🛈 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
Palm wax vs Gel wax: comparison chart
| — | 🌴 Palm wax | 💎 Gel wax |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Plant-based | Mineral (petroleum) |
| Melt point | 56–62 °C (133–144 °F) | 80–95 °C (176–203 °F) |
| Pour temperature | 85–95 °C (185–203 °F) | 75–90 °C (167–194 °F) |
| Max fragrance load | 8 % | 5 % |
| Hot throw | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Burn time | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Price | €€ | €€ |
| Vegan | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | pillar candles, votive candles and container candles | container candles |
Typical values: each manufacturer publishes its own on the wax’s spec sheet.
Verdict
- Palm wax has a stronger scent throw than Gel wax.
- Palm wax is easier to work with than Gel wax.
Palm wax
Palm wax is the classic hard plant wax: great for pillars and famous for its feathery, frost-like crystal patterns.
- Hard plant wax that works for pillars
- Unique crystal patterns
- Releases easily from molds
- Slow, steady 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 palm wax in stock
ORGANIC PALM KERNEL OIL FLAKES (1 lbs / 16 oz) Non-GMO; Premium Cosmetic Grade Palm Kernel Oil Flakes for…
ALEXES Palm Wax for Candle Making - 1 lb Palm Wax Flakes
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, Palm wax or Gel wax?
It depends on the type of candle: Palm wax stands out for pillar candles and votive candles and Gel wax for container candles. Check the chart to compare temperatures, scent throw and burn time.
Can you mix palm 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 palm 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.