Not all candle wax is created equal. Paraffin, stearin, beeswax, rapeseed wax, soy wax – each type has different properties, a different origin, and is suited to different applications. This article explains what the most important candle waxes are made from, how they are produced, and which wax works best for which purpose.
At a Glance
- Candle wax melts above 40 °C and is solid at room temperature
- The most important wax types: paraffin, stearin, beeswax, rapeseed wax, soy wax
- Paraffin is the most widely used candle wax in the world – inexpensive and odour-neutral
- Natural waxes such as rapeseed wax and soy wax are biodegradable
- Many candles are made from blends – stearin and paraffin are frequently combined
What Is Candle Wax?
Wax is a substance that begins to melt above 40 °C and has a solid, waxy consistency at room temperature. The exact point at which the melting point is reached depends on the wax type and its composition – it can be as low as 40 °C or exceed 100 °C. As wax softens, it becomes stickier and then quickly turns liquid, much like an oil at room temperature.
Candle wax is not water-soluble, but dissolves readily in organic solvents. Waxes can be of animal, vegetable, or mineral origin, and even within a single wax type the exact composition varies depending on the manufacturer and production process.
The Most Important Candle Waxes at a Glance
| Wax Type | Origin | Melting Point | Key Properties | Typical Use |
| Paraffin | Petroleum (mineral) | 46–68 °C | Odour-neutral, inexpensive, easy to work with | Taper candles, tea lights, container candles |
| Stearin | Palm oil (vegetable) | 52–65 °C | Hard, brittle, makes candles appear whiter | Taper candles, blends with paraffin |
| Beeswax | Bees (animal) | 62–65 °C | Natural scent, golden yellow, rare | Premium candles, church candles |
| Rapeseed wax | Rapeseed oil (vegetable) | 57–61 °C | Regionally sourced, biodegradable | Pillar and taper candles |
| Soy wax | Soybean oil (vegetable) | 46–54 °C | Soft, good fragrance throw, slow-burning | Scented and container candles |
| Olive wax | Olive oil (vegetable) | approx. 62 °C | Creamy texture, subtle natural scent | Pillar candles, container candles |
Paraffin Wax
Paraffin is a by-product of petroleum refining. It is refined, hydrogenated, and purified – a key part of the process involves reducing the oil content as much as possible and eliminating any odour. The result is a white, odour-neutral wax that is straightforward to work with.
Paraffin wax is the most widely used candle wax in the world – not only for candles, but also in cosmetic, medical, and technical applications. It is inexpensive, easy to shape, and available in a wide range of melting points, from soft to hard. Depending on the solidification point, it is suitable for freestanding taper candles or for container candles.
Available from us as paraffin pastilles (56–58 °C) and as paraffin wax slabs (58–60 °C).
Stearin (Stearic Acid)
Stearin is made from fatty acids – primarily palmitic acid and stearic acid – derived from palm oil. It is considerably harder than paraffin but also more brittle. One notable advantage: stearin makes candles appear whiter and, depending on the type, forms crystalline structures on the surface.
Stearin and paraffin are frequently blended together to combine the best of both: the dimensional stability of stearin with the workability of paraffin. Stearin is biodegradable in the long term – not compostable in the short term, but unlike paraffin it is not a purely mineral oil product.
Available in our shop as Stearic Acid 1802 in flakes.
Note on Blending
Stearin and paraffin are often used together to make candles more stable and brighter in appearance. Pure beeswax should not be blended with stearin or paraffin, as doing so alters the natural character of the beeswax.
Beeswax
Beeswax is one of the oldest and most well-known candle waxes. Bees produce it in wax glands and use it to build their honeycomb. In its natural state beeswax is white – the characteristic golden-yellow colour develops through contact with pollen and honey. Scent and colour vary depending on origin: different plants bloom in different countries, so every beeswax has its own distinct aroma.
Due to limited availability, beeswax is more expensive than other wax types. It has been used since antiquity for candles, seals, and food preservation, and is still regarded today as a premium natural product. Beyond candles, beeswax is also used for beeswax wraps, cosmetics, and food coatings.
Available in our online shop as Beeswax RAL yellow in pastilles.
Rapeseed Wax
Rapeseed wax is derived from rapeseed oil, which is grown predominantly in Germany and across Europe. It is fully biodegradable, burns with very little soot, and has excellent fragrance retention. Rapeseed wax is considered a sustainable alternative to paraffin, with the added benefit of regional provenance.
Working with rapeseed wax requires a little care: it adheres well in containers but is more sensitive to temperature fluctuations than paraffin – cracks or an uneven surface can occur more easily if the wax cools too quickly.
Available from us as Rapeseed Wax 5761 in pastilles.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It is soft, adheres well in containers, and has an excellent capacity to absorb and slowly release fragrance oils – a significant advantage for scented candles. Soy wax burns slowly and evenly and is biodegradable.
Its soft consistency makes soy wax less suitable for freestanding candles – it tends to dent in warm conditions and is less dimensionally stable than paraffin or stearin. For container candles and scented candles in glass, however, it is an excellent choice.
Available from us as Soy Wax Flakes NatureWax® C-3.
Olive Wax
Olive wax is derived from olive oil and is less common than other natural waxes. We stock two distinct olive wax products, suited to different candle types.
EcoOlive is a 100% natural blend based predominantly on olive wax, with a melting point of approx. 62 °C. It is designed for pillar candles, votive candles, and other freestanding candles, producing a smooth surface with a subtle sheen and excellent fragrance throw. Free from paraffin and animal-derived ingredients.
Sunflower-Olive Wax NatureWax® C-3S is developed for container candles. It consists mainly of sunflower wax with a small proportion of olive wax, has a dropping point of 38–47 °C, and gives candles a creamy appearance. A good European-made alternative to soy wax.
Which Candle Wax Is Right for Which Purpose?
The choice of wax depends above all on the type of candle. Freestanding taper candles require a harder wax with a higher melting point – paraffin 58/60, stearin, or beeswax all work well. Container candles call for softer waxes with good adhesion: soy wax, rapeseed wax, or specialist container waxes based on paraffin.
For scented candles, a wax with good fragrance retention is the best choice – soy wax can hold up to 10% fragrance oil, as can rapeseed wax. Paraffin binds fragrance oils less readily, but tends to release them more evenly during burning.
Dip dye candles and outer-coat applications require a specialist dipping wax with a higher melting point that produces a hard, smooth outer layer. A full guide to this technique is available in our article How to Make Dip Dye Candles.
Frequently Asked Questions about Candle Wax
What is candle wax made of?
Candle wax is made from different base materials depending on the type: paraffin is derived from petroleum, stearin from vegetable fats, and beeswax is produced by bees. Natural waxes such as rapeseed wax or soy wax come from plant-based oils. Many candles are made from blends of several wax types.
What is the difference between paraffin and stearin?
Paraffin is a mineral wax from petroleum refining – inexpensive, odour-neutral, and easy to work with. Stearin is made from fatty acids, usually from palm oil, and is considerably harder and more brittle. It makes candles appear whiter and extends burn time. The two are frequently blended to make the most of both materials.
Which candle wax is the most eco-friendly?
Rapeseed wax is considered a particularly sustainable choice, as it is sourced from regionally grown rapeseed and is fully biodegradable. Soy wax and beeswax are also natural alternatives. Paraffin is a mineral oil product and is not biodegradable – but it burns cleanly and with very little soot when refined to a high standard.
Which candle wax is suitable for container candles?
Soft waxes with a lower melting point that adhere well to glass are best suited to container candles: soy wax, rapeseed wax, or specialist container waxes based on paraffin. Hard waxes such as stearin or dipping wax are less suitable for container candles, as they tend to pull away from the glass as they cool.
Conclusion
Not all candle wax is created equal – the choice of wax determines burn behaviour, appearance, and suitability for a given candle type. Paraffin remains the most widely used wax for its versatility and reliability. Natural waxes such as rapeseed and soy wax are growing in popularity, particularly in DIY candle making and scented candles. Beeswax remains the premium option among candle waxes.
All the wax types featured here are available in our candle wax range.
