🛈 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 Paraffin wax: comparison chart
| — | 🥥 Coconut wax | 🕯️ Paraffin wax |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Plant-based | Mineral (petroleum) |
| Melt point | 38–46 °C (100–115 °F) | 52–64 °C (126–147 °F) |
| Pour temperature | 55–65 °C (131–149 °F) | 65–85 °C (149–185 °F) |
| Max fragrance load | 12 % | 10 % |
| Hot throw | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Burn time | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Price | €€€ | € |
| Vegan | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | container candles, massage candles and wax melts | 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
- Coconut wax burns longer than Paraffin wax.
- Paraffin wax is easier to work with than Coconut wax.
- Paraffin 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
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 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 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, Coconut wax or Paraffin wax?
It depends on the type of candle: Coconut wax stands out for massage candles and wax melts and Paraffin wax for pillar candles, votive candles, tealights, floating candles and taper candles. Check the chart to compare temperatures, scent throw and burn time.
Can you mix coconut wax 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 coconut wax 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.