GarthAlgar

That's funny! There are so many suppliers and so many GREAT suppliers around that it can be hard to keep track of. They did change their fragrances, but they argue that they're better quality and better for you. I think that's why hoards of new makers shop there. Because CS is reasonably priced and they're a little more transparent about their ingredients than literally every other supplier. I suppose that all depends on what you're into. I don't care for most sweet scents, unless they're blended in very small percentages. I generally like earthy, woodsy, and unisex fragrances so FO's like Oakmoss and Amber and Caribbean Teakwood are top notch in CT and HT. Though, I only personally burn those at home because they're heavily saturated in the market. It's actually annoying how many makers I see selling those scents. If I wanted to sell them, I would blend them to at least make a little unique. But I digress.

I would argue that Candle Science has one of the best and modern websites of your list. Though I only go there for very specific items because they are always out of stock (Especially in the last year). I think a lot of how-to blogs and youtube videos recommend CS as the go to supplier for everything.

Yes, though it's a lot more complicated than simply clicking and purchasing like you would on Amazon or any other American supplier. Generally, Chinese factories want to know that you're serious, that you'll be purchasing more than once, and that you'll be purchasing more than the MOQ. That last bit is just my suggestion. Ultimately, you want to show them that you're a serious buyer and looking for a long-term business relationship. There are guides and books regarding the trustworthiness of factories and what to look for which I cannot answer to. One last (important) thing. You should expect to pay additional 20-50% of your total on shipping, customs, broker, tax, and filing fees. So generally, bigger orders are better.

I agree with all of your points except beeswax. It may add some hardening capabilities to softer waxes like coconut, but there is absolutely zero science/evidence behind the "air ionization" of beeswax. Same goes with salt lamps. Their both beautiful products on their own, and shouldn't need magical thinking to make a sale. Edit: I'm a silly goose and didn't realize this post was from 2014...

If they can get away with saying it, then I should be able to get away with saying that paraffin is organic. After all, it is carbon based and requires zero pesticides...

Phew! If this posted on Reddit candle making, it would probably be serious.

I hope this is sarcastic...

There’s a beeswax pillar company that uses some sort of heated surface that also spins, and that’s how they get their surfaces leveled. I don’t know if they’ve modified a turntable or a griddle, but I think about it often.

Hope that was a typo ;]

Thank you! Good to know!

I know what food-grade paraffin is. I only ask what its purpose is in candle wax. Does that make for a better wax, or does using food-grade paraffin in a candle make it seem more appealing to the consumer? Is there a difference in burn rate or hot throw between "food-grade paraffin" and regular paraffin? How many types of candle paraffin is there? These are the questions I am asking. But I am very aware that food grade paraffin exists lol.

Has anyone tried this parasoy from Wellington? The description has the basic spiel about high fragrance load and color retention, etc. However, I thought it was interesting they said Well-Pour contains "food-grade paraffin". Is that a thing, or could that be a marketing ploy? Also, $69.95 for a 55-lb carton is a pretty good deal, assuming shipping isn't the same price.

Oh good point! I’ll shoot an email and ask.

No kidding, I loved Brambleberry's Spiced Amber Ale! Since I buy so many FO's from so many suppliers, I wonder if it would be worth it to go out to AFI and have them duplicate all of my already custom blends 🧐 . Being able to purchase in heavy quantities from a single supplier vs a dozen would do wonders on shipping costs.

If I knew who the manufacturers were, I would. It drives me crazy that some supplier (I'm looking at you Rustic Essentuals) don't sell their FO in quantities higher than 16 oz.