Have you ever lit a candle and thought, Wow, this smells amazing… but what exactly is this made of?
When I first started candle making back in 2020, I assumed all wax was relatively the same. Melt it, pour it, light it, done. But after testing batch after batch, I learned that the type of wax you use completely changes everything, from how a candle burns, to how it throws scent, to how it impacts your home and the planet.
After months of experimenting, tweaking formulas, and burning way too many test candles at once, I landed on my personal dream team: soy wax and beeswax. They struck the perfect balance between performance, sustainability, and the serene, intentional atmosphere I want every Eneri candle to create.
Let’s break down the most common candle waxes, soy, beeswax, paraffin, coconut, and palm, and look at them through a few different lenses: candle quality, health, environmental impact, and overall vibe.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is made from soybeans and is one of the most popular natural waxes on the market today, and for good reason.
Why I love it:
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Burns slower and cooler (aka longer lasting candles 🙌)
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Creates a soft, even melt pool
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Holds fragrance well
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Made from a renewable resource, biodegradable
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Easy to clean up with soap and water
- One of the more affordable waxes on the market
Cons:
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Can develop uneven surfaces or sinkholes
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Sensitive to extreme heat, lower melting point
Soy became my go-to for jar candles after endless test burns where I’d light multiple candles at once, take notes like a very cozy scientist, and compare everything from flame size to scent throw. Soy consistently gave me that gentle, steady burn I was looking for.
Beeswax
Beeswax feels like the heritage fabric of candle making: classic, natural, and slightly magical.
Why it earned a permanent place in my studio:
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Clean burning
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Burns incredibly long
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Produces a bright, steady flame
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Has a subtle honey like aroma on its own
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Completely natural and biodegradable
Cons:
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Higher price point
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Natural scent can compete with added fragrance
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Harder to work with and blend
I use 100% beeswax for all of my candlestick products since it has a much higher melting point than soy and holds its structure well for candles that are not in jars/containers. Plus, it aligns really well with my goal of sourcing locally and responsibly when possible.
Paraffin Wax & Why Big Candle Companies Love It
Now let’s talk about the wax you’ll find in many mass market candles: paraffin wax.
Large companies often choose it because:
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It’s inexpensive
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Easy to work with
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Holds fragrance extremely well
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Produces strong scent throw
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Looks smooth and glossy
Paraffin is derived from petroleum, a byproduct of crude oil refining. From a manufacturing standpoint, paraffin is convenient. From a health and sustainability standpoint… it’s more complicated.
Cons: Health and Environmental Concerns
When burned, paraffin candles can release trace amounts of chemicals like toluene and benzene, compounds also found in diesel exhaust. While occasional use isn’t likely to cause major harm in well-ventilated spaces, it’s not exactly what I want floating around during my evening wind-down routine.
Coconut Wax
A rising star in the candle world.
Pros:
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Ultra-smooth appearance
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Excellent scent throw
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Burns slowly
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Renewable
Cons:
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Quite expensive
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Usually blended with other waxes for stability
Palm Wax
Palm wax creates beautiful crystalline patterns, very Pinterest-worthy.
Pros:
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Hard wax with long burn time
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Unique visual texture
Cons:
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Environmental concerns around deforestation
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Sustainability depends heavily on sourcing
Final Thoughts from a Candle-Obsessed Maker
At the end of the day, every wax has its place. But for me, and for Eneri, soy and beeswax checked all of my important candle boxes. They support my commitment to sustainability, align with my love for slow living, and help me create candle products that are intentional.