Soy wax has recently become very popular. What is the secret behind its success? Or is it just clever marketing? Neither! Soy wax has effectively pushed paraffin and beeswax off the market for a reason. Today, we’ll explain what soy wax actually is and why it’s worth making candles from it.
What Is Soy Wax?
One undeniable advantage of soy wax is that it is a fully natural product. It is obtained from soybeans. Its discovery is credited to Michael Richards, who in 1991 was looking for a cheaper alternative to beeswax. During his experiments, he discovered soy wax. It quickly turned out to be not only more affordable but also widely accessible.
How Is Soy Wax Made?
The production of soy wax is relatively simple. The collected beans are thoroughly cleaned, hulled, and processed into flakes. Oil is then extracted from these flakes. To ensure the product is fully eco-friendly, it should come from certified and verified farms.
Types of Soy Wax
Soy wax for candles is divided into two types. Depending on the kind of candle you want to make, you should choose the appropriate form. Available options include:
Hard Wax
This type of soy wax has a smooth surface and high hardness once set. It is easy to shape and is ideal for making freestanding candles.
Soft Wax
Soft soy wax works perfectly for container candles, whether in glass or ceramic. It can also be used for making massage candles.
Benefits of Soy Wax
One of the biggest advantages of soy wax is its natural origin and composition. It contains no toxins and does not release harmful substances when burned. Soy candles are environmentally friendly, and their containers can be reused.
Soy wax has a low melting point, making it ideal for massage candles as it reduces the risk of burns. Additionally, soy wax is easy to clean from surfaces, so you don’t need to worry about stains.
Its neutral scent and color also make it a perfect base for adding dyes and fragrances of your choice, without needing large amounts of either.
Why Is Soy Wax Better Than Paraffin?
Why is soy wax better than paraffin? Paraffin is a petroleum derivative with a strong odor that is hard to mask even with fragrance oils. Paraffin candles also produce soot. Soy candles, on the other hand, are fully natural and biodegradable. Moreover, soy wax can burn up to twice as long as its paraffin equivalent, making soy candles not only natural but also more efficient!
Is Soy Wax Harmful?
As mentioned, soy wax is completely natural and poses no threat to the candle maker, users, or the environment. Soy candles are biodegradable and free from harmful substances. Paraffin candles, by contrast, release compounds such as toluene (which can irritate skin and eyes and, with long exposure, may affect the brain) and benzene (a known carcinogen). Soy candles are free from these hazards.
Is Soy Wax Edible?
Although soy wax is safe for humans and fully biodegradable, it is not meant for consumption. Accidental ingestion in small amounts is harmless, but we strongly advise against tasting soy wax.
Why Does Soy Wax Crack?
Cracks, uneven surfaces, or bubbles in soy candles can be caused by several factors. First, ensure the soy wax is 100% pure and natural. Another cause can be excessive air incorporation while mixing the wax. Heat the wax slowly and stir gently to avoid bubbles.
Rapid cooling in the room where the candle sets can also cause cracks. Maintain a temperature of around 25°C when making your candles.
Finally, ensure that no boiling water from the double boiler gets into the wax. Even a small amount of water can cause the finished candle to crack.
Now that you know what soy wax is and its benefits, all that’s left is to wish you success in creating your own handmade soy candles. Have fun!