Gel Wax

Gel Wax for Candles

Our gel wax is a clear, jelly-like candle wax made for container candles only. Its crystal-clear finish makes it perfect for decorative candles with items embedded inside – think sea shells, dried fruit, glitter and other heat-safe decorations.

Gel wax gives a great scent throw, and vibrant colours can be achieved – just take care not to add too much colour if you want to keep the translucent look. Gel candles can burn up to twice as long as standard paraffin wax, making the higher cost more economical.

How to use gel wax

• Melt: heat the gel wax to 110–125°C. Getting it above 110°C helps release trapped air, so your finished candle is clear and bubble-free.
• Do not overheat: never heat gel wax above 125°C, as it can burn.
• Add fragrance: add your fragrance as close to pouring temperature as possible, up to a maximum of 6%.
• Pour: pour at 77–93°C into a heat-safe container.

Which fragrance oils can I use in gel wax?

Not all fragrance oils are suitable for gel wax. You must use non-polar fragrances with a flash point above 77°C. The flash point matters because gel wax burns at a higher temperature, and adding fragrance lowers the flash point of the wax – using a fragrance with a flash point below 77°C can make the candle unstable and unsafe.

How to test if a fragrance oil is gel wax safe

You can check a fragrance oil with a simple mineral oil miscibility test:

1. In a glass container, mix 1 part fragrance oil to 3 parts mineral oil. Shake, leave for a few minutes, then check whether it has blended.
2. In a second glass container, mix 3 parts fragrance oil to 1 part mineral oil. Shake, leave for a few minutes and check again.

If either mixture is cloudy or has not blended, the fragrance is not gel safe. If both are clear and fully blended, the fragrance oil is gel wax compatible.

As with all candle making, experimentation is key – always test, and record your findings, in a safe and controlled environment.

Physical properties

• Holds up to 6% fragrance or essential oil
• Appearance: clear gel
• Odour: odourless
• Softening point: 70–85°C
• Boiling point/range: >25°C
• Congealing point: N/A
• Flash point (ASTM D 93): >250°C
• Autoignition point: >180°C
• Density at 20°C: approx. 0.86 g/cm³
• Solubility in water: insoluble

Gel wax FAQs

What temperature should I melt gel wax to?
Heat it to 110–125°C to melt it and release air bubbles, and never above 125°C.

What temperature should I pour gel wax at?
Pour at 77–93°C into a heat-safe container.

How much fragrance can I add to gel wax?
Up to 6%, using only non-polar fragrance oils with a flash point above 77°C.

Can I make pillar candles with gel wax?
No – gel wax is for container candles only.