The Foundation of Every Great Candle
When it comes to creating the perfect candle, the choice of wax is perhaps the most fundamental decision. At Ridisosteo, we believe in offering options that allow our customers to select the ideal wax for their specific needs and preferences. Each wax type brings its own unique characteristics to the candle-burning experience, from how it holds and releases fragrance to its environmental impact.
In this guide, we'll explore the different wax types we offer, their distinct properties, and how to choose the one that's right for you.
Soy Wax: The Versatile Classic
Derived from soybean oil, soy wax has become one of the most popular choices for premium candles in recent years.
Properties of Soy Wax
- Burn Time: Soy wax has a lower melting point than many other waxes, which means it burns more slowly and can last up to 30-50% longer than paraffin candles of the same size.
- Scent Throw: Soy holds fragrance oils well and offers good "cold throw" (the scent when unlit) and balanced "hot throw" (the scent when burning).
- Appearance: Natural soy wax is creamy white and can develop a slightly mottled look as it cools, which many enthusiasts appreciate as evidence of its natural origin.
- Environmental Impact: As a plant-based, renewable resource, soy wax is biodegradable and produces less soot than paraffin alternatives.
Ideal For
Soy wax is perfect for everyday candles and makes an excellent choice for those new to premium candles. It works beautifully with a wide range of fragrances and is our recommendation for customers concerned about sustainability.
Beeswax: Nature's Golden Treasure
One of the oldest candle materials known to humanity, beeswax has been prized for millennia for its natural beauty and beneficial properties.
Properties of Beeswax
- Burn Time: With the highest melting point of natural waxes, beeswax burns exceptionally slowly, making it a long-lasting option.
- Scent Throw: Beeswax naturally emits a subtle, honey-like aroma. While it can hold added fragrances, its natural scent may influence the overall profile.
- Appearance: Pure beeswax has a beautiful golden color ranging from pale yellow to deep amber, depending on the flowers the bees visited. It has a natural sheen that's unmistakable.
- Air Quality: Uniquely, beeswax candles emit negative ions when burned, which can help neutralize pollutants like dust and odors in the air.
- Environmental Impact: As a natural byproduct of honey production, beeswax is sustainable when sourced from responsible beekeepers.
Ideal For
Beeswax candles are perfect for those who appreciate natural products and subtle fragrance. They're also an excellent choice for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to strong scents. The premium price point reflects both the limited resource and exceptional quality.
Coconut Wax: The Luxury Newcomer
Relatively new to the candle scene, coconut wax has quickly become a favorite among luxury candle makers for its exceptional performance.
Properties of Coconut Wax
- Burn Time: Coconut wax has an impressively slow burn rate, often outlasting even soy candles.
- Scent Throw: With superior scent-holding capabilities, coconut wax provides excellent fragrance throw both when cold and burning.
- Appearance: Naturally white with a smooth, creamy texture, coconut wax creates a clean, sophisticated look.
- Burn Quality: The smooth, even burn with minimal sooting makes coconut wax ideal for those who value a clean burning experience.
- Environmental Impact: Made from renewable coconut meat, this wax has a relatively low environmental footprint, though transportation factors should be considered.
Ideal For
Coconut wax is the perfect choice for luxury candle enthusiasts who want the best possible scent throw and clean-burning properties. It's particularly excellent for complex, nuanced fragrances where you want to experience every note.
Paraffin Blends: Performance-Focused Options
While many candle makers have moved away from paraffin, we offer high-quality paraffin blends for specific applications where their properties are advantageous.
Properties of Paraffin Blends
- Burn Time: Varies based on the blend, but generally offers a moderate burn time.
- Scent Throw: Exceptionally strong scent throw, making it ideal for heavily fragranced candles.
- Appearance: Bright white, with excellent opacity and the ability to hold dyes vividly.
- Versatility: Easily molded and ideal for intricate sculptural candles.
- Environmental Considerations: As a petroleum byproduct, paraffin is not renewable. Our paraffin is highly refined to minimize soot and emissions.
Ideal For
Our paraffin blends are best for those who prioritize strong fragrance throw or require specific qualities for decorative candles. They're also excellent for outdoor use where wind resistance is important.
Wax Blends: The Best of All Worlds
Beyond pure waxes, we've developed proprietary blends that combine the benefits of multiple wax types.
Our Signature Blends
- Soy-Coconut Blend: Combines the eco-friendly aspects of soy with the superior scent throw of coconut wax. Our most popular option for scented candles.
- Beeswax-Soy Blend: Offers the air-purifying benefits of beeswax while being more affordable and better at holding added fragrances than pure beeswax.
- Triple-Blend: Our premium formulation combining soy, coconut, and a touch of beeswax for an exceptional burning experience with outstanding fragrance performance.
How to Choose the Right Wax for You
When selecting a candle wax, consider these factors:
Priorities Checklist
- Environmental Impact: If sustainability is your top concern, choose soy, coconut, or beeswax.
- Fragrance Performance: For the strongest scent throw, coconut wax or our soy-coconut blend excels.
- Burn Time: For the longest-lasting candles, beeswax and coconut wax are superior choices.
- Natural Properties: If you're sensitive to fragrances or value air-purifying qualities, pure beeswax is unmatched.
- Appearance: Consider whether you prefer the natural look of beeswax, the clean white of coconut and soy, or the ability to hold vibrant colors.
- Budget: While all our candles are premium quality, soy tends to be more accessible than beeswax or coconut options.
Experience Our Wax Options
At Ridisosteo, we believe the perfect candle is one that aligns with your values, preferences, and intended use. That's why we offer such a diverse range of wax options for our custom candles.
Can't decide? Try our Wax Sampler Set featuring four identical candles in different wax types, allowing you to experience the unique qualities of each before committing to a full-sized purchase.
