Candles or Wax Melts:  Which do you prefer?

When I decided to start my company, it was about skincare and providing a product helpful to the consumer that would address common skin concerns. With the personal care products, I decided to add candles. Initially, I created wicked candles, and together with the skincare items, I sold them at shows and farmer's markets.

At the market, I noticed that some customers were withdrawn and apprehensive about the bath items and only purchased off-shoot items like deodorant, lip balm, and cream I made that removed aches and pain. After speaking with several customers, I learned that many of them were burned and often left scarred after trying homemade soap from vendors who were once at the market.

Though soap making is my first love, as I review the market, I notice more and more businesses pouring into communities with soap bars filled with colorants and other additives that don't benefit the skin.

Is it reasonable that the soap bar is pretty and colorful enough that the consumer overlooks what should be a concern?

Meanwhile, I focused more on creating wickless candle products and using my creative freedom to build trust with the patrons of Cleansing Grace.

Why did you decide to make melts instead of candles?

I started with jar candles. I was new to the world of candling, so I had a learning curve. My challenge was wick selection. The reason a wicked candle burns too fast or slowly, the cause of it emitting soot while burning, or has little to no scent when lit has everything to do with the wick.

A good candle is one where the wick plays nicely with the wax and fragrance, the wick and container have to be compatible, and the wick is big enough not to burn through the wax and is hot enough to give an excellent scent throw.

To create a good candle, one has to test the wick and burn through different wax varieties to find a combination suitable for the company, an expensive feat.

Wick performance is a significant component of having a viable candle that makes the patron happy and allows profit. Another concern is the container. Some jars aren't as heat-proof as they claim, and some wax is unsuitable for flame warming. Factors of this nature are an unwanted liability.

Nevertheless, candles and wax melts are known for creating a warm and inviting ambiance in the home. Each has pros and cons, and deciding between the two is a matter of personal preference.

Candles have been used for centuries to provide light and fragrance and are a favorite choice for many people. One of the main advantages of candles is their portability - they can be easily moved from room to room and even taken outdoors. Candles also provide a flickering, and if one uses a wood wick, it sometimes crackles like wood burning in the fireplace. The flame is mesmerizing and can enhance the overall atmosphere of a space. On the other hand, some people may be concerned about the safety risks associated with an open flame, especially in homes with small children or pets.

  On the contrary, wax melts are flameless and heated using a UL-listed wax warmer or, my personal favorite, a hot plate wax burner. Using the electric heating method can make the melt a safer option for those worried about the risks of an open flame. Wax melts release fragrance quicker than wicked candles, are more affordable than traditional candles, and last longer, making them the best economical choice. However, portability is challenging since using wax melts requires a wax warmer.

Candles and wax melts are available in a wide variety of scents. Some people believe that wax melts provide a more intense fragrance release, while others prefer the subtlety of a candle. Whichever one decides to use is undoubtedly personality and budget-driven with the ability to enjoy either selection.

Candles and wax melts use various waxes, including soy, paraffin, and beeswax. Soy candles and wax melts are the most popular choices for those concerned about environmental impact because soy is a renewable resource.

In closing, both options have unique advantages and drawbacks, so it's worth experimenting to see which best suits your needs. You may prefer flame flickers from a candle or the ease of using wax melts; both are excellent choices for adding fragrance and warmth to your home.

We offer our customers better value with wax melt products, even more so once they invest in a hot plate-style electric wax burner. If you made it this far, thank you for being incredibly generous with your time.