Different Types of Candle Wax

Soy wax is a natural product and that is why we use it. Our candles are also hand poured and we mix the fragrances ourselves. By creating these candles with our own hands we can ensure quality unlike the brands you might see on the clearance rack of TJ Maxx.

We use soy wax because it is the best available wax to use in order to create the product we think is best for our consumers. Wax is the fuel of the candle so candle-makers must choose wisely. Common waxes that candle-makers use include soy wax, paraffin wax, beeswax, coconut wax, and blended waxes.

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin wax is a common wax candle makers use but is of much lesser quality than natural waxes. The biggest reason is how it is derived. Paraffin wax is created from waste product of petroleum refining and the oil industry. Paraffin wax also releases more VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which some people believe should be avoided. Long story short, paraffin wax is not sustainable, linked to health issues and is the cheapest wax on the market. The reason companies use paraffin wax is strictly financial. Some might try to argue that paraffin wax has the best scent throw but if you use the right type of fragrance and make the candles correctly, you wont be able to make that claim on a smell test. Natural ingredients make the best candles and paraffin is not a natural ingredient.

Beeswax

Beeswax has been used to make candles dating back to the Egyptians around 3000 BC. Beeswax is a healthier candle wax alternative to paraffin wax. The disadvantage with using beeswax is the honey scent that comes with any all-natural, non-blended beeswax. It is hard to mix fragrances with the natural honey scent. Most beeswax candles are non-scented and are pillar candles.

Soy Wax

At Summerfield Candle Co. we find that soy wax is the best for us and our family of customers. Soy wax is created from soybeans which are a natural and biodegradable resource grown here in the USA by American farmers. Soy wax is proven to burn cleaner than other waxes, meaning that less indoor pollutants such as soot and smoke are released into your household. Soy wax is also known for burning slower than the other types of candle waxes. You can see the slow-burning shallow wax pool in our candle care 101 video.