Best Wax For Candle Making: Eco-Safe And Toxic Free!
There are a ton of great options to choose from when it comes to selecting a wax for candle making, but if you want to learn more about the most eco-friendly, natural, and non-toxic waxes out there, you’ve come to the right place!
Before we jump into the which is the best wax for candle making at home, let’s go over what exactly makes a certain candle wax eco-friendly and non-toxic.
What Makes A Candle Wax Eco-friendly Or Non-Toxic?
An eco-friendly wax is one that is made from renewable resources, biodegradable, sustainable, and has a low environmental impact during production.
Now a non-toxic wax is one that consists of a clean chemical makeup free from toxic chemicals, which allows for a clean burn that releases less soot and fewer toxic chemicals into the air.
Why Use An Eco-Friendly And Non-Toxic Candle Wax?
Using an eco-friendly candle wax is essential if you or your brand are proponents for sustainability and environmental health.
By using an eco-friendly wax, you can ensure that you are doing your part in contributing to a reusable and sustainable cycle of creation that decreases the carbon footprint of your candles.
Additionally, using a non-toxic candle wax reduces the negative effects candles can have on the air quality in your home.
Considering candles often have harsh fragrances in them, using a non-toxic wax can help with making your candles healthier overall.
What Candle Waxes Are Eco-Friendly and Non-Toxic?
Natural waxes such as beeswax, coconut wax, and pure soy wax are some of the ones that are most commonly associated with eco-friendly and natural properties.
That is do to the fact that these waxes are naturally occurring in nature, and come from reusable and sustainable sources.
This is especially true for beeswax and coconut wax, as they are often seen as two of the most natural and eco-friendly waxes for candles.
Some soy waxes are mixed with less eco-friendly blends or even toxic chemicals. It is always a good practice to know the ingredients of the wax you use, so I recommend keeping your eye out for this.
Note: It is important when purchasing eco-friendly wax to ensure that it is produced ethically, and that the wax farmers are not contributing to harmful practices that reduce the benefits of using eco-friendly waxes in the first place. Always know where you are buying from.
5 Of The Best Eco-Friendly And Non-Toxic Waxes For Candles
Now I will share some of the best wax for making candles at home. I have listed below are some of the most natural, non-toxic, and eco-friendly options out there.
I will share pros & cons for each wax option, and hopefully set you on your way to pick out the one that fits your unique needs the most!
*Note: the wax for making candles listed below are the most eco-friendly and non-toxic options typically, but you’ll want to investigate the ingredients and methods of the supplier of your choice to ensure that they truly conduct ethical practices when producing the wax.
#1 – Beeswax
Beeswax is as natural as you can get when it comes to candle wax. This is because beeswax is a completely sustainable and natural source of wax, that can be collected from the natural process of making honey.
This also best makes beeswax debatably the best natural wax when it comes to being non-toxic, eco-friendly, and healthy. Beeswax is the healthiest wax for candles, as it comes entirely from nature and has air purifying qualities.
The only downside to using beeswax for making candles is that it is typically the most expensive wax out there. It also isn’t quite as common nor easy to come across due to the natural process in which it is made. All of this is to be expected though, as this is the price you pay when it comes to organic goods.
Additionally, beeswax is more difficult to use than soy wax, making it more suitable for experienced candle makers. However, anyone can practice and learn how to work with any wax they want to.
I recommend using beeswax for making high-quality candles or luxury candles in order to maximize the natural properties and return-on-investment for those looking to sell them. I wouldn’t skimp out on the quality of the other ingredients when working with beeswax.
Pros:
- One of the most natural waxes for candles
- Eco-friendly and sustainable
- Healthiest wax on the market
- Hypoallergenic
- Has air purification properties
- Is considered the highest quality wax for candles
- Natural honey scent without fragrance
Cons:
- Most expensive candle wax
- Limited supply and can be harder to find
- Some suppliers might not engage in ethical practices
- More difficult to use than many other natural waxes
- Great natural scent, but weaker scent throw than coconut wax or soy wax
if your top priority is having a natural and healthy candle, Beeswax is possibly the best wax for making candles.
Other than price and availability, there are nearly no downsides to using beeswax in your candles. It even has air purification properties, making it a beneficial wax to burn. So be sure to keep this in mind when selecting the perfect wax for your candles.
Beeswax is what many consider to be the absolute best wax to use for eco-friendly and natural candles. Make sure the beeswax is organic though if you want ensure high wax quality for your candles.
Just be sure to do your homework and learn more about the ethical practices of your supplier. Some retailers may not use ethical methods for producing their beeswax. It is important to make sure you aren’t sourcing your beeswax in a way that doesn’t counteract the eco-friendly nature of the wax.
Where to get beeswax for making candles?
#2 – Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is easily one of the best choices across the board for making candles. This wax is of the highest quality, and is also natural and eco-friendly.
I find coconut wax to be my favorite candle wax to work with, as it has a great scent throw, has a healthy burn, and is not quite as hard to come across as beeswax.
This makes for a classy high-quality candle that is on the high-end, but also easy enough to work with and obtain as a beginner or moderate candle maker.
Coconut wax is debatably up there in quality with beeswax and pure soy wax, and I think it has the perfect balance between luxury and elegance and accessibility.
Pros:
- One of the most natural wax for candles
- Eco-friendly and sustainable
- One of the heathiest waxes on the market
- Excellent scent throw
- Very low soot output
- Smooth texture and appearance
- Great for blending with other natural waxes
Cons:
- More expensive than soy candle wax
- Less common than many other natural waxes
- Some suppliers might not engage in ethical practices
If you want a high-quality wax that is eco-friendly, natural, and non-toxic, all while still being accessible than coconut wax is the candle wax for you.
I personally find coconut to be my favorite candle wax to use, as it looks and feels elegant and special, while still being common enough to use for a standard luxury candle line.
The best part about coconut wax is that it is eco-friendly and non-toxic, all while functioning better than any other wax I have used as well.
Coconut wax has amazing scent throw and also produces minimal soot. Overall I am very happy and impressed with the homemade candles I make with coconut wax.
Beeswax is probably the best overall candle wax on this list, but due to its scarcity and price, I don’t find it to be as appropriate for bulk candle making. I plan to use beeswax for an exclusive unique candle line while using coconut for my standard luxury line of candles.
Where to get Coconut Wax for making candles?
#3 – Soy Wax
Soy wax is a great option when it comes to natural candle waxes.
This wax is the most affordable and accessible natural wax out there, and I find that this makes it a great option for those who are just beginning their adventure into creating natural and eco-friendly candles.
I find soy wax to be perfect for beginners that have just begun making natural candles. This is due to the fact that soy wax is quite affordable and easy to come across. This lowers the risk of experimentation and helps with learning the quirks of the trade.
The main thing to check for when it comes to soy waxes, is that the soy wax is pure, and not mixed with any toxic waxes or non-eco-friendly waxes. This can change the quality and lower the environmental and health incentives of creating natural candles in the first place.
Pros:
- Natural occurring in nature
- Eco-friendly and sustainable
- One of the heathiest waxes on the market
- The most affordable natural wax
- Organic and non-GMO soy can be used
- Great for blending with other natural waxes
- Easy to use and perfect for beginners
Cons:
- Can be blended with toxic or non-eco-friendly waxes
- Some suppliers might not engage in ethical practices and contribute to deforestation
- Soy wax varies drastically in quality from different sources, retailors, and blends
If you’re looking for a great beginner wax that is still eco-friendly, natural, and non-toxic, soy wax may be the perfect wax for you! I find soy wax easy to work with, and highly recommend it for beginners at the very least.
Soy is of debatably quality to even coconut wax, all while being even more affordable and easy to source. I personally prefer coconut wax more, but previously I made all of my candles with soy wax and still enjoyed them very much! It’s like going from a 10/10 to an 11/10.
Be sure to double check that the soy wax of your choice is not blended with other toxic or non-eco-friendly waxes, and that environmentally harmful practices are not being utilized to farm the soy wax.
Where to get Pure Soy Wax for making candles?
#4 – Bayberry Wax
Bayberry wax is another natural wax for making candles that is especially appreciated and admired during the holidays.
Bayberry wax comes from Bayberries (also knows as wax myrtles), and is collected by boiling bayberries in water and collecting the wax from the surface.
What is really interesting about bayberry wax candles is that they have historical significance. Bayberry wax candles have been made since the colonial days, and are still seen as a holiday tradition to many.
The best part about bayberry wax is that it has a natural scent, meaning that it isn’t necessary to add potentially toxic fragrances to it. However, this is only true if the natural scent is what you are looking for.
Pros:
- Natural occurring in nature
- Eco-friendly and sustainable
- One of the heathiest waxes on the market
- Has a natural desired scent (no fragrance needed)
- Has sentimental and historic value
- Often used for holiday traditions
- Can be homemade from start-to-finish
Cons:
- Bayberries have very little wax output
- One of the most scarce natural waxes
- One of the most expensive natural waxes
- Often comes in small quantities
- More labor extensive than most other waxes
- Bayberry wax is often blended with another wax or substance
- Inconsistent wax texture
Due to its scarcity, bayberry wax may not the best wax to use for a big line of candles, but for an exclusive line or just a seasonal occurrence for celebrating holiday traditions, bayberry wax is perfect for creating some truly special candles!
I recommend using bayberry wax to make candles for home use, as it can be difficult to get enough to use them primarily for a candle shop outside of having a couple of unique bayberry candles for sale.
Where to get Bayberry Wax for making candles?
#5 – Rapeseed Wax
Rapeseed wax is another natural and eco-friendly wax that comes from a plant like bayberry wax. However, rapeseed wax comes from a vegetable that is more similar to cabbage rather than a berry.
Rapeseed wax can be difficult to come by and come in small quantities, so it is very common to create a blend between rapeseed and beeswax, soy wax, or other natural waxes.
Fortunately, rapeseed wax is known for absorbing fragrances well, and also having great scent throw, making it a great addition to natural wax blends.
Pros:
- Natural occurring in nature
- Eco-friendly and sustainable
- Entirely biodegradable
- One of the heathiest waxes on the market
- Absorbs fragrances well
- Great scent throw
- Reduced soot output
Cons:
- Rapeseed have very little wax output
- Even less in supply than beeswax
- Can be expensive and come in small quantities
- Rapeseed wax is often blended with another natural wax
- Some suppliers might not engage in ethical practices and contribute to deforestation
- Inconsistent wax texture
Rapeseed wax is becoming more popular for candle making, especially in regions where it is more common such as the United Kingdoms and other parts of Europe.
However, in most regions, rapeseed wax is uncommon, and difficult or expensive to get in large quantities. Due to this, it is common to blend rapeseed wax with other natural waxes.
If you’re from outside of Europe, I recommend only making rapeseed wax candles for hobby, as attempting to profit off of rapeseed wax candles will be difficult to say the least.
Where to get Rapeseed Wax for making candles?
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this list of the best wax for making candles, if you have any recommendations please feel free to comment.
Every wax on this list is eco-friendly, natural, and toxic-free! If this isn’t a concern for you, I recommend looking into other waxes as well.
Best of luck finding the perfect wax for your homemade candles!
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