When it comes to candles, what's inside matters just as much as how it looks on the outside. The wax you choose affects more than just burn time or scent strength—it plays a major role in how cleanly your candle burns, how sustainable it is, and whether it actually supports the kind of lifestyle you're aiming for.
Here's a smart, simple breakdown of the most common candle wax options—and why ReCandle Co. sticks with 100% soy wax for our refillable candles.
Why Candle Wax Type Matters More Than You Think
At first glance, wax might seem like the least interesting part of a candle. But it's actually the foundation. It determines how your candle performs, how long it lasts, what you're breathing in, and ultimately, how aligned it is with your values.
Some waxes burn cleanly and support sustainable agriculture. Others come from petroleum or unsustainable palm sources and release questionable chemicals into the air as they burn. Choosing the right wax is about making a small but meaningful shift in how you shop and live.
A Breakdown of Common Candle Wax Types
Let's compare the major waxes you'll see in stores, on shelves, and maybe even in your own home.
Paraffin Wax: Widely Used, But Not Without Concerns
Paraffin wax is the most common option—largely because it's cheap and throws scent well. But it's derived from petroleum and known to release potentially harmful compounds when burned, including toluene and benzene.
Pros: Low cost, strong scent throw, widely available
Cons: Petroleum-based, non-renewable, not clean-burning
This wax is everywhere, but if your priorities include cleaner air and lower environmental impact, paraffin probably isn't your go-to.
Soy Wax: Clean, Renewable, and Refill-Friendly
Soy wax is made from soybeans, a renewable crop, and burns cleaner than paraffin. It holds fragrance beautifully, creates a gentle glow, and produces little to no soot.
At ReCandle Co., we use a specialized 100% soy wax that's designed to contract as it cools—meaning it naturally pulls away from the sides of the jar, making it easy to pop out and replace with one of our zero waste candle refills. No scraping, no mess.
Pros: Plant-based, biodegradable, clean-burning, refill-friendly
Cons: May cost more than paraffin, sensitive to temperature shifts
Soy strikes the best balance between sustainability, health, performance, and ease.
Beeswax: Traditional, Long-Lasting, and Naturally Air-Purifying
Beeswax has been used for centuries and is known for its long burn time and subtle, natural scent. It even releases negative ions that may help purify the air.
Pros: Very clean burn, long-lasting, natural air cleaner
Cons: Expensive, subtle or no added scent, not vegan
Beeswax is beautiful, but it's not ideal for strong fragrance or a refillable setup. It also doesn't support vegan lifestyles.
Coconut Wax: Creamy, Clean, and Luxe
Coconut wax is growing in popularity for good reason. It burns clean, has a creamy texture, and holds fragrance extremely well. It's often blended with other waxes—like soy or paraffin—for structure.
Pros: Excellent scent throw, clean burn, luxe feel
Cons: More expensive, not often used alone, limited availability
It's a beautiful option if you don't mind the price and aren't aiming for a fully refillable system.
Palm Wax: Sustainable in Theory, Complicated in Practice
Palm wax can be derived from sustainable sources, but the palm oil industry has a troubled history with deforestation and habitat destruction. Unless a brand explicitly states their palm wax is RSPO-certified (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil), it's hard to know what you're supporting.
Pros: Hard texture, unique crystalline appearance, holds scent well
Cons: Ethical concerns around sourcing, environmental impact, not widely used
If you see palm wax in a candle, ask questions about sourcing before buying.
Rapeseed Wax: Sustainable, But Still Emerging
Rapeseed (or canola) wax is a newer option—especially in the U.S.—and praised for its low environmental impact and local sourcing in parts of Europe. It burns well and is vegan-friendly.
Pros: Sustainable, clean-burning, locally sourced in some areas
Cons: Less common, not widely used in refillable systems
It's worth keeping an eye on, but it's not yet the go-to for most candle lovers.
Wax Blends: The Middle Ground
Many candles use wax blends—typically soy mixed with paraffin, coconut, or other waxes. Blends can improve scent throw, burn consistency, or cost-effectiveness.
The problem? You don't always know what ratio you're getting. A candle labeled "soy blend" might be 51% soy and 49% paraffin, which defeats the purpose if you're looking for a clean burn.
Always check labels. If a brand doesn't specify percentages, assume it's not 100% natural wax.
The ReCandle Co. Choice: 100% Soy Wax
We use 100% soy wax because it aligns with everything we care about—clean ingredients, low waste, beautiful design, and ease of use.
Our wax refills are:
- Clean-burning: No harmful toxins, phthalates, or carcinogens
- Refill-friendly: Specially designed to contract as it cools, for effortless removal
- Handmade: Poured in small batches in San Diego
- Fragrance-safe: Scented with Clean Scents—free from Prop 65 chemicals and known irritants
- Toxin-free: Paired with cotton wicks for an even, safe burn
We believe that the best candle wax doesn't just burn well—it supports a system that's built around sustainability and simplicity.
How Wax Affects Your Indoor Air Quality
Not all candles are created equal when it comes to what you're breathing. Paraffin wax can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like toluene and benzene when burned. These chemicals can contribute to indoor air pollution, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
Soy wax, beeswax, and coconut wax burn cleaner and produce fewer airborne pollutants. Paired with phthalate-free fragrances and cotton wicks, they're much safer for your home environment.
For more on this topic, check out our guide on how candles impact indoor air quality.
How to Choose the Right Candle Wax for You
Here's a quick guide to help you decide based on what you care about most:
- Best for clean burning and scent: Soy or coconut wax
- Best for longest burn time: Beeswax
- Best for sustainability and ease: 100% soy wax (especially with refillable candle systems)
- Avoid if sensitive to chemicals: Paraffin wax
- Not vegan? Beeswax may not be for you
- Want luxury and scent throw? Coconut or coconut-soy blend
And if you love candles and care about the planet? You're probably looking for a clean, easy system with zero waste refills. That's where ReCandle Co. shines.
Why Refillable Soy Candles Are the Future
You shouldn't have to choose between beautiful design and a lower-waste lifestyle.
With ReCandle's refillable candle system, you get:
- A handmade ceramic vessel that lasts for years
- Soy wax refills that pop in and out cleanly—no scraping or tools needed
- Zero waste packaging, recyclable from box to tape
- An option to subscribe and stay stocked with your favorite scented candle refill
- Clean burning, low waste, high design
It's how modern sustainability should look—and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Candle Wax Types
Is soy wax better than beeswax?
It depends on your goals. Beeswax burns longer and purifies the air, but soy wax holds scent better, is vegan, and works beautifully in refillable systems.
What's the cleanest burning candle wax?
Beeswax is technically the cleanest, but 100% soy wax is a close second—especially when paired with non-toxic fragrance oils and cotton wicks.
Which wax lasts the longest?
Beeswax typically lasts the longest, but soy wax still offers excellent burn time for the average home candle.
Is paraffin wax really that bad?
Paraffin is petroleum-based and not considered clean-burning. It's cheap and effective for scent, but not ideal for health-conscious or eco-conscious customers.
What's the difference between soy wax and soy blend?
100% soy wax is pure soy. Soy blend typically means soy mixed with other waxes like paraffin or coconut. Always check if the brand discloses percentages—"soy blend" could be mostly paraffin.
Can you refill any candle jar with soy wax?
Technically yes, but not all wax formulas pop out cleanly. ReCandle Co.'s soy wax is specially designed to contract and release from ceramic vessels, making refilling effortless.
