Where Does Candle Wax Come From?
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Lesezeit 9 min
Candles have brightened human history for thousands of years, with the materials we use shifting as cultures, technology, and available resources grew and changed.
If you have ever wondered where candle wax actually comes from or how today’s waxes came to be, you’re in good company. In this guide, we’ll uncover the origins of candle wax, explore the unique sources behind each type, and share practical advice for choosing the right wax for your candle-making.
Come with us as we trace the path from ancient lights to the sustainable options candle makers favour today.
Table of Contents
The Fascinating Origins and Development of Candle Wax Main Types Of Candle Wax And Their Unique Sources Paraffin Wax Soy Wax Beeswax Coconut Wax Other Natural Waxes What Is The Best Candle Wax For My Crafting? Candle Wax Choice: Embracing Sustainability, Quality, And Ethics GMO Soy And Its Implications Conclusion: Tracing The Remarkable Journey Of Candle Wax FAQs
The Fascinating Origins and Development of Candle Wax
The journey of candle wax stretches back to the earliest civilisations, connected to daily living, rituals, and the quest for warmth and light. Early candle makers made do with what they had, their inventiveness shaping the candles of their time.
In ancient Rome, candles were first created from tallow , which is purified animal fat, and served as an invaluable source of light long before electricity was imagined. As time went on, beeswax became a sought-after alternative, highly valued for its cleaner burn and subtle, natural fragrance. By the Middle Ages, beeswax candles featured prominently in religious ceremonies , cherished for their bright, sootless flame, even though their high cost made them a luxury available mainly to churches and the wealthy.
The Industrial Revolution saw a major shift in candle-making materials. Paraffin wax, produced from crude oil, arrived in the 1800s as a more affordable, cleaner-burning replacement, making candles accessible for everyday households and leading to the modern candle industry.
Today’s candle waxes come from a wide variety of natural and synthetic sources. Wax from soybeans, rapeseed, coconut, and plant-based blends is increasingly popular for its renewable and eco-friendly qualities. The evolution of candle wax is ongoing as both candle makers and customers seek out options that are sustainable, ethical, and made to the highest quality—lighting homes and fuelling creativity for a new generation.
"A candle's flame is a reminder that even the smallest light can make a difference in the darkness."
Main Types Of Candle Wax And Their Unique Sources
Understanding where candle wax comes from gives us greater insight into each wax’s qualities, how candles burn, and their environmental impact.
Today’s candle waxes are made from several main sources, each bringing its own story and features to your finished candles.
Paraffin wax
Paraffin wax is by far the most widely used wax in candle making worldwide. It’s produced from crude oil as part of the petroleum refining process, specifically from extracting lubricating oils. Paraffin is prized for being affordable, predictable, and incredibly versatile, working well in both container and pillar candles. Its fragrance-neutral nature and reliable burn make it a mainstay for mass-market candles. However, since paraffin is a non-renewable resource and can create more soot, some makers and buyers look for natural alternatives. Still, paraffin’s consistency and ease of use keep it at the heart of large-scale candle production.
Soy wax
Soy wax is a natural, plant-based choice made from soybeans. This process begins with growing soybeans, mainly in the USA, Brazil, and Argentina, making soy a wax with a truly global origin. After harvest, soybeans are pressed for oil, which is then hydrogenated to turn it into solid wax—ideal for candle making. It’s worth noting: many commercial soybean crops are genetically modified (GMO) . If non-GMO or organic soy wax is important to you, always check for certified organic labels, as only wax made from those beans is genuinely organic.
Soy wax is popular for containers and melts and is known for its clean burn, minimal soot, and excellent scent throw—making it a favourite among eco-conscious makers.
Beeswax
Beeswax comes straight from honey bees, collected as they build honeycomb in hives.
It’s a by-product of honey harvesting that’s been used in candles for thousands of years. With its gentle honey scent, beautiful golden colour, and soot-free burn, beeswax is prized for luxury and traditional candles. Since it’s only made where beekeeping thrives, it’s more costly and limited in supply than plant-based waxes. Ethical sourcing is key: choosing beeswax supports bee populations and pollination, making it an appealing choice for those who value natural cycles and the environment.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is a relative newcomer, made from the oil of coconuts grown mainly in the Philippines, Indonesia, and India. Coconut wax is extremely sustainable—coconut trees produce fruit year-round.
The wax itself is very soft, so it’s commonly blended with sturdier plant-based waxes, like soy or rapeseed , for improved burning and structure. These blends result in candles with a rich, creamy finish and excellent scent throw. Coconut wax’s renewable origins and gentle profile make it a natural fit for eco-friendly blends.
Other Natural Waxes
There’s a growing range of natural waxes and creative blends that candle makers turn to beyond the familiar options.
Rapeseed wax, made from the bright yellow rapeseed plant and produced mainly in Europe, is especially popular in the UK and EU due to its local sourcing and low carbon footprint. Sunflower wax, rice bran wax, and even plant-based blends combine different properties—like hardness, burn time, and scent throw—to suit various candle styles. Palm wax, though once more common, is now avoided by many because of concerns over palm oil sustainability. Blends combining soy, coconut, and rapeseed are increasingly in demand for their balance of performance and responsibility for the planet.
The growing variety of candle wax sources means there’s something for every candlemaker and consumer—whether you’re seeking performance, sustainability, ethics, or all three.
What Is The Best Candle Wax For My Crafting?
Finding the best candle wax for your project comes down to what you’re making and the qualities you’re after. Each type of wax has its own strengths, making it better suited for certain kinds of candles and creative goals.
Container Waxes
If you’re pouring container candles , soy wax is a popular choice for its clean burn, reduced soot , and its talent for holding onto fragrance. Paraffin is also well-suited for containers, known for its strong scent throw and budget-friendly appeal. For a more luxurious finish, coconut wax blends —often combined with soy or rapeseed—give candles a gorgeous creamy appearance and a top-notch scent throw, making them a favourite for both high-end containers and massage candles. Container waxes are formulated to stay soft and gently hug the sides of glass or tins, which helps them burn smoothly all the way to the bottom.
Pillar/Wax Melt Waxes
When it comes to crafting pillar candles or wax melts , you’ll want a wax designed to keep its shape outside of a jar. These pillar and melt waxes are firmer, so your candles release easily from moulds and stand strong on their own. Pillar and melt waxes are manufactured for firmness, with a higher melting point and certain additives to help them pop neatly out of moulds without sticking.
To make the right choice, think about:
- What type of candle you’re making—container, pillar, melts, or tarts
- How strong you want the fragrance and what kind of finish you like best
- The importance of eco-friendly or vegan ingredients
- Whether your candle needs to keep its shape outside a container
Testing with small batches is the perfect way to see which wax truly fits your project and creative style.
Candle Wax Choice: Embracing Sustainability, Quality, And Ethics
Choosing your candle wax is about more than just how well it burns—it’s also a reflection of your values. Today’s makers are paying closer attention to where their wax comes from, how it’s made, and the impact of those choices on both people and the planet.
Natural, organic, and vegan waxes
Natural, organic, and vegan candle waxes are top picks for anyone looking to make candles with a clear conscience. In candle making, “natural” means the wax comes directly from plants (like soy, rapeseed, or coconut) or from bees, without synthetic additives. Organic candle waxes go a step further, coming from crops grown without artificial pesticides or herbicides and certified by recognised organisations. Vegan candle waxes cut out all animal products, relying entirely on plant sources.
What sets these waxes apart?
Lower environmental impact, since plant-based waxes are renewable and biodegradable
Cleaner burning, reducing soot and indoor air pollution compared to paraffin
Support for animal welfare and sustainable agriculture
GMO Soy And Its Implications
Much of the world’s soy wax is made from genetically modified (GMO) soybeans, since these varieties dominate large-scale agriculture.
GMOs are designed for things like pest resistance and bigger yields—but some crafters and customers prefer to steer clear due to personal, environmental, or ethical concerns. If you want non-GMO or organic soy wax, you’ll need to search out suppliers who offer proof of origin, as GMO soy can’t be classified as organic.
If you're looking for a non-organic, GMO-free wax, then our Golden Wax EU464 is the wax for you.
GMOs - The Pros & Cons:
A few tips for candle makers focused on sustainability:
- Check the labels or ask suppliers for verification on non-GMO or organic sourcing
- Get familiar with how wax producers manage sourcing and traceability
- Know that non-GMO and organic waxes may carry a higher price tag but reflect a stronger commitment to responsible agriculture
Conclusion: Tracing The Remarkable Journey Of Candle Wax
Candle wax has evolved from simple tallow and beeswax to a variety of plant-based and refined options. Learning about its origins and production reveals both traditions and innovations behind candles.
Whether prioritising sustainability, tradition, or new blends, understanding the ethics and sources of candle wax fosters more mindful crafting. Each candle tells a story, connecting us to centuries of ingenuity and care—ongoing every time we light a flame!
FAQs
Where does most candle wax come from?
Most of the candle wax used today comes from two main sources: paraffin wax and soy wax. Paraffin wax is made during the refining of crude oil and is by far the most widely used wax in the global candle industry, thanks to its cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and reliable performance. Soy wax, produced mainly in the USA, South America, and China, has become the top plant-based option for candles. While natural waxes like beeswax and coconut play an important part, the majority of candle wax supplies are still made up of paraffin and soy wax.
How is wax made for candles?
The process of making candle wax depends on its ingredients. Paraffin wax is created by refining lubricating oils extracted from crude petroleum; it’s chilled and pressed until it turns into solid blocks. To make soy wax, oil is pressed from soybeans and then hydrogenated, which transforms the liquid oil into a creamy, solid wax perfect for candles. Beeswax comes straight from the honeycomb, then is cleaned and sometimes filtered or lightened. Plant waxes such as rapeseed or coconut follow a similar journey: their oils are extracted, cleaned, and hydrogenated to become wax fit for candle making. Each type’s production process affects how the wax burns, how hard it is, and how well it releases scent.
Where does wax naturally come from?
Wax occurs in both the plant and animal worlds. Beeswax is created by honey bees to build their honeycomb. Plants like soybeans, rapeseed, and coconuts contain oils that can be processed into wax for candle making. Animal fats, known as tallow, were once a staple in traditional candle-making. These days, most natural candle waxes used in the industry are plant-based, but beeswax continues to be favoured among artisans and those who appreciate traditional methods.
Does candle wax come from bees?
Yes, some candles are made from beeswax, which is produced naturally by honey bees. Bees secrete beeswax to build honeycomb inside their hives. Beekeepers collect this wax as a by-product when harvesting honey. Beeswax is celebrated for its natural scent, beautiful golden tone, and clean, even burn. While it remains a favourite for natural or luxury candles, it’s worth noting that the majority of modern candles are made from paraffin, soy, or other plant-based blends—not all candle waxes come from bees.
NI Candle Supplies specialises in high-quality candle-making materials, offering a diverse range of waxes, wicks, and fragrances. Committed to inspiring creativity, we provide resources for beginners and seasoned artisans. Our mission is to empower candle makers with quality products and expert guidance, fostering a vibrant community of enthusiasts who share a passion for craftsmanship and creativity.
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