Soy Wax Candles — What Is It and Why Should You Make Candles with It?

Soy wax candles has recently become very popular. What is the reason behind its growing popularity? Is it just effective marketing? Not at all! Soy wax candles are steadily replacing paraffin and beeswax candles on the market for a good reason. Today, we'll explain what soy wax is and why it's worth making candles with it.

What Is Soy Wax Candles?

An undeniable advantage of soy wax candles is that it is a completely natural product, derived from soybeans. It was discovered by Michael Richards in 1991, while he was looking for a cheaper alternative to beeswax. During his experiments, he discovered soy wax, which turned out to be not only a more affordable option but also more readily available.

How Is Soy Wax Candles Made?

The production of soy wax candles is relatively simple. First, the collected soybeans are thoroughly cleaned, shelled, and processed into flakes. Then, the oil is extracted from these flakes. It's also important to ensure that the product is fully ecological, which means it should come from verified sources with the appropriate certifications.

Types of Soy Wax

Soy wax for candles is divided into two types. Depending on the kind of candles you intend to create, you should choose the appropriate type. Here are your options:

  • Hard Wax: This type of soy wax hardens with a smooth surface and is very firm. It can easily be molded into different shapes, making it ideal for producing freestanding candles.

  • Soft Wax: On the other hand, soft soy wax is perfect for making candles in containers, whether glass or ceramic. It can also be successfully used to create massage candles.

 

Advantages of Soy Wax

One of the biggest advantages of soy wax is its natural origin and composition. As a result, it does not contain toxins and does not release them while burning. Soy candles are also environmentally friendly, and the containers can be easily reused.

Moreover, soy wax has a low melting point, making it perfect for use as a massage wax, reducing the risk of burns. That’s not all! Soy wax is very easy to remove from surfaces, so you don’t have to worry about stains.

The neutral scent and color of soy wax also make it an ideal base for adding the colors and fragrances you prefer, and it requires only a small amount of dye or fragrance oil.

Why Is Soy Wax Better Than Paraffin?

Wondering why soy wax is better than paraffin? First and foremost, paraffin is a petroleum byproduct. Its scent is strong and difficult to mask, even with a large amount of fragrance oils. Additionally, paraffin candles tend to smoke. Soy candles, on the other hand, are completely natural and biodegradable. Furthermore, the burning time of soy wax can be up to twice as long as that of paraffin! This means soy candles are not only natural but also more efficient!

Is Soy Wax Harmful?

As mentioned earlier, since soy wax is completely natural, it poses no threat to the candle maker, the user, or the environment! A soy candle is biodegradable and free from harmful substances. In contrast, burning a paraffin candle releases substances such as toluene (which can cause eye and skin irritation and, with prolonged exposure, even brain damage) and benzene (considered a carcinogen) into the atmosphere. Soy candles are free of these harmful compounds!

Is Soy Wax Edible?

Although soy wax, and thus soy candles, are safe for humans and fully biodegradable, they should not be consumed. Accidental ingestion of a small amount won't cause harm, but it's definitely not advisable to taste soy wax.

Why Does Soy Wax Crack?

There are several reasons why soy wax might crack, resulting in an uneven texture or unsightly bubbles in a candle after production. First, consider the quality of the soy wax—it should be 100% pure and natural. Another reason could be excessive aeration during the candle-making process. Heat the wax slowly and stir gently to avoid creating air bubbles.

The cracking of a candle may also be due to an inappropriate temperature in the room where the candle cools (cooling too quickly). Ensure that the room where you are making the candles is around 25°C (77°F).

When making candles, also ensure that no boiling water from the water bath accidentally gets into the heated wax. Even a small amount of water in the soy wax can cause the candle to crack once it sets.

Now you know what soy wax is and its advantages. So, all that's left is to wish you good luck in crafting your soy candles. Have fun!

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