A Candle Maker’s Guide: Exploring the Different Types of Wax

If you’ve ever wondered what makes one candle burn longer, smell stronger, or cost more than another—the answer often lies in the wax. At The Enchanted Wik, we’re passionate about ingredients that are not only beautiful and effective but also kind to the planet. Whether you're curious about what goes into your favorite candle or thinking of making your own, here’s a breakdown of the most common types of candle wax—and how they stack up.

🕯️ 1. Soy Wax

Made from: Hydrogenated soybean oil
Pros: Renewable, biodegradable, burns cleaner and longer than paraffin
Best for: Everyday candles, natural aesthetics, eco-conscious buyers

Soy wax is one of the most popular options today, and for good reason! It’s plant-based, eco-friendly, and offers a slower, more even burn. It’s also a great carrier of fragrance, giving you that lovely scent throw without being overwhelming.

🥥 2. Coconut Wax

Made from: Cold-pressed coconut meat
Pros: Super clean burn, great scent throw, luxurious texture
Best for: Premium candles, clean aesthetics, softer wax blends

Coconut wax is considered a luxury wax due to its creamy finish and clean-burning nature. It tends to be softer than soy or paraffin, which is why it’s often blended with other waxes (like soy) to balance its performance and texture. Spoiler alert: It’s one of our favorites!

🕯️ 3. Beeswax

Made from: The natural wax produced by honeybees
Pros: Naturally scented, long-burning, hypoallergenic
Best for: Pure, unscented or lightly scented candles, air purifying

Beeswax is the original candle wax—literally. It burns with a warm, natural glow and even helps purify the air by releasing negative ions. However, it has a subtle natural scent (think honey) that can compete with added fragrances, and it’s not vegan-friendly.

🕯️ 4. Paraffin Wax

Made from: Petroleum byproducts
Pros: Very affordable, excellent scent throw, holds color well
Best for: Mass-produced candles, vibrant colors, strong scents

Paraffin is widely used due to its low cost and strong fragrance performance. But it’s derived from fossil fuels and can release soot and toxins when burned—so it’s not the best option if you're trying to keep your home environment clean and sustainable.

🌴 5. Palm Wax

Made from: Palm oil
Pros: Creates pretty crystalline patterns, burns clean
Best for: Decorative pillar candles, rustic looks

Palm wax has a beautiful finish and burns well, but sustainability is a concern. Unsustainable palm harvesting has been linked to deforestation and habitat loss, so it’s important to source palm wax responsibly—if at all.

🔥 So, Which Wax is Best?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on what you’re looking for in a candle. At The Enchanted Wik, we’ve chosen to use a coconut/soy blend because it gives you the best of both worlds: clean-burning, long-lasting, sustainable, and beautifully fragrant. It’s luxurious yet earth-friendly—just like we like it.

Whether you're making your own candle in our shop or picking one off the shelf, we believe you deserve a candle that doesn’t just look good—it feels good too.

Come visit us and experience the glow for yourself!

With warmth and light,
The Enchanted Wik Team