Candle Wax Types: What to Know Before You Buy

Not all candles are made the same. If you've ever wondered why some burn cleaner, drip less, or cost more, it usually comes down to the wax. This guide covers the main types of candle wax, how they're used, and what makes each one different.

Jump to: Paraffin | Beeswax | Soy | Stearic/Stearine | Palm Wax | Wax Comparison

Paraffin Wax

Paraffin is the most common wax used in candles. It's made from refined petroleum and shows up in everything from votives to sanctuary lights. Most churches use it because it's reliable and budget-friendly!

• Pros: Inexpensive, easy to work with, holds shape well
• Cons: Made from non-renewable resources, generally seen as the lowest quality option
• Example: 14-Day SacraLite Sanctuary Candle

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Beeswax

This one’s all natural. Beeswax is made by honeybees and has a soft golden color. It burns clean and gives off a faint honey scent. It’s also one of the longest-burning waxes out there!

• Pros: Drip-resistant, clean-burning, longer lifespan
• Cons: Costs more than paraffin or soy
• Example: 8-Day Prima Sanctum 100% Beeswax Candle

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Did you know? Many traditional churches still prefer beeswax because of its natural origins and burn quality. Even though it costs more, it's often the preferred choice!

Soy Wax

Soy wax is made from soybeans and is often used in gift or home candles. It's a popular choice in the general candle market because it’s plant-based and renewable. However, we don't currently offer soy candles at Concordia Supply. They don't hold their shape as well, and most churches need something that burns longer and more consistently.

• Pros: Renewable, low soot, biodegradable
• Cons: Softer wax, shorter burn time, not ideal for tall or long-burning candles

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Stearic Acid / Stearine

You’ll see both “stearic” and “stearine” on candle labels. These terms are often used in the same context, but they’re not quite the same. Stearic acid is a specific fatty acid. Stearine is a mixture of fatty acids. Stearic acid is a big part of that mix!

Most of the time, manufacturers use these terms to describe the same function. Both help firm up the wax, reduce dripping, and create a more consistent burn.

• Pros: Improves burn quality, firms up shape, brightens color
• Cons: Often made from animal fat, which may not suit every preference
• Stearine example: 6" x 3" White Pillar Candle
• Stearic example: Stearic 1-1/8" x 11" Plain End Candle

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Quick note: Stearic acid and stearine are closely related but not chemically identical. In most candle products, though, they serve the same purpose and are often labeled as if they are the same.

Palm Wax

Palm wax is made from palm oil and produces a unique crystalline finish when it cools. It’s a harder wax that burns slowly and is sometimes blended with paraffin for better performance. While it’s not the top choice for every setting, it works well for pillars and decorative options!

• Pros: Renewable, durable, slow-burning
• Cons: Used more for shape and texture than scent or color. Sustainability depends on the source.
• Example: 6" x 3" White Pillar Candle (Palm and paraffin blend)

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So, Which Wax is Best?

The short answer? Probably beeswax. The real answer? Each wax serves a different purpose. Beeswax may be the highest quality, but not every event calls for such a premium choice. If you are buying hundreds of candles for your Christmas candlelight season, you probably don't want to spend 2-3 times more just for a slightly better burn time! With all that said, we broke down some of the details below to make it a bit easier for you to make an educated choice on which wax type will be best for you.

• Beeswax: The premium choice. Burns the longest (14 to 16 hours per ounce), gives off a natural honey scent, and drips very little. It also comes at a premium price, typically $15 to $25 per pound.
• Stearic/Stearine: This isn’t usually used alone but added to other waxes. It helps harden the candle, improve burn quality, and reduce dripping. It’s also highly affordable at under $5 per pound.
• Paraffin: The most common wax in church settings. It costs around $3 to $5 per pound and burns quickly (around 6 to 8 hours per ounce), but it’s consistent and easy to mold into shapes like votives or pillars.
• Palm Wax: Known for its decorative crystalline finish and strength. Often blended with paraffin, it burns a little slower than paraffin and is priced around $5 to $10 per pound.
• Soy Wax: Clean-burning and eco-friendly, with pricing around $4 to $8 per pound. It’s softer than other waxes, so it’s best used in containers or jars rather than free-standing candles.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully you're walking away from this feeling just a bit more informed. Remember, no matter what event you're using your candles for, the wax type matters. Beeswax gives you the longest, cleanest burn. Paraffin is consistent and affordable. Palm wax adds strength and visual texture. And when you see stearic or stearine on a label, just know they’re both used to help candles burn better and hold their shape!

If you have any additional questions about wax types or our candles, please feel free to contact us. We'd love to have a conversation with you!