What Are Candles Made Of? A Guide to Candle Wax and Its Origins

With over 90% of your candle being made of wax, choosing the right type is essential. At The Flora Lab, we use only plant-based waxes in our hand poured candles, but there are several options widely available, each with unique properties and origins.

Everything you've ever wanted to know about candle wax.

What Is Candle Wax Made Of?

Candle wax can come from a variety of sources, including natural plant-based materials and petroleum byproducts. The most common types include:

• Soy wax – Derived from soybean oil, a renewable and biodegradable resource.

• Coconut wax – Extracted from coconut oil, known for its clean burn and excellent scent throw.

• Rapeseed wax – A sustainable European-grown wax with a slow burn.

• Beeswax – A natural wax produced by honeybees, known for its air-purifying properties.

• Paraffin wax – A byproduct of crude oil refining, widely used for its affordability and strong scent throw.

Where Does Wax Come From?

Wax comes from different natural and synthetic sources. All natural wax comes from plant-based sources or unrefined beeswax.

• Plant-based waxes are extracted from renewable crops like soybeans, coconuts, and rapeseed.

• Beeswax is secreted by honeybees and collected from hives.

• Paraffin wax is derived from crude oil and undergoes refinement to become the common candle wax used in many commercial brands.

How Is Wax Made?

The process of making wax depends on the source:

• Soy wax is created by harvesting soybeans, pressing them to extract oil, hydrogenating the oil, and cooling it into a solid wax.

• Coconut wax follows a similar process using coconut oil.

• Paraffin wax is extracted from petroleum, purified, and solidified for use in candles.

• Beeswax is naturally produced by bees and collected from honeycombs.

Natural Wax vs. Paraffin Wax: What's the Difference?

There are many differences between natural wax and paraffin wax. Both are very popular with candle makers, with a lot of mainstream candle brands opting for paraffin wax (also called mineral wax). However, at The Flora Lab, we opt for natural, plant based waxes which we tailor to every candle. 

Natural waxes (such as soy, coconut, and rapeseed) are renewable, biodegradable, and produce a clean burn. They may require a higher fragrance load to achieve a strong scent throw.  All the plant based wax that we use is cruelty free and sustainably sourced using verified cultivation methods. Plant based wax tends to have a lower melting point than some paraffin waxes, therefore it more likely to sweat or melt when the weather is warming.

Paraffin wax, derived from crude oil (petroleum), is widely used due to its affordability and strong scent throw. However, it is non-renewable and less environmentally friendly. Parafin wax candles tend to give off a greater scent throw with less fragrance oils in comparison to their natural wax counterparts, making paraffin wax a more popular choice with big brands where margins are considered more important than the environmental effects. 

Are Paraffin Wax Candles Toxic?

Despite some concerns, paraffin wax is considered non-toxic and widely used in the candle industry. However, because it is petroleum-based, it does not align with eco-conscious values. Paraffin wax candles are considered safe and millions are sold every year. However, the raw materials are not sustainably soured, placing considerable stress on the environment. 

What Wax Does The Flora Lab Use?

At The Flora Lab, we exclusively use plant-based wax blends, including coconut, rapeseed, and soy wax. Each Flora Lab candle is crafted with a specific wax blend tailored to complement its fragrance. This is because some scented oils work best with waxes with higher melting points (such as soy and rice wax) whereas coconut wax works really well with citrus-based blends.

You can check the wax used in your candle by looking at the label on the box or the product page.

Are Your Candles Vegan and Sustainable?

Yes, all of our candles (except beeswax products) are vegan and sustainably sourced. We partner with suppliers who prioritise ethical and regenerative farming practices to ensure a positive environmental impact.

All of our plant based wax comes from sustainably sourced suppliers, who focus on 100% regenerative programs and 0% deforestation. We also emphasize that our supply chains promote ethical sourcing, health and safety and improve the livelihoods of farmers and their families. 

What Are the Benefits of Natural Wax Candles?

Some of the benefits of natural wax candles are that they:

• Burn cleaner with less soot compared to paraffin candles.

• Are made from renewable, biodegradable sources.

• Have a softer, more natural scent experience.

• Are free from petroleum-based additives.

How Long Do Natural Wax Candles Burn Compared to Paraffin Candles?

Burn times vary based on wax type, fragrance load, and candle size. As a guide you’ll get the following burn time for our natural wax products:

• 180ml single wick candle: 30-35 hours

• 500ml double wick candle: 80-90 hours

• Botanical wax melts: Up to 100 hours

Are Candles Safe for Pets?

Our candles are safe for use around pets, but we recommend checking individual ingredients, as some essential oils may not be suitable for certain animals.

What does hand-poured candles mean?

All of our candles are hand poured by our team, so we know exactly what goes into our candles. We test our candles for months, finding the perfect combination of wick, plant based wax and fragrance, before we finally launch our candles. 

Each candle is wicked, before the infusion of scented oils and melted plant based wax is added to the jar. These are then left to set, given a final top up, before we lock them away for up to two weeks to allow them to cure.

How Should I Store My Candles?

For best results, store candles in a cool, dark place with the lid on to preserve their fragrance.

Can I Reuse or Repurpose Candle Jars?

Absolutely! Our candle jars are designed for reuse and upcycling. Share your repurposed creations with us on Instagram!

By choosing The Flora Lab’s hand-poured, natural wax candles and botanical wax melts, you’re supporting sustainable craftsmanship while filling your home with beautifully curated scents.