If you’re curious to make your own candle, you’re probably wondering which is the best wax to choose. Many experienced candle makers are opting for organic, natural and eco-friendly options that are safe for use and the environment. One of those options is soy wax for candles.
It’s derived from soybeans and it’s a completely natural and pure wax. If you want to be sure that your candles aren’t a hazard to your lungs and home, then this is the right choice for you. If you’re a beginner and don’t know why to invest in such wax, here are several important things to keep in mind.
What’s Soy Wax?
Soy wax, derived from vegetable soybeans, is a natural, 100% pure wax. It’s made from soybeans, which are a major agricultural crop in many countries. After harvesting, the beans undergo a series of processes including cleaning, cracking, de-hulling, and rolling into flakes. From these flakes, soybean oil is extracted, while the remaining flakes are utilized as animal feed.
In contrast, paraffin wax, which is the most commonly used candle wax, is produced through a different method, resulting in a lower cost. The manufacturer obtains paraffin wax from the oil purification process of petroleum, coal, or oil shale. When the waxy substance is separated from crude oil, it becomes paraffin wax.
Is Soy Candle Wax the Right Choice for You?
As the demand for eco-friendly and natural ingredients continues to grow, soy wax for candles remains a popular choice among plant-based waxes. Soy candles are known for their excellent cold throw, long-lasting slow burn, and opaque white finish. They make impressive gifts for eco-conscious friends, housewarmings, and holidays.
When deciding on the best wax to use, it’s important to consider the properties of the wax. Different waxes are suitable for different types of candles, but soy wax flakes are a fantastic option for creating natural soy candles.
How to Make Your Soy Wax Candle
First, make sure to melt the soy candle wax by heating soy wax flakes in a pouring pitcher using a double boiler or hot plate. Then prepare your desired jars by wiping them with isopropyl alcohol and a clean paper towel. This ensures they are ready for wicking. Once your soy wax is fully melted, add half of your preferred dye block and stir it into the wax.
Be sure to check the wax temperature with a thermometer and when it reaches 85°C, add the 28 g bottle of your preferred fragrance oil. Stir gently for 2 minutes to fully incorporate the oil with the wax. When the wax cools to 57.2°C, carefully pour it into the prepared candle jars. Secure the wick with a wick bar. Allow the candles to cool to room temperature. Trim the wicks to 6 mm and place a warning label on the bottom of each candle.
Essential Oils – Yes or No?
You can use various essential oils to add fragrance to your candles. Nevertheless, certain essential oils are more suitable for wax melts or soap as their aroma may change when exposed to a flame. Be sure to choose essential oils and wax that match well.
Reasons to Choose Soy Wax
Completely Natural and Vegan
Soy wax is derived from soybeans, which grow easily in various regions. In contrast to traditional paraffin wax made from petroleum, coal, or oil shale, soy wax is 100% natural. Be sure to choose soy wax that has not been tested on animals.
Healthier Burning
Soy wax is a cleaner option as it does not release any toxins, carcinogens, or pollutants. This makes it less likely to cause allergies. Unlike non-renewable paraffin waxes that may contain harmful substances, natural soy wax is much safer for our bodies and the environment. Indulging in a candle made from soy wax is a much healthier choice.
Sustainable and Good to the Planet
Soy wax, derived from the fast-growing soybean plant, is renewable and sustainable, making it a much gentler option for the environment compared to animal and fossil-based products such as Parrafin.
Water Soluble and Biodegradable
Soy wax is naturally biodegradable and water soluble because soybeans are a vegetable. This characteristic allows for easier cleanup of accidental spills and ensures that the disposal of these products is environmentally safe.
Lasts Longer
Soy wax has a lower melting point compared to paraffin wax, resulting in cooler burning and a longer-lasting candle. With an extended candle life, you can savour delightful scents for an extended period of time.
Stronger Scent
A candle’s aroma is released into the atmosphere through the wax pool that envelops the wick. Because of the lower melting point of soy wax compared to paraffin, a larger pool typically forms around the wick, resulting in a more potent scent. However, the strength of the fragrance may differ depending on the type of soy wax and the production techniques employed by different manufacturers.
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