wax. Additionally, the demand for soybeans for wax production can bolster local agriculture and economies, creating economic opportunities for farmers and encouraging sustainable farming practices.
However, the environmental impact of soy wax is nuanced, and it is not without its drawbacks. The soybean industry has been associated with concerns about deforestation, fertilizers, and pesticides, which can lead to environmental pollution and leave residues in the final product. Soy wax production may also involve the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and monoculture farming practices, which can deplete soil nutrients and reduce biodiversity.
To ensure the eco-friendliness of soy wax, consumers can opt for products that use eco-friendly packaging materials, support recycling initiatives, and are made from plant-based and renewable ingredients. It is also important to support responsible farming practices, such as choosing organic and non-GMO certifications, to minimise the negative impact on the environment.
Overall, soy wax is a more eco-friendly alternative to paraffin wax, but it is important to consider the entire lifecycle of the product, including production, packaging, and transportation, to make informed decisions that contribute to a greener future.
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Coconut wax for sustainability
Coconut wax is an increasingly popular option for scented candles, and for good reason. It is a natural, renewable wax derived from the meat of coconuts. The process of making coconut wax is sustainable, both in how coconuts are grown and how the wax is produced.
Coconuts are a high-yield crop that can survive in extreme heat and humidity, as well as in acidic, low-nutrient soil. They are grown by small-scale farmers, mostly in tropical Asian countries. Coconut trees are highly sustainable, requiring little water and few pesticides to thrive, and they continue to bear fruit for up to 80 years. Additionally, every part of the coconut tree serves a purpose, from the fruit yielding coconut oil, milk, and water, to the husk providing fibers for ropes and mats, and the leaves used for thatching roofs or weaving baskets.
The process of making coconut wax involves extracting coconut oil from the flesh of the coconut. This can be done through hot or cold pressing, with cold pressing being the most sustainable method due to its low chemical use. The oil then undergoes hydrogenation, where hydrogen is added to turn it into a solid wax. This process is pretty sustainable overall, and the final product is very eco-friendly, containing few to no chemicals and doing little harm to the environment upon disposal.
Coconut wax candles offer a luxurious, eco-friendly alternative to traditional paraffin or soy wax candles. They burn slowly and evenly, and cleanly, producing little to no smoke or soot. This results in improved indoor air quality and a healthier environment. Coconut wax is also known for its superior scent throw, ensuring that the fragrance of your candles fills the room.
Overall, coconut wax is a sustainable, eco-friendly, and versatile option for scented candles, offering a clean burn, luxurious appearance, and excellent scent throw.
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Beeswax for natural scent
While paraffin wax is the most common type of candle wax and is considered the best for achieving a strong fragrance, beeswax is an excellent natural alternative with a subtly sweet scent.
Beeswax is one of the oldest forms of candle wax, produced by bees during the honey-making process. It is harder and more solid than other types of wax, which makes it more durable. It also has a unique, natural, subtly sweet scent.
Beeswax candles are non-toxic and can be scented with essential oils to create delicate, natural fragrances such as spruce, vanilla, cedar, lavender, and eucalyptus.
Beeswax does have some drawbacks. Firstly, while it is natural, it is not vegan. Additionally, beeswax candles are likely to be more expensive than paraffin wax candles, which are the least expensive type in most cases.
Overall, beeswax is a good choice for those seeking a natural scent and a more solid, durable candle.
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Blended wax for eco-friendliness
Blended waxes are a great option for eco-friendliness, allowing candle-makers to customise their candles for specific needs, such as balancing fragrance and burn quality. For example, soy and paraffin waxes can be combined to achieve a balance of performance and eco-friendliness. Soy wax is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable option that produces little soot and has a longer burn time compared to paraffin. However, it may not be suitable for those seeking a stronger scent as it doesn't hold as much fragrance. On the other hand, paraffin wax is known for its superior hot throw and strong fragrance, but it has been associated with releasing potentially harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.
Beeswax is another natural wax option that has been used for centuries. It is a by-product of honey production, offering a clean-burning experience with a subtle, sweet scent. Beeswax candles are also known for their bright flames and non-toxic, hypoallergenic properties. However, beeswax is not a vegan option. Coconut wax, derived from coconut oil or the oil of the coconut palm, is a newer, increasingly popular choice. It is a high-yield, sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable option with a low carbon footprint. Coconut wax burns cleanly with minimal soot and is excellent at holding both fragrance and colour.
Rapeseed wax, derived from the seeds of the rapeseed plant, is another sustainable, renewable, and biodegradable option with a low carbon footprint. Blending these natural waxes, such as beeswax, rapeseed, and coconut wax, can result in a unique blend that is both high-quality and eco-friendly. This blend provides a superior burning experience with a clean, long-lasting burn that fills the room with a lingering aroma. Ultimately, the choice of wax depends on specific requirements, such as burn time, scent throw, eco-friendliness, and aesthetic.
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Frequently asked questions
The best wax for fragrance candles depends on the type of candle, budget, and strength of fragrance desired. Paraffin wax is the most common type of candle wax and is considered the best for achieving a strong fragrance. However, it is the least environmentally-friendly type of candle wax.
Soy wax is a natural alternative to paraffin wax. It is derived from soybean oil and produces less smoke and soot than paraffin wax. It also has a longer burn time. However, it doesn't hold fragrance as well as other waxes.
Coconut wax is becoming a popular choice for candle makers due to its slow and steady burn, minimal smoke, and strong scent throw. It is also a more sustainable option as it is harvested from coconuts, a high-yield crop.
Soy wax is a good middle-ground option as it is slow-burning and offers great value. It is also more environmentally-friendly than paraffin wax. However, there are some concerns about the soybean industry's impact on deforestation and the use of fertilizers and pesticides.
Beeswax is the original candle wax, dating back to the ancient Egyptians. It has a sweet, honey-like scent but doesn't have a good scent throw, meaning it doesn't hold or distribute fragrance well. It is a natural option but is not vegan-friendly.
