Understanding the Differences Between Waxes in Aromatherapy Candles

November 06, 2023 3 min read

The wax composition of aromatherapy candles is a pivotal element, influencing everything from the caliber of the burn to its ecological footprint. Predominantly, beeswax, soy wax, coconut wax, and paraffin wax are employed in their creation, each imparting distinct attributes and consequences for wellness, environmental stewardship, and the richness of the olfactory journey.

Beeswax: The Resilient and Organic Selection

Beeswax, an organic compound exuded by bees, is celebrated for its lofty melting point and firmness. Candles crafted from this wax boast a sleek, level facade that enchants the eye. Nonetheless, achieving an even burn can be elusive, potentially leading to a hollowed effect if not managed adeptly.

Paraffin Wax: Ubiquitous Yet Contentious

Paraffin wax, a by-product of the distillation of petroleum,

for its propensity to emit dark soot upon combustion. Emerging studies have cast a shadow on its usage, pointing to the potential release of noxious particulates when such candles—particularly those infused with synthetic aromatics and colorants—are ignited, raising alarms about their impact on well-being and the environment.

Coconut Wax: Supple and Therapeutic

Harvested from the fruits of the palm lineage, coconut wax is lauded for its pure burn and potential dermal benefits. It possesses a modest melting threshold, which averts tunneling dilemmas yet also renders it susceptible to deformation under elevated temperatures, diminishing its form stability.

Soy Wax: The Sustainable Scented Accomplice

Soy wax, processed from hydrogenated soybean oil, stands as a biodegradable, benign alternative. It combusts sluggishly and coolly, curtailing scalding hazards. Renowned for its harmonious blend with essential oils, it ensures an enduring, subtle aroma diffusion, perfectly suited to aromatherapy pursuits. Its compatibility with skin further bolsters its acclaim in contemporary markets.

Wax’s Influence on Lavender Aromatics

Lavender-infused candles differ markedly depending on their wax composition. For an optimum synthesis of therapeutic value, eco-consciousness, and aromatic potency, soy wax is the suggested choice. It guarantees a residue-free combustion, leaving no trace of soot on the vessel’s surfaces, a hallmark of the wax’s purity and excellence.

AbodeAura offers a comparative analysis intended to guide and inform your selection.

Product Quality Evaluation Model for Candle Waxes

No.	Evaluation Criteria	Beeswax	Soy Wax	Coconut Wax	Paraffin Wax
1	Material Quality	8	9	7	4
2	Design Quality	7	7	6	5
3	Craftsmanship	9	8	7	5
4	Functional Quality	8	9	8	5
5	Value for Money	7	9	8	6
6	Packaging Quality	7	8	7	5

Material Quality Evaluation:

Beeswax is highly esteemed for its longevity, though it garners a lower score for user-friendliness due to its tendency towards uneven combustion.
Soy wax is lauded for its exceptional attributes: it is sustainable, benign, and harmonizes seamlessly with essential oils, earning it a superior rating.
Coconut wax’s rating is moderate, affected negatively by its low melting point which compromises its robustness in elevated temperatures.
Paraffin wax receives the minimum score, marred by its potential adverse effects on health and the environment.

Design Quality Assessment:

All waxes present opportunities for creative design, yet beeswax and soy wax may surpass others in maintaining form and texture, attributed to their higher melting points.

Craftsmanship Quality:

Beeswax and soy wax secure top scores for their natural composition and the quality of burn they offer.
Coconut wax, despite its merits, presents challenges in artisanal use due to its pliability.
Paraffin wax’s lower rating reflects its diminished artisanal quality.

Functional Quality:

Soy wax excels in functionality, attributed to its slow and immaculate burning properties.
Beeswax and coconut wax are also effective, albeit beeswax is prone to tunneling, and coconut wax may be too delicate.
Paraffin wax’s score is compromised by the potential health hazards and inconsistency in burn.

Value Proposition:

Soy wax is considered the optimal choice for value due to its advantageous properties and efficiency.
Beeswax and coconut wax are deemed to provide considerable worth, yet their costliness can be a limiting factor.
Paraffin wax’s affordability is overshadowed by the latent expenses related to health and ecological impacts, diminishing its value.

Packaging Quality:

It is assumed that all waxes can be equally well-packaged, with variances emerging from the manufacturer’s packaging choices rather than the waxes themselves.

These evaluations are suggestive, subject to variations contingent upon brand-specific, manufacturing idiosyncrasies, and factors like the provenance and quality of the raw materials.