🛈 As an Amazon Associate, CeraVelas earns from qualifying purchases. If you buy through our links, Amazon pays us a small commission at no extra cost to you. That’s how we keep the site running. How we choose.
📑 Contents
Coconut wax vs Gel wax: comparison chart
| — | 🥥 Coconut wax | 💎 Gel wax |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Plant-based | Mineral (petroleum) |
| Melt point | 38–46 °C (100–115 °F) | 80–95 °C (176–203 °F) |
| Pour temperature | 55–65 °C (131–149 °F) | 75–90 °C (167–194 °F) |
| Max fragrance load | 12 % | 5 % |
| Hot throw | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Burn time | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Price | €€€ | €€ |
| Vegan | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | container candles, massage candles and wax melts | container candles |
Typical values: each manufacturer publishes its own on the wax’s spec sheet.
Verdict
- Coconut wax has a stronger scent throw than Gel wax.
- Coconut wax is easier to work with than Gel wax.
- Gel wax is more affordable than Coconut wax.
Coconut wax
Coconut wax is the wax behind many luxury candles: bright white, creamy and known for excellent cold and hot throw.
- Excellent cold and hot throw
- Smooth, bright white tops
- Very little frosting
- Slow, clean burn
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 coconut wax in stock
American Soy Organics Freedom Coconut Soy Wax Beads, Candle Wax, 10 lbs
American Soy Organics Freedom Coconut Soy Wax Beads, Candle Wax, 5 lbs
American Soy Organics Freedom Coconut Soy Wax Beads, Candle Wax, 1 lb
See more coconut wax on Amazon →
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, Coconut wax or Gel wax?
It depends on the type of candle: Coconut wax stands out for massage candles and wax melts and Gel wax for container candles. Check the chart to compare temperatures, scent throw and burn time.
Can you mix coconut wax 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 coconut wax 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.