How to Choose Candle Wax: The Complete Guide
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Choosing the right wax is one of the most important steps in candle making. Wax determines the appearance of the candle, burn quality, fragrance performance, melting behavior, burn time, and even the overall sustainability of the finished product.
Today, there are many different candle waxes available on the market, but Kerax products are widely recognized as some of the best among professional candle makers and manufacturers worldwide.
In this guide, we will explore the main types of Kerax waxes, their unique characteristics and advantages, and help you choose the most suitable wax for your projects.
Why Choose Kerax Waxes?
Kerax Ltd has been manufacturing candle waxes for more than 60 years and is one of Europe's leading producers of natural waxes.
Key advantages of Kerax waxes:
- Consistent high quality from batch to batch
- Natural plant-based origin
- Paraffin-free formulations in most natural wax ranges
- Vegan-friendly
- Biodegradable ingredients
- Excellent compatibility with fragrance oils
- Good color performance
- Easy to use for both beginners and professionals
- Clean and stable burning
- Wide range of waxes for different candle applications
Container Waxes
Container waxes are designed for candles poured into glass jars, ceramic vessels, tins, and other containers. They have a softer structure and excellent adhesion to container walls.
KeraSoy Container
A natural soy wax designed for container candles.
One of the most popular waxes among both beginners and experienced candle makers thanks to its ease of use and reliable performance.
Advantages
- Excellent adhesion to glass and ceramic containers
- Minimal shrinkage
- Smooth finish after cooling
- Creamy natural color
- Good hot and cold scent throw
- Compatible with most fragrance oils
- Takes color well
- Environmentally friendly
Characteristics
- For maximum fragrance performance, candles should be cured for 7–14 days after pouring
- Like most natural soy waxes, slight frosting may occur when certain dyes are used
- Best results are achieved when recommended pouring and cooling temperatures are followed
Burn Time
High. Soy candles burn slowly and evenly, providing long-lasting performance.
EcoSoya CB-Advanced
A premium natural soy wax developed specifically for container candles.
Designed to provide excellent fragrance throw and a smooth surface finish.
Advantages
- Excellent hot and cold scent throw
- Smooth creamy appearance
- Works exceptionally well with premium fragrance oils
- Good adhesion to glass containers
- Cream-colored finish
- Easy to color
Characteristics
- Fragrance performance improves after a full curing period
- Best results are achieved when recommended melting and pouring temperatures are followed
- Produces an exceptionally smooth candle surface
Burn Time
High. Comparable to KeraSoy Container.
Coconut Container
A natural coconut wax designed for container candles.
Considered one of the most premium plant-based waxes thanks to its exceptional fragrance performance and bright white appearance.
Advantages
- Exceptional fragrance throw
- Bright white color
- Very smooth surface finish
- Excellent adhesion to glass containers
- Outstanding color performance
- Luxurious appearance in finished candles
Characteristics
- Softer than soy and olive waxes
- Requires more careful wick selection
- Provides exceptionally strong fragrance performance
- Creates a beautiful and even melt pool
Burn Time
Medium to high. Burns somewhat faster than soy and olive waxes while delivering superior fragrance performance.
EcoOlive Container Blend
A natural container wax made from olive oil.
One of the newest and most innovative plant-based waxes available today.
Advantages
- Dense wax structure
- Long burn time
- Good fragrance performance
- Accepts color well
- Smooth finish
- Excellent burn stability
Characteristics
- Features a natural cream-olive color
- Has a light olive scent in its raw form
- The natural scent becomes almost unnoticeable once fragrance oil is added
- Its dense structure contributes to one of the longest burn times among natural waxes
Burn Time
Very high. One of the longest-burning natural waxes available.
Pillar Waxes
Pillar waxes are designed for candles that are removed from silicone or plastic molds. They are firmer and better suited for free-standing candles.
KeraSoy Pillar
A natural soy wax designed for pillar and molded candles.
Advantages
- Holds its shape well
- Easy mold release
- Good fragrance throw
- Suitable for most silicone molds
- Natural cream color
Burn Time
High.
EcoSoya Pillar Blend
A premium natural soy wax designed for molded candles.
Advantages
- Increased strength and durability
- Excellent detail reproduction
- Good fragrance retention
- Suitable for wax melts and scented sachets
- Easy mold release
Burn Time
High.
EcoCoco Pillar Blend
A natural coconut-soy blend designed for pillar and molded candles.
Advantages
- White color
- Good strength
- Excellent fragrance throw
- Easy mold release
- Clean and even burn
Burn Time
Medium to high.
EcoOlive Pillar Blend
A natural olive wax designed for pillar and molded candles.
Advantages
- High density
- Excellent strength
- Outstanding detail reproduction
- Very long burn time
- Good compatibility with fragrance oils
Burn Time
Very high.
EcoSnow – A Candle in Minutes
EcoSnow is a unique natural powder candle wax that resembles fresh snow.
Creating a candle is simple:
- Pour the wax into a non-flammable container
- Insert a wick
- Light the candle
Advantages
- No melting required
- No special equipment needed
- Safe and easy to use
- Surface can be refreshed repeatedly
- Perfect for beginners
- Ideal for decorative and event candles
Burn Time
Depends on the amount of wax used and the wick size.
Comparing Natural Candle Waxes
| Feature | Soy Wax | Coconut Wax | Olive Wax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Origin | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Fragrance Throw | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Burn Time | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Wax Density | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Color Performance | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Finished Candle Appearance | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Beginner Friendly | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Kerax Wax Comparison Table
| Wax | Candle Type | Fragrance Throw | Color | Burn Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KeraSoy Container | Container Candles | High | Cream | High |
| EcoSoya CB-Advanced | Container Candles | Very High | Cream | High |
| Coconut Container | Container Candles | Very High | White | Medium to High |
| EcoOlive Container Blend | Container Candles | High | Cream-Olive | Very High |
| KeraSoy Pillar | Pillar Candles | High | Cream | High |
| EcoSoya Pillar Blend | Pillar Candles | Very High | Cream | High |
| EcoCoco Pillar Blend | Pillar Candles | Very High | White | Medium to High |
| EcoOlive Pillar Blend | Pillar Candles | High | Cream-Olive | Very High |
| EcoSnow | Powder Candles | Medium | White | Depends on Quantity Used |
Which Wax Should You Choose?
For Container Candles
- KeraSoy Container
- EcoSoya CB-Advanced
- Coconut Container
- EcoOlive Container Blend
For Pillar and Molded Candles
- KeraSoy Pillar
- EcoSoya Pillar Blend
- EcoCoco Pillar Blend
- EcoOlive Pillar Blend
For Maximum Fragrance Throw
- Coconut Container
- EcoSoya CB-Advanced
- EcoCoco Pillar Blend
For the Longest Burn Time
- EcoOlive Container Blend
- EcoOlive Pillar Blend
For Beginners
- KeraSoy Container
- KeraSoy Pillar
- EcoSnow
For Premium Candles
- Coconut Container
- EcoOlive Container Blend
- EcoOlive Pillar Blend
Choosing the right wax helps you achieve exactly the result you want: stronger fragrance performance, longer burn time, a premium appearance, or ease of use. Select your wax based on the type of candle you are making, the characteristics you want to achieve, and your level of experience to create beautiful, high-quality candles every time.