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📑 Contents
Beeswax vs Gel wax: comparison chart
| — | 🐝 Beeswax | 💎 Gel wax |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Animal (bees) | Mineral (petroleum) |
| Melt point | 62–65 °C (144–149 °F) | 80–95 °C (176–203 °F) |
| Pour temperature | 68–77 °C (154–171 °F) | 75–90 °C (167–194 °F) |
| Max fragrance load | 6 % | 5 % |
| Hot throw | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Burn time | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Price | €€€ | €€ |
| Vegan | No | Yes |
| Best for | pillar candles, taper candles, votive candles, tealights and container candles | container candles |
Typical values: each manufacturer publishes its own on the wax’s spec sheet.
Verdict
- Beeswax burns longer than Gel wax.
- Beeswax is easier to work with than Gel wax.
- Gel wax is more affordable than Beeswax.
- Gel wax is the vegan option.
Beeswax
Beeswax is the original natural candle wax: it burns for hours with a golden flame and smells softly of honey even without added fragrance.
- Very long, bright burn
- Natural honey aroma
- 100% natural with no additives
- Hard and releases easily from molds
Gel wax
Gel wax lets you make crystal-clear candles with decorative embeds inside, but it demands more care than any traditional wax.
- Stunning transparency
- Very long burn time
- Can suspend decorative embeds
- Vivid color with very little dye
Best beeswax in stock
Sky Organics Organic White Beeswax Pellets 16oz, DIY Beauty, USDA Organic
Meyer's Pure Domestic USA Beeswax, Not Imported, Additive Free Triple Filtered Pellets for All Your Do It…
VIPwax White Beeswax Pellets 1LB, Natural Organic Beeswax for Candle Making
Best gel wax in stock
TooGet Transparent Jelly Wax DIY Candle Making Gel Wax Handmade Material Crystal Gel Candle for Candle Making…
CoolCrafts 2 Pounds Transparent Gel Wax for Candle Making Clear Jelly Candle Wax for Decorative Projects
CoolCrafts 5 Pounds Transparent Gel Wax for Candle Making Clear Jelly Candle Wax for Decorative Projects
Other comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Beeswax or Gel wax?
It depends on the type of candle: Beeswax stands out for pillar candles, taper candles, votive candles and tealights and Gel wax for container candles. Check the chart to compare temperatures, scent throw and burn time.
Can you mix beeswax and gel wax?
Many commercial waxes are already blends. If you blend your own, run small tests, write down the ratios and repeat the burn test: blending changes the wick size and the fragrance load the wax can hold.
Do beeswax and gel wax need the same wick?
Not always. Each wax has a different viscosity, so the wick size usually changes. Use the wick calculator as a starting point.