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📑 Contents
Beeswax vs Paraffin wax: comparison chart
| — | 🐝 Beeswax | 🕯️ Paraffin wax |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Animal (bees) | Mineral (petroleum) |
| Melt point | 62–65 °C (144–149 °F) | 52–64 °C (126–147 °F) |
| Pour temperature | 68–77 °C (154–171 °F) | 65–85 °C (149–185 °F) |
| Max fragrance load | 6 % | 10 % |
| 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, pillar candles, votive candles, tealights, floating candles and taper candles |
Typical values: each manufacturer publishes its own on the wax’s spec sheet.
Verdict
- Paraffin wax has a stronger scent throw than Beeswax.
- Beeswax burns longer than Paraffin wax.
- Paraffin wax is easier to work with than Beeswax.
- Paraffin wax is more affordable than Beeswax.
- Paraffin 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
Paraffin wax
Paraffin wax is the most versatile and affordable candle wax: it takes bold colors, releases easily from molds and delivers the strongest scent throw.
- Strongest scent throw
- Inexpensive and easy to find
- Vivid colors and a glossy finish
- Releases easily from molds
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 paraffin wax in stock
Gulf Wax Household Paraffin Wax 1 Pound Bars (3 Packs)
Fully Refined Paraffin Candle Wax Slab, 10 lb Bulk Wax for Candle Making
See more paraffin wax on Amazon →
Other comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Beeswax or Paraffin wax?
It depends on the type of candle: Beeswax stands out for pillar candles, taper candles, votive candles, tealights and container candles and Paraffin wax for floating candles. Check the chart to compare temperatures, scent throw and burn time.
Can you mix beeswax and paraffin 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 paraffin 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.