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📑 Contents
Soy wax vs Palm wax: comparison chart
| — | 🫘 Soy wax | 🌴 Palm wax |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Plant-based | Plant-based |
| Melt point | 46–54 °C (115–129 °F) | 56–62 °C (133–144 °F) |
| Pour temperature | 55–65 °C (131–149 °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, wax melts and tealights | pillar candles, votive candles and container candles |
Typical values: each manufacturer publishes its own on the wax’s spec sheet.
Verdict
- Soy wax is easier to work with than Palm 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
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 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 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, Soy wax or Palm wax?
It depends on the type of candle: Soy wax stands out for wax melts and tealights and Palm wax for pillar candles and votive candles. Check the chart to compare temperatures, scent throw and burn time.
Can you mix soy 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 soy 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.