Wax is obviously one of the main ingredients that are used in candle making. However, it is not just wax that you need to get from the candle store. There are various kinds of wax that are available and the choice is no longer limited to only tallow as in the older days. You need to know the kind that you want to work with. Each of these wax types that can be used for making candles has its own set of advantages and disadvantages and specific characteristics.

The most commonly used wax is paraffin wax. Since it comes with different melting points it is extremely versatile and can be used for many kinds of candles. Votives, pillars and container candles can be made easily using paraffin wax. Even thou paraffin is a by-product of petroleum it is not toxic.

Soy wax is one of the latest choices that people have made in the area of candle making. This option has become popular mainly due to the demand of natural products these days. The container candle wax that you buy in a craft store is soy wax in all probability.

Beeswax is considered to be the oldest wax that was used for candle making. Beeswax is a by-product of the process of making honey and can be found in abandoned honeycombs. It has a natural sweet fragrance to it that makes it even more appealing.

While candle gel wax is also used in making candles, it is actually not a wax at all. This gel is made with resin and mineral oil and the patent for this is held by the Penreco Company. The transparency that this gel allows makes it a preferred option for decorative candles.