Let’s talk wax.
Not the hair-removal kind (wrong blog), but the stuff your candle is actually made of.
Because here’s the thing: when you buy a candle, you’re not really buying the label, the joke, or even the scent alone. You’re buying the wax. And the wax decides how your candle burns, smells, lasts, and behaves in your home.
So if you’ve ever wondered why one candle burns beautifully and another tunnels like it’s trying to escape, this one’s for you.
What Is Candle Wax, Anyway?
At its most basic, candle wax is the fuel. It’s what melts, carries fragrance, feeds the flame, and turns a wick into something cosy instead of concerning.
But not all wax is created equal. Different waxes behave very differently, and the type of wax used can completely change your experience of a candle.
That’s why wax choice isn’t just a technical detail for makers. It’s a quality decision that affects you.
The Main Types of Candle Wax
Here’s a quick, no-nonsense breakdown of the most common candle waxes you’ll come across.
Paraffin Wax
This is the most widely used wax in mass-produced candles.
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Made from petroleum
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Cheap and easy to work with
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Strong scent throw
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Burns faster and hotter
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More likely to produce soot
You’ll often find paraffin in very inexpensive candles. It does the job, but it’s not what we’d call thoughtful or long-lasting.
Soy Wax
Soy wax is made from soybeans and is a popular alternative to paraffin, especially among small-batch and independent makers.
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Plant-based
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Slower, cooler burn
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Cleaner-burning than paraffin
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Excellent for container candles
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Allows fragrance to develop more gently
This is where things start to get interesting, and where our wax of choice lives.
Coconut Wax and Blends
Often blended with soy for added smoothness and scent performance.
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Creamy appearance
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Excellent scent throw
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Typically more expensive
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Usually part of a blend rather than used alone
Lovely, but not always practical for every candle style.
Beeswax
A natural wax with a lovely honeyed tone.
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Long burn time
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Naturally firm
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Subtle natural scent
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Not vegan
Beautiful in its own way, but not the right fit for every fragrance-led candle.
The Wax We Use: EU464 Soy Wax
At Say It With Wax, we use EU464 soy wax, also known as European Golden Wax 464.
And no, we didn’t choose it because it sounded fancy.
We chose it because it performs beautifully, consistently, and honestly, which is exactly what we want our candles to do.
Why EU464?
EU464 is a soy-based wax specifically designed for container candles. It’s widely trusted by professional candle makers and known for its reliability and finish.
Here’s what that means for you:
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A cleaner burn than paraffin
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A slower burn, so your candle lasts longer
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Excellent scent performance without being overpowering
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Smooth tops and an even melt when burned correctly
- GMO free
In short, it lets the fragrance shine without drama.
Why Wax Choice Actually Affects Your Candle Experience
This is the bit most people don’t realise.
1. Burn Time
Soy wax burns more slowly than paraffin. That means more hours of enjoyment and less “wait, is it already gone?” energy.
2. Scent Throw
Paraffin throws scent fast and hard. Soy wax releases fragrance more gradually, which creates a softer, more layered experience.
It’s the difference between being shouted at by a candle and being gently flirted with.
3. Cleanliness
EU464 burns cleaner, with less soot when cared for properly. That’s better for your candle, your space, and your surfaces.
4. Appearance
Natural waxes like soy can show subtle variations, things like frosting or slight colour changes. These are completely normal and purely cosmetic.
They’re not faults. They’re just signs your candle isn’t pretending to be something it’s not.
A Quick Word on “Imperfections”
Soy wax is honest. It doesn’t behave like plastic, and that’s kind of the point.
You might notice:
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Slight frosting
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Natural texture changes
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A candle that prefers a proper first burn
None of these affect performance, scent, or safety. They’re simply part of working with a natural wax.
We’ll always choose performance and integrity over something that looks perfect but burns poorly.
Why We Don’t Cut Corners on Wax
Wax is one of the biggest costs in candle making. Cheaper wax exists. Faster-burning wax exists. Wax that hides mistakes exists.
But those options don’t give you:
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A better burn
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A better scent experience
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A candle you actually enjoy using
EU464 costs more than basic alternatives, but it earns its place. Every single time.
So… Does Wax Really Matter?
Short answer: yes. A lot.
Wax affects:
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How long your candle lasts
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How evenly it burns
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How your fragrance performs
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How cleanly it burns
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How your candle feels to live with
It’s not the flashy part of a candle, but it’s the foundation everything else sits on.
And once you know that, it’s hard to un-know it.
The Takeaway
We use EU464 soy wax because it:
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Burns slowly and evenly
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Carries fragrance beautifully
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Burns cleaner than paraffin
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Performs reliably in your home
No gimmicks. No filler. Just a solid, well-behaved wax that does its job properly.
Because a candle should smell amazing, burn well, and quietly make your day better, not require a user manual.
