Types of Candle Wicks: Choosing the Right Wick for the Perfect Burn

When most people think about candles, the focus is usually on fragrance and wax. But the wick is the heart of the candle, and it has a huge impact on how your candle burns. The type of wick affects flame size, burn time, scent throw, and even safety. Let’s explore the most common candle wicks, their pros and cons, and how they shape the candle-burning experience.

Cotton Wicks: Clean and Classic

Cotton wicks are the most widely used option in both handmade and store-bought candles. They’re made of braided or twisted cotton fibers and are often coated in wax for stability.

Cotton wick benefits:

• Even, consistent burn

• Minimal mushrooming (carbon buildup)

• Great for soy candles and everyday use

Best for clean-burning candles and those who want a reliable, non-toxic wick.

Wooden Wicks: Cozy and Crackling

Wooden wicks are a newer, stylish alternative. They provide a soft crackling sound that mimics a fireplace and create a wide, low flame. Wooden wicks can be single-ply, multi-layered, or even shaped like tubes for different effects.

Wooden wick highlights:

• Unique crackling sound

• Wide flame for strong scent throw

• Modern, luxurious appearance

Best for creating ambiance and an elevated candle experience.

Hemp Wicks: Natural and Sustainable

Hemp wicks are made from braided hemp fibers, sometimes coated with beeswax. They burn hotter than cotton and are popular among eco-conscious candle makers.

Hemp wick advantages:

• Renewable and biodegradable

• Hotter flame for stronger fragrance release

• Works well in natural waxes like soy and beeswax

Best for sustainable candles with a slightly stronger burn.

Zinc-Core Wicks: Strong and Reliable

Zinc-core wicks are cotton wicks with a zinc wire inside for rigidity. They stand upright in the melted wax, making them especially useful in container candles.

Zinc-core wick pros:

• Stable and easy to use

• Great for paraffin or heavily fragranced candles

• Even burn with less tunneling

Best for candles that need extra stability or have high fragrance loads.

Paper-Core Wicks: Bright and Steady

Similar to zinc-core wicks, paper-core wicks have a paper filament inside. They burn hotter and brighter, often used in votives and container candles.

Paper-core wick benefits:

• Bright flame with strong scent throw

• Works well in paraffin candles

• Affordable and easy to source

Best for candles where scent throw is the priority.

Which Wick Is Best?

The right wick depends on your wax, fragrance, and desired burn experience. Cotton wicks are clean and classic, wooden wicks add ambiance, and hemp wicks are great for sustainability. Core wicks like zinc or paper are excellent for paraffin or heavily fragranced candles.

At the end of the day, the perfect wick is the one that balances clean burning, safe flames, and the cozy vibe you want in your home. That’s why we carefully select cotton wicks for our soy candles—giving you an even, non-toxic burn every time.