⭐ What Is the Difference Between CD and CDN Wicks?
(Also known as Stabilo or KST Wicks)
We’re often asked what the difference is between our CD and CDN wicks. They look almost identical — so is there really a need for two versions of the “same” wick?
Short answer: Yes. Absolutely.
And the reason has everything to do with chemistry.
Let’s break it down.
⭐ CD vs. CDN Wicks: The Quick Explanation
CD and CDN wicks are both part of the Stabilo/KST wick family, originally developed in Germany. They are the same physical size at each number (CD 18 = CDN 18), but they behave differently because they are finished in different chemical treatments.
- CD wicks → finished for neutral/basic wax systems (like paraffin)
- CDN wicks → finished for acidic wax systems (like some soys, and stearic‑rich blends)
This finishing solution affects how the wick burns, how it curls, and how it handles acidic components in natural waxes and fragrance oils.
⭐ A Little History: Why CDN Wicks Were Invented
Originally, CD wicks were designed for the paraffin‑heavy candle market of the 1980s–1990s. Paraffin is chemically neutral, so the wick finishing solution was also neutral.
Around the early 2000s, the industry shifted toward:
- soy
- coconut
- palm
- stearic‑acid‑rich blends
Some of these waxes are acidic, and acidic wax can break down a wick that was designed for neutral wax.
So CDN wicks were created with a different finishing solution that helps stabilize the wick in acidic environments.
⭐ What Happens If You Use the Wrong Wick?
Using a CD wick in an acidic wax (some soy, stearic blends):
- the wick can weaken or disintegrate
- it may stop wicking fuel to the flame
- it may break off when relit
- it may struggle and produce more soot
- it may under perform or self‑extinguish
Using a CDN wick in a basic/neutral wax (paraffin):
- the wick may burn too efficiently
- it may burn hotter than intended
- it may over‑melt the wax
- it may produce a larger flame
This is why both versions exist — they’re optimized for different chemical environments.
⭐ Performance Differences You May Notice
Even though CD and CDN wicks are the same size, they can behave very differently.
Example from your own testing:
- CD 18 → burns to ~3" in Midwest Classic soy with Vanilla Voodoo
-
CDN 18 → burns to ~4" in Midwest Classic soy with Vanilla Voodoo
Why?
Because CDN wicks are chemically stabilized for acidic waxes, so they burn more efficiently in soy.
But the opposite can be true in paraffin — CD may outperform CDN.
⭐ Why Fragrance Oils Change Everything
Some natural waxes are only slightly acidic.
Add an acidic fragrance oil on top of that, and suddenly the wick is overwhelmed.
This is why:
- some scents burn beautifully with CD
- others need CDN
- and some need a completely different wick family altogether because there are other factors, not just acid or base.
There is no universal rule — which is why our FO‑specific wick chart is such a powerful resource.
⭐ Our Testing Process
We test every fragrance oil we carry in:
- Golden Wax 464 (soy)
- BW917 (coconut blend)
This is the only reliable way to know which wick works with which scent in which wax.
👉Candle Cocoon Fragrance Oil Wick Chart
⭐ Final Thoughts
CD and CDN wicks may look identical, but their finishing chemistry makes them behave very differently in real candles. CD wicks were designed for neutral waxes like paraffin, while CDN wicks were created to handle the acidic nature of natural waxes and certain fragrance oils.
Because every wax and fragrance behaves differently, the only way to know for sure is to test — which is exactly why we’ve done the testing for you.
Happy Candle Making!
— Lyschel