What is the Most Suitable Wax for Making Candles
and How Do You Select It?
Introduction
Have you ever lit a candle and thought about what makes some burn evenly and smell incredible, and some don't? The secret often lies in the wax. Whether you’re just getting started or already making candles to sell, understanding candle wax is one of the most important steps to achieving professional results.
At NorthWood Candle & Craft, makers can find everything from soy and beeswax to custom blends like para-soy and coconut-apricot waxes. However, it may be worth considering before diving into a purchase — what actually makes one wax better than another?
Why Is Wax Choice So Important?
It may sound fun to say all candle waxes are the same, but it is not accurate. Wax controls a candle’s burn, strength, and duration of scent, the time it will last, and ultimately the aesthetics when the wax cools.
If your candles burn unevenly, leave soot, or lose scent quickly, the wax is usually the culprit. Using the right wax gives you smooth tops, consistent scent throw, and a cleaner, longer burn. So the question becomes: how do you choose the right one?
Which Type of Wax Is Right for You?
Let's discuss the most frequently used waxes available from reputable businesses like NorthWood Candle & Craft. Look at what makes each wax unique.
1. Soy Wax
Have you ever wondered what a clean-burning candle with a long burning time is? The answer might lie in soy wax, a wax derived from soybeans that is renewable and biodegradable. Soy wax is a great option for container candles and is a favorite among candle makers as it holds fragrance well in addition to having smooth tops and a nice, steady burn.
2. Para-Soy Wax Blend (NW21)
Ever heard of para-soy wax? It’s a blend of soy and food-grade paraffin — designed to give both a strong scent and a smooth texture. The NW21 blend from NorthWood combines the creamy look of soy with the strong scent throw of paraffin.
It’s great for makers who want dependable performance for large batches or retail candles.
3. Coconut, Apricot & Soy Blend (NW58)
If you’re going for luxury candles, this blend is hard to beat. The NW58 mix — made from coconut, apricot, and soy — gives an incredibly smooth top, soft texture, and excellent fragrance release. ('Fragrance release' refers to how well the scent is emitted from the candle during burning.) This wax is ideal if you want high-end candles that look polished and smell fantastic.
4. Beeswax
Do you love natural products with a hint of tradition? Beeswax may be the best option for you.
It burns clean, has a subtle honey scent, has a better burn time than most waxes, and is pleasing to the eye with a golden color. As a bonus, you can use it for lip balms and lotion bars, making it one of the most versatile natural waxes.
5. Hard Coconut Wax (NW515)
If you're looking for wax for making wax melts or votives, NW515 is a firm wax made with coconut that throws fragrance easily and holds shape well. It's great for tarts and melts that need to hold solid but still provide a strong scent throw.
6. Palm Stearic Acid
This one isn’t a candle wax by itself but helps harden blends, improve surface finish, and boost scent stability. ('Surface finish' means the appearance and smoothness of the candle's top after cooling; 'scent stability' refers to how well the fragrance remains noticeable during use.) Think of it as a helpful ingredient to fine-tune your wax recipes.
What Should You Ask Yourself Before Choosing a Wax?
When you’re picking a wax, ask:
What type of candles am I making?
(Container, pillar, or wax melts — each works best with certain waxes.)
Do I prefer natural or blended ingredients?
(Soy, coconut, and beeswax are natural; para-soy offers more flexibility.)
How important is fragrance strength?
(If scent throw is key, blends like para-soy or coconut-apricot perform best.)
Am I producing in small or large batches?
(If you make candles often, buying candle wax in bulk wholesale can save money and maintain consistency.) Asking these questions helps you match your creative goals with the right material.
Is Buying Candle Wax in Bulk a Good Idea?
If you make candles regularly, the answer is yes. Buying candle wax in bulk keeps your supply steady and your costs down. It also helps ensure that every candle you make burns the same way, batch after batch. NorthWood Candle & Craft offers bulk options for most waxes, including soy, coconut, and blends. Each batch is packed carefully to preserve freshness and quality. That means you can pour with confidence knowing your wax will perform just like the last one.
How Can You Get the Best Results with Your Wax?
No matter which wax you use, a few habits make a big difference:
Watch your temperature: Melt and pour at the right range for each wax.
Add fragrance at the right time: Each wax has an ideal point for mixing scent.
Test wicks carefully: Wick size changes how the candle burns — test before selling or gifting. Let candles cure: Give them a few days to rest after pouring.
Store wax properly: Keep it in a cool, dry place to protect its texture and scent performance.