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📑 Contents
Soy wax vs Gel wax: comparison chart
| — | 🫘 Soy wax | 💎 Gel wax |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Plant-based | Mineral (petroleum) |
| Melt point | 46–54 °C (115–129 °F) | 80–95 °C (176–203 °F) |
| Pour temperature | 55–65 °C (131–149 °F) | 75–90 °C (167–194 °F) |
| Max fragrance load | 10 % | 5 % |
| Hot throw | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Burn time | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Price | €€ | €€ |
| Vegan | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | container candles, wax melts and tealights | container candles |
Typical values: each manufacturer publishes its own on the wax’s spec sheet.
Verdict
- Soy wax has a stronger scent throw than Gel wax.
- Soy wax is easier to work with than Gel wax.
Soy wax
Soy wax is the go-to natural wax for container candles: creamy, beginner-friendly and known for a slow, clean burn.
- Plant-based, renewable and vegan
- Slow burn with a calm flame
- Low melt point and easy to work with
- Cleans up with hot soapy water
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 soy wax in stock
American Soy Organics Freedom Soy Wax Beads, All-Natural Candle Wax, 5 lbs
American Soy Organics Freedom Soy Wax Beads, All-Natural Candle Wax, 10 lbs
American Soy Organics Freedom Soy Wax Beads, All-Natural Candle Wax, 1 lb
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, Soy wax or Gel wax?
It depends on the type of candle: Soy wax stands out for wax melts and tealights and Gel wax for container candles. Check the chart to compare temperatures, scent throw and burn time.
Can you mix soy 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 soy 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.