How to Choose the Right Wax for Your Candles? The difference between pillar, container and melt wax

Lotti Gostič
Aug 3
2 min read

When deciding to make candles, you quickly realise that choosing a wax is a lot more complicated than it seems at first glance. There are numerous soy and other waxes on the market, but it’s not always clear which one is best suited for your type of candle. Different waxes are formulated for specific purposes – some are firm and suitable for pillar candles, others are softer and intended for use in containers, while some are used exclusively for burner-diffuser waxes. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between them and help you choose the right wax for your needs.

Pillar wax – for decorative candles

Pillar wax is specifically designed for making decorative candles that do not require containers or additional support.

Properties of pillar wax:

It has a high level of strength and toughness.
It usually contains additives that improve the shape and reduce brittleness.
Suitable for use in plastic moulds and silicone models, as it is easily removed after hardening.

A mixture of soy, paraffin or beeswax is often used, which provides good structure and a beautiful, aesthetic shape of the candle.

How to Choose the Right Wax for Your Candles? The difference between pillar, container and melt wax — BOW scented candles

Container wax – for candles in containers

Container wax is a softer wax that is designed for use in containers, glasses or cups.

Container wax properties:

It has a lower melting point and a creamier texture.
It has good adhesion to the walls of containers, which prevents cracks and holes.
It absorbs fragrance oils perfectly, which provides a strong scent when burning.
It is not suitable for decorative candles, as it is not hard enough and melts too quickly.