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Relax and let the soothing scents of wax melts create an alluring ambiance. Heat fragrant wax melts in a candle warmer—also called a wax warmer—to create a sense of peacefulness, cleanliness, or vigor. The best wax melts come in a variety of materials and scents that melt in either an electric or non-electric (tea-light) wax warmer.
Made from soy wax, paraffin, and other wax materials, scented wax melts exude pleasant fragrances. Keep reading to learn about the materials, ingredients, and characteristics of the best wax melts, and then discover some of the top options on the market today.
- BEST OVERALL: Farm Raised Candles Earth Mix. Scented Wax Melt Cubes
- BEST BUDGET: YIHANG Scented Wax Melts
- BEST FLORAL: Shortie’s Candle Company Natural Floral Soy Wax Melts
- BEST FRESH: Febreze Wax Melts Gain Original Air Freshener
- BEST SPICED: Farm Raised Candles Fall Spice Soy Wax Melts
- BEST SWEET: Shortie’s Candle Company Vanilla Bean Wax Melts
- BEST WITH ESSENTIAL OILS: E&E Company All Natural Soy Wax Melts
- LONGEST LASTING: Happy Wax Floral Mix Soy Wax Melts
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Wax Melts
Wax melts both freshen the air and provide fragrance. They’re available in a variety of wax types, sizes, shapes, and scents. Formulated to melt in wax warmers, they offer a safer alternative to burning scented candles. However, with numerous options on the market, choosing the best wax melt is difficult. In this guide, we include some ideas for selecting the best wax melts for indoor environments.
Wax Type
Manufacturers offer various types of wax melts made with different types of wax. A summary of the types of wax melts available on today’s market follows.
- Paraffin wax emits a strong scent efficiently, but some users avoid paraffin because it’s a byproduct of petroleum oil processing. The ongoing debate about the toxicity of paraffin candles continues, but current consensus holds that well-made paraffin wax melts are safe and nontoxic. Moreover, paraffin is less expensive than other types of wax.
- Soy wax, the most popular material for scented wax melts, is made from soybeans. Therefore, it’s a safe, vegan, nontoxic material. Soy wax is an environmentally friendly product, because it’s derived from a responsibly grown agricultural source.
- Palm wax, similar to soy wax in that it’s produced by a plant, is made from hydrogenated palm oil. Palm wax typically is harder than soy.
- Beeswax, one of the oldest candle-making materials, emits a gentle honey fragrance as it melts even without the addition of essential oils.
- Gel wax, whichis made from mineral oil and resin, is available in small cups. Users remove about 1 teaspoon of scented gel at a time and place it in a wax warmer for melting.
Size and Shape
Wax melts are small, scented pieces of wax produced in the correct proportions to fit in the bowls of wax warmers. Since they resemble the size and shape of tasty baked confections, they’re sometimes also referred to as “tarts.”
Wax melts, made by pouring melted wax into molds, are produced in various shapes and colors. Popular shapes include stars, hearts, round discs, and little bears. Many wax melts are available in sheets of break-off cubes, with six cubes per sheet. Typically, each cube weighs 0.5 ounces and produces enough melted wax to fill the warmer bowl.
Scent
A plethora of scents are available, including florals, fruits, spices, plants and trees, favorite foods, and fresh laundry. Additionally, some wax melts eliminate unwanted odors to freshen indoor air.
In many wax melts, the scent is derived from the infusion of essential oils. Users who are concerned about the environment may want to search for wax melts that contain only pure, natural, and nontoxic essential oils.
The term “scent throw” refers to a wax melt’s capability to produce a strong, noticeable scent that permeates the air. Shoppers may want to look for wax melts that have a strong scent throw. A fast melting time means that the scent disperses quickly into the air and spreads throughout the space.
Additives
A wax melt consists of a small piece of wax infused with additives that emit fragrance or scent when heated to a melting point. As the wax melt heats, the fragrance from the additives is released into the air. Typically, these additives comprise essential oils.
To maintain a healthy indoor environment, many users look for wax melts that contain all-natural, nontoxic essential oils. Additionally, many consumers avoid wax melts that contain harmful chemicals, such as phthalates. Diethyl phthalate (DEP), a chemical frequently used in many types of fragrance, increases the scent of hot soy wax.
Burning Time
The term “burning time,” which comes from candles, refers to the length of time that a candle can burn before the wick is used up and the candle wax is gone. In wax melts, “burning time” or “burn time” refers to the length of time that the wax melt continues to produce a noticeable scent.
Wax melts should quickly transform to a liquid state to begin to exude their fragrance. However, users typically want that fragrance to last for many hours before it fades away. Many wax melts continue to release fragrance for 8 to 12 hours before replacement is necessary.
To get rid of leftover wax after the fragrance dissipates, users can place cotton balls in the warm bowl of the wax warmer to soak up the liquid wax and dispose of the cotton balls in the trash. Alternatively, cooled, hardened wax that has lost its scent can be scraped from the wax warmer. Place a wax warmer with hardened wax into the freezer for a few minutes to make the used wax release more easily.
Wax Warmer
To work their magic, wax melts must be heated and melted in safe containers. Both electric and non-electric wax warmers are available. They’re made from heat-proof, fire-resistant materials and contain a heat source as well as a bowl for the melted wax.
Electric tabletop wax warmers have cords that plug into household outlets, and they also may contain a light bulb. Alternatively, some wax warmers plug directly into a wall outlet, so they don’t consume space on tables or countertops. Many electric wax warmers function as night-lights as well as fragrance sources.
Non-electric wax warmers use tea lights, which are tiny, disc-shaped candles in tin cups, as a heat source. Although the tea light produces an open flame, it’s inside a partially enclosed area beneath the bowl of a warmer to make it safer.
Our Top Picks
This list of the best wax melts comprises a variety of wax types, scents, additives, shapes, and sizes, plus budget-friendly options, air-freshening capabilities, and long-lasting scents. These top picks include high-quality products from reputable manufacturers with an emphasis on safe, nontoxic choices.
Best Overall
Farm Raised Candles Earth Mix. Scented Wax Melt Cubes
These wax melts from Farm Raised Candles are made from vegan, organic soy wax, and they contain all-natural blends of essential oils. Furthermore, these wax melts contain no paraffin and no toxins, carcinogens, or pollutants.
This variety set includes five fragrances, and the package contains six wax melts in each scent for a total of 30 wax melts.
Farm Raised Candles suggests that users insert one or two cubes into an electric or non-electric wax warmer and let them melt for 4 to 5 hours per day. Simply turn off the warmer to achieve lingering fragrance results.
Product Specs
- Type: Soy wax
- Amount: 3 ounces per pack
- Scent(s): Eucalyptus rain, frasier fir tree, pine tree forest, rosemary mint, palo santo, and sage
Pros
- Five packs of wax; 30 wax melts in total
- Vegan and organic
- No paraffin, toxins, carcinogens, or pollutants
- Melts for 4 to 5 hours per day
Cons
- Some users report limited scent
Get the Farm Raised Candles wax melts on Amazon.
Best Budget
YIHANG Scented Wax Melts
This variety set from YIHANG provides eight different scents, including apple, aloe, green tea, sandalwood, rose, vanilla, jasmine, and lavender. Each of the eight packs contains six wax melt cubes. Made from nontoxic soy wax and essential oils, the cubes melt in either electric or non-electric wax warmers.
These soy wax melts are in vibrant red, green, purple, and other colors.
Product Specs
- Type: Soy wax
- Amount: 2.5 ounces per pack
- Scent(s): Apple, aloe, green tea, sandalwood, rose, vanilla, jasmine, and lavender
Pros
- Eight different packs; 48 melts in total
- Suitable for both electric or non-electric melts
- Multiple colors
Cons
- Smell may not be very strong
Get the YIHANG wax melts on Amazon and at Walmart.
Floral Pick
Shortie’s Candle Company Natural Floral Soy Wax Melts
These long-lasting, all-natural wax melts are made from soybeans grown in the United States. The wax is 100-percent vegan, burns clean, and is non-toxic. The essential oils are derived from U.S.-grown flowering plants. These wax melts from Shortie’s Candle Company contain no phthalates and no paraffin.
Formulated for long-lasting fragrance, each wax melt cube exudes fragrance for more than 10 hours when melted in 1-hour increments. Each pack of wax, which contains six cubes, are made from moldable soy wax. They are designed to melt at a low temperature point, making them melt faster and throw scent further into the air.
Product Specs
- Type: Soy wax
- Amount: 3 ounces per pack
- Scent(s): Rose, honeysuckle, and jasmine
Pros
- Six cubes per pack; 18 total
- Long-lasting scents
- 100-percent vegan
- Clean-burning and non-toxic
Cons
- Can’t be burned longer than 10 hours if not warmed in 1-hour increments
- Not suitable for high heat
Get the Shortie’s Candle Company wax melts on Amazon.
Best Fresh
Febreze Wax Melts Gain Original Air Freshener
Even in the tidiest homes, odors from cooking, pets, and gym bags sometimes pervade the air. Rather than layering on heavier scents to mask the odors, Febreze’s wax melts clean away odors in electric or non-electric wax warmers. These wax melts release a light scent reminiscent of freshly washed clothes.
This pack includes six wax melt cubes and fit electric and light bulb warmers as well as non-electric tea light warmers. All the wax melts in this pack exude the fresh scent of Gain laundry detergent. Use them in the kitchen, bathroom, entryway, or any room.
Product Specs
- Type: Unlisted
- Amount: 2.75 ounces per pack
- Scent(s): Gain Original
Pros
- Comes with 3 packs of 6 cubes (18 in total)
- Suitable for electric, light bulb, and non-electric warmers
- Emits the scent of fresh laundry
- Long-lasting burn time
Cons
- Pricey compared to similar options
Get the Febreze Gain Original wax melts on Amazon and at Walmart.
Best Spiced
Farm Raised Candles Fall Spice Soy Wax Melts
Made from organic soy vegetable oil, these wax melts from Farm Raised Candles contain infused essential oils that produce the scents of the fall season, with one pack of five scents. Each pack contains six cubes for a total of 30 wax melt cubes, and they fit into either electric or non-electric wax warmers.
Farm Raised Candles formulates these wax melts to be free of paraffin, petroleum oil-based substances, and contaminants. They infuse their wax with only 100-percent natural essential oils. The soybeans grown for the wax in these melts are a renewable, responsibly sourced, agricultural product from the U.S.
Product Specs
- Type: Soy wax
- Amount: 3 ounces per pack
- Scent(s): Fall spice, McIntosh apple, home sweet home, cinnamon caramel swirl, and pecan waffles
Pros
- Five packs; 30 wax melts in total
- Suitable for electric and non-electric wax warmers
- Made of 100-percent natural essential oils
Cons
- May not smell as strong as some
Get the Farm Raised Candles wax melts on Amazon and at Walmart.
Best Sweet
Shortie's Candle Company Vanilla Bean Wax Melts
Vanilla is a classic fragrance with universal appeal, and this three pack from Shortie’s Candle Company contains three different vanilla-based scents. Vanilla Bean harkens to the jungles of South America, while cinnamon vanilla is infused with essential oils and cinnamon along with French vanilla. Vanilla maple evokes a bouquet of vanilla blended with maple sugar.
These highly scented wax melts contain no chemicals or toxins, and they’re made with natural essential oils. However, they contain food-grade paraffin, an ingredient that contributes to the strong scent throw. Each of the three packs in this set contains six wax melt cubes for a total of 18 cubes. Each cube provides more than 5 hours of burn time.
Product Specs
- Type:Paraffin wax
- Amount: 3 ounces per pack
- Scent(s): Vanilla bean, cinnamon vanilla, and vanilla maple
Pros
- Three packs; 18 wax melt cubes
- No chemicals or toxins
- 5 hours of burn time per cube
Cons
- Scents may be very strong
Get the Shortie’s Candle Company wax melts on Amazon and at Walmart.
Best With Essential Oils
Eu0026E Company All Natural Soy Wax Melts
The all-natural soy wax in these wax melts by E&E Company melts cleanly to infuse the air with fragrances from chemical-free, phthalate-free infused essential oils. Made from American farm-grown soybeans, the wax contains zero paraffin, coloring, chemicals, or dyes. They pose no risk to adults, children, or pets.
This three pack contains six wax melt cubes in two scents. Eucalyptus mint, a blend of eucalyptus, spearmint, and jasmine, creates a refreshing cooling scent. Lavender fields emits a soothing scent derived from a blend of lavender, rosemary, and eucalyptus oils.
Product Specs
- Type: Soy wax
- Amount: 3 ounces per pack
- Scent(s): Eucalyptus mint and lavender fields
Pros
- All-natural formula; no paraffin, coloring, chemicals, dyes
- Two scents included
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Some users report limited smell and melting
- Limited quantity (6 wax melts in total)
Get the E&E Company wax melts on Amazon.
Best Long Lasting
Happy Wax Floral Mix Soy Wax Melts
The small, bear-shaped wax melts in these 8-ounce bags from Happy Wax are made from all-natural soy wax with fragrances infused from phthalate-free essential oils. They are nontoxic and long-lasting, providing more than 180 hours of burn time.
The half-pound bag contains melts shaped like tiny bears and attractively colored in white, green, and yellow. However, these wax melts may be irresistible to babies and small children. Although the all-natural soy wax is nontoxic, keep these wax melts away from curious little hands.
Product Specs
- Type: Soy wax
- Amount: 2 ounces per bag
- Scent(s): Honeysuckle yuzu, magnolia eucalyptus, and jasmine bergamot
Pros
- Bear-shaped melts
- Ample quantity
- Phthalate-free; nontoxic formula
Cons
- Pricey
- Should be kept away from children
Get the Happy Wax wax melts on Amazon.
Our Verdict
For a fresh, lingering aroma in your home, Farm Raised Candles wax melts are made with natural soy wax, come with five packs and flavors, and are vegan and organic. For a budget-friendly option, YIHANG wax melts are made with soy wax and come in eight different packs and scents in bright colors.
How We Chose the Best Wax Melts
We researched the most sought-after wax melts in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their type, quantity, scent options, compatibility with multiple warmers, and other special features.
While searching for the most popular wax cubes, paraffin and soy wax options were among the most popular for their ease of use and strong scents. Many of our featured wax melts come in multiple fragrances and packs. Moreover, some options can burn for over 180 hours.
To limit the amount of chemicals in your home, the selected melts contain 100-percent natural essential oils. These melts work with electric, non-electric, and light-bulb warmers. They can eliminate odors in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living spaces.
The Advantages of Owning Wax Melts
Both scented candles and wax melts introduce pleasant fragrances into the air. For safety, wax melts have advantages over scented candles.
Whereas candles have open flames and should never be left unattended, many wax warmers operate on electricity for a safer alternative. Non-electric wax warmers require tea lights for heat, but these tiny candles are contained in fireproof tin cups in partially enclosed areas of the heat-proof wax warmers. Even non-electric wax warmers offer greater peace of mind than scented candles when considering fire safety.
The sensation of scent, fragrance, or odor is perceived through stimuli on the olfactory system. Research indicates that these stimuli are processed in the brain according to emotional content, which explains why scents have both positive and negative emotional associations. Pleasant scents may elicit calmness, relaxation, well-being, fond memories, and other positive emotions.
For this reason, wax melts provide additional advantages for individuals who want to enhance ambiance and create a fragrant indoor environment. Depending on the scent associated with a positive emotional response, wax melts may elicit a variety of pleasant feelings. They can:
- Eliminate unwanted odors from cooking, pets, and other sources
- Promote relaxation
- Create a clean, fresh environment
- Elicit positive memories and pleasant associations
FAQs
For those getting started with wax melts or looking for new, different fragrances to add to an existing collection, the choices may seem endless. Collecting a variety of scented wax melts offers opportunities for creating a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere in a home, office, or other indoor environment. When using new wax melts, the answers to the following questions may prove helpful.
Q: What are the differences between candles and wax melts?
Unlike candles, wax melts don’t have wicks. It loses shape as it melts into a puddle in the warmer bowl. They require an external heat source, either electric or non-electric.
Q: Which kind of wax is best for melts?
Soy wax is the most popular type of wax. All-natural, vegetable-based soy wax is nontoxic and safe to use around adults, children, and pets.
Q: Are wax melts safe for pets?
All-natural soy wax melts are nontoxic and safe for use around pets. However, don’t allow pets to chew or swallow soy wax melts.
Q: How do I use wax melts without a warmer?
Heat a small amount of water in a medium-size pot on the stove. Place a wax melt in a smaller pot, and insert it in the pot of heated water. This works almost like a double boiler, but the water doesn’t have to be heated to the boiling point.
Q: How long can I use wax melts?
Most high-quality wax melts emanate a scent for 8 to 12 hours, but they last longer if you turn off the wax warmer after 1 to 2 hours. The scent continues to pervade the environment for a few more hours.
Q: How can I dispose of wax melts?
When the wax is melted and hot, place cotton balls into the warmer to absorb the liquid wax; then, throw the cotton balls in the trash. Alternatively, place a cold wax warmer in the freezer for 10 to 20 minutes. The frozen, hardened wax should pop out of the warmer