Soy wax, Paraffin wax, Palm wax, Natural wax blends. A candle is a candle, and they’re all the same - right?

Wrong.

A well made, 100% Soy Wax candle is very clean burning, and will give a pleasant scent throw that is a truer imitation of the scent it’s named for. However, few Soy wax candles have a “strong” scent throw, and if it is 100% Soy wax, it will have at least some frosting on the top and sides of the candle. A 100% Soy wax candle would be a perfect candle for those who love to burn candles, but find that most are just too overpowering.

Paraffin wax has been the most popular type of candle on the market, but it is quickly losing ground to natural waxes. A well made Paraffin wax candle will have a strong scent throw, but also tends to emit more smoke and soot than natural wax candles. I haven’t seen a Paraffin wax candle yet that didn’t leave a heavy black film on the jar, and smoke while burning. Unfortunately, Paraffin wax candles also tend to have a slight “chemical” smell while burning. For those who love Paraffin wax candles, and have never tried a natural wax candle, they wouldn’t even notice it, but it is there. To test this, go to your favorite candle store, and pick up a Paraffin wax candle. Carry it around with you until you find a natural wax candle (100% Soy wax candles can be found in most candle stores) that is the same scent as the Paraffin wax candle. Nine times out of ten, if both candles are well made, you will be able to smell the difference without burning either candle. Paraffin wax candles usually have a very smooth, glossy, appearance.

Palm wax is my personal favorite. A well made Palm wax candle is also very clean burning, but unlike most Soy wax candles, Palm wax candles have a wonderful scent throw. Palm wax candles also have a truer imitation of the scent it’s named for, and lacks the “chemical” smell. Almost all Palm wax candles with have a beautiful crystallized appearance, and tend to be long lasting.

Natural wax blends are the best of both worlds. A well made Natural wax blend candle has the benefit of being clean burning, while maintaining the stronger scent throw of Paraffin wax. Most have a smooth, glossy, appearance, but there are so many varieties, you could find anything from smooth and glossy, to a “feathered” appearance.

Now, the question is, how do you tell if a candle is well made?

It is actually fairly easy to pinpoint a well made candle just by looking at it. Take off the lid, and look at the wax on the top of the candle. Is the top of the wax smooth and level, or is it sunk in around the wick (or wicks)? Is the wick (or wicks) longer than a half inch?

If the wax on top of the candle is smooth and level, and the wick (or wicks) is approximately a quarter inch to a half inch long, then you are looking at a well made candle.

If the wax on top of the candle is sunk in around the wick (or wicks), you run the chance of there being a fairly sizable air pocket within the wax, that could not only shorten your burn time, but also be a possible fire hazard.

If the wick (or wicks) is too long, it will cause the candle to emit a lot of smoke and soot, as well as decreasing the burn time of your candle.

There are many, many, types of candles on the market today, and all have their own pros and cons. When trying to decide what kind of candle to buy, it all boils down to personal preference. Do you want a “strong” smelling candle, or do you want a “softer” smelling candle? Do you mind the black soot, or would you prefer something a little cleaner?

Due to the increasing popularity of candles, the variety, and fragrances, of candles are virtually unlimited so when candle shopping, just remember - natural waxes tend to be cleaner, and paraffin waxes tend to emit more smoke and soot. Also, remember to take a good look at the candle you’re considering purchasing, and watch for wick length, and a smooth, level top. Happy candle shopping!