What’s Actually in Your Candle?

A closer look at candle wax, quality, and why it matters

Not all candles are created equal — and a big part of that comes down to the wax.

Wax might seem like the least exciting part of a candle. It’s the bit that holds the fragrance, feeds the flame, and quietly does its job in the background. But the type of wax used can affect everything from scent throw and burn quality to air quality, ethics, and environmental impact.

So let’s lift the lid and talk about the most common candle waxes you’ll find — and why we’re very intentional about the ones we choose at Wax & Lye.

Paraffin Wax: the mass-produced favourite

Paraffin wax is the most widely used wax in mass-produced candles. It’s inexpensive, easy to work with, and excellent at holding strong fragrance — which explains its dominance on a global scale.

The downside? Paraffin is a petroleum by-product. It’s derived from crude oil, non-renewable, and its production isn’t known for being environmentally friendly. When burned, paraffin candles can also release soot and other compounds into the air, particularly when paired with low-quality fragrances and dyes.

Palm Wax: sustainable… sometimes

Palm wax often appears at local markets and is frequently marketed as a “natural” alternative. While palm wax can be sustainable, that entirely depends on how it’s sourced.

Poorly managed palm production has been linked to deforestation, habitat loss, and unethical farming practices. Unless palm wax is certified sustainable and fully traceable, it’s difficult to know whether it’s part of the solution — or part of the problem. Palm wax also tends to be harder and burn hotter, which can affect burn quality if not carefully formulated. 

Blended & “mystery” waxes

Some candles are made using blended waxes — combinations of paraffin, soy, palm, or additives — often described with vague terms like “premium wax blend” or “natural blend”.

Blends can perform well, but transparency matters. Without clear disclosure, it’s hard to know:

• how much is actually plant-based
• whether palm wax is responsibly sourced
• or what additives are involved

If a brand can’t clearly explain what’s in their candle, that’s usually a sign to ask more questions.

Soy Wax: renewable, considered, and intentional

Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. When responsibly sourced, it’s renewable, biodegradable, and burns cleaner and slower than paraffin.

At Wax & Lye, soy wax is our primary wax of choice because:

• it’s plant-based and renewable
• it burns at a lower temperature
• it produces less soot
• and it creates a longer-lasting candle

Not all soy wax is equal. We work with suppliers who prioritise ethical farming practices and avoid unnecessary fillers. Soy wax doesn’t shout the loudest — but it performs consistently, gently, and reliably.

Beeswax: traditional, local, and worth protecting

Beeswax is one of the oldest candle waxes in the world, used long before modern candle making existed. It’s a natural by-product of honey production and, when sourced responsibly, can be an incredibly ethical option.

We source our beeswax locally, directly from beekeepers — supporting small producers and maintaining transparency in how it’s obtained. Beeswax candles burn beautifully, with a warm golden glow and a subtle natural aroma that doesn’t rely on added fragrance.

This year, we’ll be exploring beeswax more deeply as part of our range, finding thoughtful ways it can sit alongside our soy candles while staying true to our values of sustainability, quality, and considered production.

Why wax choice matters

Wax isn’t just a technical detail — it’s a value statement.

The wax used in a candle affects:

• how cleanly it burns
• how long it lasts
• how it behaves in Australian conditions
• and the environmental footprint it leaves behind

Choosing better wax often means slower production, higher costs, and more testing — but it also means a candle you can burn with confidence because what you bring into your home matters - even the things that quietly melt away...