Gel Wax

Gel wax is a translucent wax with the consistency of jelly, rubbery compound composed of mineral oil and polymer resin; capable of burning almost twice as long as paraffin wax candles. Gel wax is only to be used as a container wax. Due to the clarity of the wax, it is common to find gel candles with embeds inside, such as sliced dried fruits, small glass ornaments, glitter or anything that won’t melt at a temperature lower than the wax.

Here’s a breakdown of its key characteristics and uses:

Key Characteristics:

Transparency: Its most defining feature is its crystal-clear appearance, which remains transparent even after cooling. This clarity allows for the creation of visually stunning candles with embedded decorations.

Jelly-like Consistency: It has a unique, rubbery, and elastic texture similar to jelly.
Longer Burn Time: Gel wax candles generally burn significantly longer than traditional wax candles, often twice as long as paraffin wax. This is due to its higher melting point and slow melt rate.
Higher Melting Point: Gel wax requires a higher melting temperature (typically 110-125°C or 230-260°F) compared to other waxes. It should be melted over direct heat in a saucepan, rather than a double boiler, with extreme care to avoid overheating.
Container Use Only: Due to its lack of rigidity, gel wax must always be used in containers (e.g., glass jars, tumblers). It cannot be used for pillar or freestanding candles.
Fragrance and Color Compatibility: It hold fragrance and color.
Fragrance Oils: Only non-polar fragrance oils with a high flash point (170°F or higher) are recommended. Polar fragrances can cause clouding, separation, or even create dangerous “pockets” of oil that can flare up.
Colorants: Liquid candle dyes are generally preferred to maintain clarity. Too much dye, or using paraffin-based dye chips, can make the gel cloudy.
Fragrance Load: It generally supports a lower fragrance load (typically 3-6%) compared to other waxes.
Bubbles: Gel wax has a tendency to form air bubbles, which can be seen as a desirable artistic effect for creating “underwater” or “bubbly” scenes. However, to minimize unwanted bubbles, it’s advised to heat the wax to a higher temperature and pour gently.
Embeds: Its transparency makes it ideal for embedding non-flammable decorative items such as seashells, glitter, small glass ornaments, dried fruit slices (non-flammable types), or even other wax-safe embeds.