What is candle wax made of? An overview of all types of wax

Candle wax is not just candle wax. Paraffin, stearin, beeswax, rapeseed wax, soy wax – each type has different properties, a different origin and is suitable for different applications. This article explains what the most important types of candle wax are made of, how they are produced and which wax is best suited for each purpose.

At a glance

Candle wax melts at temperatures above 40 °C and is solid at room temperature
The most important types of wax are: paraffin, stearin, beeswax, rapeseed wax and soy wax
Paraffin is the most widely used candle wax worldwide – affordable and odourless
Natural waxes such as rapeseed wax or soy wax are biodegradable
Many candles consist of blends – stearin and paraffin are often combined

What is candle wax?

Wax is a substance that begins to melt at temperatures 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 type of wax and its composition – it can be around 40 °C or even above 100 °C. As soon as wax becomes softer, it becomes stickier and then quickly turns into a thin liquid, similar to oil at room temperature.

Candle wax is not water-soluble, but it can be dissolved well in organic solvents. Waxes can be of animal, plant or mineral origin and even within one type of wax, the exact composition varies depending on the manufacturer and production process.

Die wichtigsten Kerzenwachse im Überblick

Wachsart	Herkunft	Schmelzpunkt	Besonderheit	Typische Verwendung
Paraffin	Erdöl (mineralisch)	46–68 °C	Geruchsneutral, preiswert, gut formbar	Stab-, Teelichter, Behälterkerzen
Stearin	Palmöl (pflanzlich)	52–65 °C	Hart, brüchig, macht Kerzen weißer	Stabkerzen, Mischungen mit Paraffin
Bienenwachs	Bienen (tierisch)	62–65 °C	Natürlicher Duft, goldgelb, selten	Hochwertige Kerzen, Kirchenkerzen
Rapswachs	Rapsöl (pflanzlich)	57–61 °C	Regional, biologisch abbaubar	Stumpen- und Stabkerzen
Sojawachs	Sojaöl (pflanzlich)	46–54 °C	Weich, gut für Duftöle, langsam brennend	Duft- und Behälterkerzen
Olivenwachs	Olivenöl (pflanzlich)	ca. 62 °C	Cremige Textur, feiner Eigengeruch	Stumpenkerzen, Behälterkerzen

The most important candle waxes at a glance

Wax type	Origin	Melting point	Special feature	Typical use
Paraffin	Petroleum (mineral)	46–68 °C	Odourless, inexpensive, easy to shape	Taper candles, tealights, container candles
Stearin	Palm oil (plant-based)	52–65 °C	Hard, brittle, makes candles appear whiter	Taper candles, blends with paraffin
Beeswax	Bees (animal origin)	62–65 °C	Natural scent, golden yellow, limited availability	High-quality candles, church candles
Rapeseed wax	Rapeseed oil (plant-based)	57–61 °C	Regional, biodegradable	Pillar and taper candles
Soy wax	Soybean oil (plant-based)	46–54 °C	Soft, excellent for fragrance oils, slow burning	Scented and container candles
Olive wax	Olive oil (plant-based)	Approx. 62 °C	Creamy texture, subtle natural scent	Pillar candles, container candles

Paraffin wax

Paraffin is produced as a by-product of petroleum processing. It is refined, hydrogenated and purified. An important step is reducing the oil content as much as possible and making the wax odourless. The result is a white, odour-neutral wax that can be processed precisely.

Paraffin wax is the most widely used candle wax worldwide – for candles as well as cosmetic, medical and technical applications. It is inexpensive, easy to shape and available in many melting point ranges, from soft to hard. Depending on its setting point, it is suitable for free-standing taper candles or container candles.

We offer paraffin in pastilles (56–58 °C) and as paraffin wax sheets (58–60 °C).

Stearin (stearic acid)

Stearin consists of fatty acids – mainly palmitic acid and stearic acid – which are obtained from palm oil. It is significantly harder than paraffin but also more brittle. An important advantage: Stearin makes candles appear whiter and, depending on the type, creates crystalline structures on the surface.

Stearin and paraffin are often blended together to combine the advantages of both waxes: the stability of stearin with the flexibility of paraffin. Stearin is biodegradable over the long term – not suitable for immediate composting, but unlike paraffin it is not a pure petroleum-based product.

Stearin is available in our shop as stearic acid 1802 in flakes.

Note on mixing

Stearin and paraffin are often used together to make candles more stable and brighter in appearance. Pure beeswax should not be mixed with stearin or paraffin, as such combinations change the natural character of beeswax.

Beeswax

Beeswax is one of the best-known and oldest candle waxes. Bees produce it in wax glands and use it to build their honeycombs. In its original state, beeswax is white – the typical golden-yellow colour develops through contact with pollen and honey. The scent and colour vary depending on the origin: different plants bloom in every country, which is why every beeswax has a slightly different aroma.

Due to its limited availability, beeswax is more expensive than other types of wax. It was already used in ancient times for candles, seals and preservation and is still considered a high-quality natural product today. Besides candles, beeswax is also used for beeswax wraps, cosmetics and food coatings.

Available in our online shop as RAL yellow beeswax in pastilles.

Rapeseed wax

Rapeseed wax is obtained from rapeseed oil, which is mainly cultivated in Germany and Europe. It is fully biodegradable, burns with low soot formation and has good fragrance oil retention. Rapeseed wax is considered a sustainable alternative to paraffin with a regional origin.

Processing rapeseed wax requires some experience: It adheres well in containers but is more sensitive to temperature fluctuations than paraffin – cracks or uneven surfaces can occur 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 can absorb and slowly release fragrance oils particularly well – a major advantage for scented candles. Soy wax burns slowly and evenly and is biodegradable.

Due to its soft consistency, soy wax is less suitable for free-standing candles – it can develop dents when exposed to heat and is less dimensionally stable than paraffin or stearin. For container candles and scented candles in jars, however, it is an excellent choice.

Available from us as Soy wax flakes NatureWax® C-3.

Olive wax

Olive wax is obtained from olive oil and is rarer compared to other natural waxes. We offer two different olive wax products, suitable for different types of candles.

EcoOlive is a 100% natural blend consisting mainly of olive wax with a melting point of approximately 62 °C. It is suitable for pillar candles, votive candles and other free-standing candles, provides a smooth surface with a subtle shine and offers excellent fragrance release. Free from paraffin and animal ingredients.

The Sunflower-Olive Wax NatureWax® C-3S is designed for container candles. It mainly consists of sunflower wax with a small proportion of olive wax, has a melting point of 38–47 °C and gives candles a creamy appearance. It is a good alternative to soy wax with European origin.

Which candle wax is suitable for what?

The choice of wax mainly depends on the type of candle. For free-standing taper candles, a harder wax with a high melting point is needed – paraffin 58/60, stearin or beeswax work well. For container candles, softer waxes with good adhesion are better suited: soy wax, rapeseed wax or special container waxes based on paraffin.

For making scented candles, it is best to choose a wax with good fragrance oil retention – soy wax can absorb up to 10% fragrance oil, and rapeseed wax can as well. Paraffin binds fragrance oils less effectively but releases them more evenly during burning.

For dip-dye candles and coating wax applications, a special dipping wax with a higher melting point is required, which creates a hard, smooth outer layer. A complete guide can be found in our article Making Dip Dye Candles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Candle Wax

What is candle wax made of?

Candle wax consists of different base materials depending on the type of wax. Paraffin is made from petroleum, stearin from plant-based fats, and beeswax is produced by bees. Natural waxes such as rapeseed wax or soy wax are derived from plant oils. Many candles are made from blends of several different wax types.

What is the difference between paraffin and stearin?

Paraffin is a mineral wax derived from petroleum processing. It is inexpensive, odourless and easy to shape. Stearin consists of fatty acids, usually obtained from palm oil, and is significantly harder and more brittle. It makes candles appear whiter and can extend their burning time. Both waxes are often blended together to combine the advantages of each material.

Which candle wax is the most environmentally friendly?

Rapeseed wax is considered a particularly sustainable choice because it is made from regionally grown rapeseed and is fully biodegradable. Soy wax and beeswax are also natural alternatives. Paraffin is a mineral oil-based product and is not biodegradable – however, high-quality refined paraffin burns cleanly and with very little soot.

Which candle wax is suitable for container candles?

Soft waxes with a low melting point that adhere well to glass are best suited for container candles. These include soy wax, rapeseed wax and special paraffin-based container waxes. Hard waxes such as stearin or dipping wax are less suitable for container candles because they can separate from the glass when cooling.

Conclusion

Candle wax is not simply candle wax – choosing the right type of wax determines the burning behaviour, appearance and suitability for the respective candle type. Paraffin remains the most widely used wax due to its versatility and reliability. Natural waxes such as rapeseed wax and soy wax are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the DIY sector and for scented candles. Beeswax remains the premium product among candle waxes.

All wax types presented here are available in our candle wax range.