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📑 Contents
Paraffin wax vs Palm wax: comparison chart
| — | 🕯️ Paraffin wax | 🌴 Palm wax |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Mineral (petroleum) | Plant-based |
| Melt point | 52–64 °C (126–147 °F) | 56–62 °C (133–144 °F) |
| Pour temperature | 65–85 °C (149–185 °F) | 85–95 °C (185–203 °F) |
| Max fragrance load | 10 % | 8 % |
| Hot throw | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Burn time | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Price | € | €€ |
| Vegan | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | container candles, pillar candles, votive candles, tealights, floating candles and taper candles | pillar candles, votive candles and container candles |
Typical values: each manufacturer publishes its own on the wax’s spec sheet.
Verdict
- Paraffin wax has a stronger scent throw than Palm wax.
- Palm wax burns longer than Paraffin wax.
- Paraffin wax is easier to work with than Palm wax.
- Paraffin wax is more affordable than Palm wax.
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
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
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 →
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
Other comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Paraffin wax or Palm wax?
It depends on the type of candle: Paraffin wax stands out for tealights, floating candles and taper candles and Palm wax for pillar candles, votive candles and container candles. Check the chart to compare temperatures, scent throw and burn time.
Can you mix paraffin wax and palm 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 paraffin wax and palm 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.