What Wax Is Best For Essential Oils?
Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be diluted when applied to the skin. Using undiluted essential oils topically can cause skin irritation, sensitivity, and inflammation. To safely and effectively use essential oils, they need to be combined with a carrier substance. Some common carrier options are carrier oils, lotions, gels, butters, and waxes. When it comes to wax, there are several varieties that work well for diluting essential oils.
The wax you choose will impact the aroma, texture, and benefits of your essential oil blend. In this guide, we will explore some of the most popular waxes for diluting essential oils – beeswax, soy wax, coconut wax, palm wax, and candelilla wax. We will compare their properties, scent profiles, and best uses to help you determine the right wax for your needs.
Beeswax
Beeswax is a popular traditional choice for essential oil wax blends. It has been used in skincare for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt (1). Beeswax has a nice thick texture and sweet, honey-like aroma. It is considered hydrating, soothing, and suitable for sensitive skin (2).
Some key benefits of beeswax for essential oils:
- Protects skin from environmental damage
- Keeps skin clean and clear
- Hydrates and moisturizes skin
- Soothes irritated or inflamed skin
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
Beeswax is an emollient wax that forms a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture while still allowing the skin to breathe. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties as well. The scent complements floral and honey-inspired essential oil blends.
(1) https://misumiskincare.com/blogs/news/11-amazing-skin-benefits-of-beeswax
(2) https://www.buzzaboutbees.net/beeswax-benefits-for-skin.html
Soy Wax
Soy wax is one of the most popular wax options for essential oils. It is made from soybeans, which are often organic and non-GMO (https://m.made-in-china.com/product/Natural-Soy-Wax-for-Essential-Oils-1997169292.html “Natural Soy Wax for Essential Oils”). Soy wax is typically unscented and doesn’t interfere with the aroma of essential oils. It also absorbs well into the skin without leaving a greasy feel, making it a great choice for essential oil products like candles and skin care.
Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is made from coconut oil. It has a smooth, creamy texture and light tropical scent. According to Sleepeasycandlecompany.ca, coconut wax burns slower than other waxes, allowing candles to last longer with a stronger scent (https://sleepeasycandlecompany.ca/pages/soy-wax-coconut-wax-benefits).
One of the main benefits of coconut wax is that it absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving an oily residue. This makes it great for candles, skin products, and cosmetics. Coconut wax also contains vitamins E and K which provide additional skin benefits.
Highland Candle Company notes that coconut wax is clean burning, environmentally friendly, and easy to clean up (https://highlandcandlecompany.com/coconut-candle-wax-benefits/). Compared to paraffin wax, coconut wax produces less soot and requires less frequent trimming of the wick.
Overall, coconut wax is valued for its smooth texture, light tropical scent, quick absorption, and versatility. Its skin-friendly properties and clean burn make it a popular choice for candles and other products.
Palm Wax
Palm wax is derived from palm oil. It is harder than other waxes with a high melting point. Sustainably-sourced options of palm wax are available.
According to The Sun Garden: “Palm Wax Vs Soy Wax; The Difference Between The Two…However, in recent years palm wax is growing in popularity as a natural vegetable wax made from the palm oil of palm trees. Just like soy wax, palm wax is an alternative to paraffin wax…The main benefits of palm wax are that it produces very hard and durable candles and items with a high gloss and sheen that maintain their scent and color very well.”(https://thesungarden.com/tips/post/palm-wax-vs-soy-wax-the-difference-between-the-two)
Candelilla Wax
Candelilla wax comes from the Candelilla shrub native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. It is a popular vegan alternative to beeswax that has a mild scent and gentle feel.
Candelilla wax is extracted from the thin outer coating on the Candelilla plant leaves. The leaves are boiled in water to separate and collect the wax, which rises to the surface. The wax is then filtered and pressed into flakes or pellets.
As a vegan wax, candelilla offers similar benefits to beeswax without any animal products. It has a low melting point between 68-82°C, making it easy to incorporate into products like lotions, balms, and cosmetics. Candelilla wax helps retain moisture while protecting skin from irritants.
Compared to beeswax, candelilla wax absorbs more thoroughly into the skin and feels less greasy. It leaves a smooth, velvety texture without being heavy or waxy. This makes it suitable for products meant to nourish skin without clogging pores. Overall, candelilla wax provides an excellent plant-based substitute for beeswax.
Comparing Wax Options
When choosing the best wax for essential oils, there are several key factors to consider:
| Wax Type | Cost | Absorbency | Texture | Scent Throw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beeswax | High | Low | Brittle | Light |
| Soy Wax | Low | High | Smooth | Strong |
| Coconut Wax | Moderate | Moderate | Crisp | Moderate |
| Palm Wax | Low | High | Hard | Strong |
As the table shows, soy wax and palm wax tend to have the best scent throw for essential oils, while still being relatively affordable options. Beeswax and coconut wax allow for less scent diffusion. The texture and workability also varies between the different waxes. Overall, soy wax provides a good balance of performance and value when working with essential oils.
Sources:
https://suffolkcandles.co.uk/blogs/candles/best-candle-wax-for-essential-oils
https://chesapeake.yankeecandle.com/soy-vs-paraffin-wax.html
Blending Waxes
Often good to blend two or more waxes. This combines their strengths. For example, blending beeswax with a softer wax like coconut wax helps bring down the melting point, creating a smoother burn (Simplynaturalnessa.com). Beeswax adds hardness while coconut wax provides creaminess. A common blend is mixing coconut wax with 10-30% beeswax (Reddit). The coconut wax makes the blend softer and easier to work with while the beeswax helps with stability, burn, and scent throw. Other popular wax blends include:
- Beeswax + soy wax: Balances hardness with creaminess
- Beeswax + palm wax: Palm adds opacity and hardness
- Beeswax + paraffin: Paraffin gives a smooth finish
When blending waxes, keep in mind the goal is to enhance desired properties. A coconut beeswax blend marries the best of both. Experimenting with wax blends allows for customization to find your ideal wax for a great candle making experience.
Storing Wax
Proper storage is crucial for preserving your wax and prolonging its shelf life. Wax can go rancid over time when exposed to heat, light, and oxygen. According to Storables, you should store wax in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep it away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight to prevent it from deteriorating.
For optimal shelf life, store wax in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or pantry. HelloGlow recommends storing it in an old microwave-safe container. When ready to use, melt the wax by microwaving it in short 15-second intervals. With proper storage, wax can last 6 months to a year before going bad. Be sure to check your wax before use and discard any that has changed color or consistency.
Conclusion
While each type of wax has its merits, soy wax, coconut wax, and beeswax tend to be the top choices for making candles with essential oils. Soy wax is affordable, versatile, and has a great scent throw. Coconut wax holds fragrance well and gives a smooth finish. Beeswax is all-natural and pairs nicely with floral essential oils.
No matter which wax you choose, it’s important to always test a small amount on your skin first before proceeding to make a large batch of candles. Since essential oils can cause irritation for some people, doing a patch test can help identify any potential allergic reactions or sensitivity. Making your own candles with essential oils can be an enjoyable and creative hobby, as long as you select the wax thoughtfully and take proper precautions.
