Wax Comparison: Which Wax For Which Candle?
Soy, coconut, olive, beeswax - each has strengths and weaknesses. Here's an honest comparison to help you choose.
Quick Answer
There's no "best" wax. There's the best wax for what you're making.
| If You're Making... | Use... |
|---|---|
| Container candles (jars) | Kerasoy 4130, EcoOlive Container |
| Pillar candles | Kerasoy 4120, EcoOlive Pillar, EcoCoco |
| Wax melts | EcoSoya Melt, EcoCoco |
| Tapers / traditional | Beeswax only |
| Maximum scent throw | EcoCoco, EcoOlive |
| Lowest cost | Kerasoy |
The Full Comparison
Kerasoy (Soy-Coconut Blend)
Best for: Beginners, container candles, consistent results
Scent throw: Good (better than pure soy)
Ease of use: Excellent. Forgiving of small mistakes.
Price: Most affordable
Downsides: Prone to frosting. Not as premium-looking as coconut.
EcoOlive (Olive Wax)
Best for: European sourcing story, excellent scent throw
Scent throw: Excellent (rivals coconut)
Ease of use: Moderate. Needs higher temperatures, less forgiving.
Price: Mid-range
Downsides: Less community knowledge. Newer wax, fewer tutorials online.
EcoCoco (Coconut Wax)
Best for: Maximum scent throw, premium positioning
Scent throw: Best of all natural waxes
Ease of use: Demanding. Soft, temperature-sensitive.
Price: Higher
Downsides: Too soft for containers. Shipping challenges in summer. Needs careful storage.
Beeswax
Best for: Natural/unscented candles, tapers, traditional styles
Scent throw: Natural honey scent only. Doesn't hold added fragrance well.
Ease of use: Different techniques required. Not interchangeable with other waxes.
Price: Highest
Downsides: No containers. Limited fragrance options. Most expensive.
Scent Throw Comparison
If scent is your priority:
- EcoCoco (coconut) - strongest
- EcoOlive (olive) - close second
- Kerasoy (soy-coconut) - good
- Pure soy - moderate
- Beeswax - natural honey only
Price Comparison (Per Kg)
Rough guide - prices vary by quantity:
- Kerasoy - lowest
- EcoOlive - mid
- EcoCoco - higher
- Beeswax - highest
Burn Time Comparison
Slower burn = longer-lasting candle for customers:
- Beeswax - slowest
- Soy/soy blends - slow
- Coconut - moderate
- Paraffin (not sold here) - fastest
Which Should You Start With?
If you're new to candle making: Kerasoy 4130 for containers, Kerasoy 4120 for pillars.
It's forgiving, affordable, and there's plenty of information online if you get stuck.
Graduate to olive or coconut once you've mastered the basics and want to differentiate your products.
Can You Blend Waxes?
Yes, but test thoroughly. Common blends:
- Soy + coconut (like Kerasoy) - improves scent throw
- Coconut + beeswax - adds hardness to coconut
- Soy + beeswax - reduces cost of pure beeswax
Every blend changes working temperatures and behaviour. Don't assume your soy temps work for a blend.
Related Guides
Curing Times by Wax Type
How long should you cure candles before burning or selling? It depends on the wax. Here's a quick reference.
Wick Sizing Guide: By Wax Type and Container Size
Wick size depends on container diameter AND wax type. Here's a reference table to get you started, plus how to test properly.