Are Gel Wax Melts Better?

Introducing Gel Wax Melts

Gel wax melts are a type of scented wax melt made from a gel wax base rather than traditional paraffin or soy wax. According to Ella & I [1], gel wax has a thicker, gel-like consistency that allows the scented wax to retain fragrance oils better than regular wax melts. The gel wax base is what gives these melts their name.

Unlike traditional wax melts that turn completely liquid when heated, gel wax melts retain their shape and gel-like texture even when melted, allowing the wax and fragrance to last longer. Gel wax melts are known for their intense, long-lasting scents and high fragrance load. The gel consistency also makes them easier to remove and clean up than regular wax melts.

Some key benefits of gel wax melts compared to regular wax melts are longer scent throw, longer scent longevity, cleaner melting, and easy cleanup. The gel wax base allows fragrance oils to remain trapped in the wax so the scent is stronger and lasts longer than standard wax melts [2].

How Do Gel Wax Melts Work?

Gel wax melts work a bit differently than regular wax melts. The key difference is the gel component added to the wax. This gel additive helps the wax melt at a lower temperature and also makes the melted wax more viscous and thick. The gel causes the wax to melt into a smooth, even pool rather than just liquefying. It also helps to slow down the melting process so the wax lasts longer before completely liquefying (https://jellymelts.com/pages/how-to-use-gel-melts).

The gel additive also helps disperse fragrance more evenly as the wax melts. With regular wax melts, the scent can sometimes come out in concentrated bursts as the wax rapidly melts. But with gel wax melts, the scent tends to release steadily over time. The viscosity of the melted gel wax allows fragrance molecules to be suspended and diffused evenly. This results in more consistent fragrance dispersal compared to plain wax melts (https://ellaandi.co.uk/blogs/news/how-to-use-gel-wax-melts).

Overall, the gel component allows gel wax melts to liquefy more slowly, at lower temperatures, while also providing even fragrance diffusion. This gives gel wax melts some advantages over regular wax melts in terms of usability, scent longevity and consistency.

Comparing Gel and Regular Wax Melts

When evaluating gel wax melts versus traditional wax melts, there are several key differences to consider:

Scent Strength: Gel wax melts tend to be more strongly scented than regular wax melts. The gel formulation allows more fragrance oil to be incorporated without seeping or sweating. This results in a stronger aroma when melted (Source: https://villagewaxmelts.com/blogs/news/difference-wax-melts-squeezy-wax-melts-gel-wax-melts).

Longevity: The gel base enables gel wax melts to last significantly longer than traditional melts – up to 40 hours compared to 20-24 hours. The higher melting point of gel wax allows it to remain solid longer before melting (Source: https://ellaandi.co.uk/blogs/news/are-gel-wax-melts-reusable).

Melting Point: Gel wax melts have a melting point of around 135-165°F versus 120-130°F for regular wax melts. This higher melting temperature keeps the gel melts solid for longer (Source: https://villagewaxmelts.com/blogs/news/difference-wax-melts-squeezy-wax-melts-gel-wax-melts).

In summary, gel wax melts tend to be stronger, longer-lasting, and have a higher melting point than traditional wax melts. The gel base allows for key improvements in performance and scent throw.

Examining the Pros and Cons

When deciding between gel wax melts and regular wax melts, it’s important to consider the key advantages and disadvantages of using gel wax melts.

Some of the main pros of gel wax melts include:

• Stronger scent – The scent from gel wax tends to be more intense and last longer than regular wax melts (source).
• Longer melt time – Gel wax melts typically last several hours longer than standard wax melts (source).
• Vibrant colors – Gel wax allows for brighter color options that stand out more (source).

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:

• Higher cost – Gel wax melts tend to be more expensive than regular wax melts.
• Safety concerns – There are some concerns about potentially toxic chemicals used to make certain gel waxes (source).
• Messiness – Gel wax can be messier, stickier, and harder to clean up than standard wax.

When weighing the pros and cons, gel wax melts seem to offer stronger scent and melt time, but may come with higher costs and safety concerns compared to regular wax melts.

Scent Strength and Longevity

One of the main benefits of gel wax melts is that they typically have stronger scent throw and longer scent longevity compared to regular wax melts. The viscosity of the gel wax allows more fragrance oil to be incorporated into each melt. According to Village Wax Melts, gel wax melts can emit fragrance for up to 2 weeks, while regular wax melts may last only 3-5 days. The gel consistency also allows the scent to be released more slowly over time.

Users report that gel wax melts fill a room with fragrance more effectively than standard options. The intensity and dispersion of scent is improved. Even once the melt has fully pooled into liquid wax, it continues emanating aroma for days rather than quickly fading. This extended release prevents the melts from losing potency if not used immediately. Overall, gel wax provides noticeably stronger, longer-lasting fragrance compared to other wax melt types.

Safety Considerations

When it comes to safety, gel wax melts are generally considered safe to use. However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:

Ventilation – Like regular wax melts, gel wax melts should always be used in a well-ventilated area. The fragrance oils can be overpowering in an enclosed space.

Pets and Children – Gel wax melts are non-toxic but ingestion should still be avoided. Supervise children and pets when gel wax melts are in use.

Allergies – Those with fragrance allergies should do a patch test before using gel wax melts to check for skin irritation. Discontinue use if any reaction occurs.

Candle Warmers – Only use electric candle warmers specifically designed for wax melts. Overheating gel wax can cause fire risks.

According to sources like https://ellaandi.co.uk/blogs/news/what-is-gel-wax, gel wax melts do not contain toxins and are generally safe when used properly.

Cost Comparison

When looking at price, gel wax melts are generally more expensive than regular wax melts. A standard package of gel wax melts can cost $5-10, while a comparable amount of regular wax melts may only be $2-5 (Source: https://villagewaxmelts.com/blogs/news/difference-wax-melts-squeezy-wax-melts-gel-wax-melts).

This price difference comes from the higher cost of materials and production for gel wax melts. The gel wax used is a proprietary blend that is more expensive than standard wax. Also, gel wax melts require special molds and curing techniques that increase manufacturing costs. Handling and packaging gel melts adds more steps as well.

However, fans of gel wax melts say the stronger scent, longer burn times, and reusable format make them worth the extra investment. Gel wax melts may provide more value in the long run compared to cheaper regular wax melts that don’t last as long.

Top Gel Wax Melt Brands

Some of the most popular gel wax melt brands include:

Jelly Melts – One of the original gel wax melt brands, Jelly Melts offers a wide variety of creative scents like Blueberry & Vanilla, Fresh Linen, and Strawberry Cheesecake. Their melts are beautifully designed and fragranced.

LoveLush – This UK-based brand makes vegan and cruelty-free gel wax melts with evocative scents like Fresh Unstoppable, inspired by laundry scent boosters. They use high quality ingredients.

Village Wax Melts – With a large selection of fruity, floral, fresh, and sweet scents, Village Wax Melts allows you to choose the perfect gel wax melt for your home. They frequently add new scents.

Other top brands are Amor Wax Melts, Rose Girls Wax Melts, Scentsy, and Tart Warmers Wax Melts. The variety of scents, unique branding and packaging, and quality of the wax make these some of the best gel wax melt brands to try.

Making Your Own at Home

If you want to save money and customize scents, making DIY gel wax melts at home is easy. Here are some tips for creating your own gel wax melts:

Use a dedicated gel wax melt wax, also called jelly wax. Regular candle wax won’t have the same transparent, smooth gel texture when hardened. Quality gel wax melt wax can be purchased from craft stores or online retailers like https://nikura.com/blogs/make-at-home/how-to-make-gel-wax-melts.

Choose gel wax safe fragrances, as regular candle fragrances may seize or separate in gel wax. Use fragrances specifically formulated for gel candles and melts. A 10% fragrance ratio is common, so use 10g of fragrance oil per 100g of gel wax.

Carefully follow the pouring temperatures on the gel wax instructions, as pouring too hot or cold can affect the clarity and finish. Use cavities or molds specifically for gel wax melts.

Allow the gel wax melts to fully cure for at least 1-2 weeks before using them. This ensures they retain scent and have the right finish when melting.

Package the finished gel wax melts in bags or containers clearly labeled with the scent. Make sure to include care instructions for optimal use.

The Bottom Line

After examining the key differences between gel and traditional wax melts, the verdict is clear. Gel wax melts provide a stronger scent throw and last significantly longer than regular wax melts. The intensity and longevity make them ideal for large rooms and open spaces. While they do require a higher upfront cost, their extended fragrance life makes them more cost-effective in the long run. Gel melts are also safer since the wax fully encases the fragrance oil, reducing the risk of skin irritation. The main downside is that gel melts can be trickier to remove from warmers once fully melted.

Overall, gel wax melts are the superior choice. Their scent quality and duration far exceed standard wax melts. For anyone looking to effectively fragrance their home without constant repurchasing and melting, gel wax melts are the way to go. They provide great value for money and deliver consistent, bold fragrances. Just be sure to purchase high-quality gel melts from reputable brands for the best experience.