Soy Wax Candle Making Reviews
Soy wax candles first emerged in the 1990s as a natural alternative to paraffin wax candles. Pioneer Michael Richards founded the Aloha Bay candle company in 1998 and introduced an innovative soy wax blend for candle making (source). Since then, soy wax has become a popular choice for candle makers and enthusiasts.
Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It is appealing for candle making because it is natural, renewable, and biodegradable. Soy wax also has a lower melting point than paraffin, so it requires less heating. This makes soy wax candles safer with less risk of burns. Soy wax can hold scent and color well too.
Additionally, soy wax candles burn cleaner than paraffin candles, producing less soot. The natural texture of soy wax allows for customization by candle makers as well. Soy wax is available in different blends to achieve desired looks and burn properties. With its natural origins and versatility, it is no wonder soy wax has become a candle making staple.
Soy Wax Properties
Soy wax has become a popular alternative to paraffin wax for candle making because of its natural properties and customizable features. Soy wax is derived from soybean oil, making it a renewable and sustainable resource. Here are some key properties that make soy wax an excellent choice for candles:
Natural and Biodegradable – Since soy wax comes from plants, it is biodegradable and does not release harmful chemicals into the environment when burned. Paraffin wax is a petroleum byproduct that can release toxins when burned.
Customizable Melt Point – The melting point of soy wax can be adjusted based on the blend of waxes used. This allows the wax hardness and burn properties to be customized for the optimal candle performance.
Slow, Even Burn Time – Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin, so it melts slower when lit. This results in an even burn from top to bottom without tunneling.
Minimal Soot and Smoke – Soy wax produces less soot and smoke than paraffin candles, leaving less residue in your home. The slow burn helps prevent the wick from getting drowned.
Benefits of Soy Wax
Soy wax offers several advantages over paraffin wax candles. Most notably, soy wax has a cleaner burn. The soot produced by paraffin wax can dirty walls and ceilings over time. Soy wax produces almost no soot, keeping your home cleaner (https://www.pureintegrity.com/blog/soy-wax-healthier-choice-candle-addiction.html).
The natural properties of soy wax also make it highly customizable in terms of scent throw. The wax can hold high concentrations of fragrance oils to produce strong scented candles. Soy wax’s ability to anchor scents makes it easy to create candles with customizable aromas (https://selfmadecandle.com/blogs/candles/benefits-of-soy-wax-candles-and-why-they-should-be-your-go-to-choice).
Furthermore, soy wax is environmentally friendly. It is biodegradable and has a much lower carbon footprint compared to paraffin, which is a petroleum product. Soy wax comes from a renewable resource – soybeans. The soy wax itself and the process of making it is more sustainable than paraffin (https://thecandlestudio.com/blog/why-choose-a-soy-wax-candle-the-benefits-of-soy-wax).
Finally, soy wax supports agriculture in the United States. Most soybeans are grown domestically. Choosing soy wax candles keeps production local and helps American farmers.
Best Soy Wax for Candles
When making soy candles, choosing the right wax is crucial for achieving the desired melt point, texture, fragrance throw, and burn quality. There are several types of soy wax to consider:
Natural soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil with no additives. It’s a versatile, pure soy wax good for container candles. However, it can be prone to frosting and have a lower fragrance throw than blended waxes (Best Soy Wax for Candle Making).
Blended soy waxes mix natural soy with paraffin, palm, or other waxes to modify properties like scent throw and melting point. Golden Brands 464 is a popular blended soy that is easy to work with and has excellent fragrance retention (Best Soy Wax For Candle Making). However, blended waxes are not 100% soy.
For candles with maximum soy content and great performance, look for waxes marketed as “advanced” or “formulated” like Cargill NatureWax C-3. These offer versatility for many candle styles while retaining a high soy concentration (Incraftables Soy Candle Wax for Candle Making ).
Scenting and Fragrance Oils
Choosing the right fragrance oil is crucial for achieving the desired scent in soy candles. Generally, use 6-8% fragrance oil by weight in soy wax. Any more may cause issues like sooting. Soy wax’s natural scent binding properties allow fragrances to thrive compared to paraffin wax.
Synthetic fragrance oils typically offer better scent throw than essential oils. However, some people prefer natural essential oils. Top fragrances for soy candles include fruity, bakery, and clean scents like apple cinnamon, vanilla, lavender, etc. Stay away from heavy fragrances like patchouli.
Reputable fragrance oil suppliers like CandleScience, Brambleberry, and Nature’s Garden have a wide selection of scents formulated for candles. Consider getting sample packs to test different fragrances before buying in bulk.
Colorants and Dyes
Adding colorants and dyes is an important part of making soy wax candles. There are a few different types of candle dyes available:
- Liquid dyes – These come in small bottles and can be mixed into the wax while melting. Liquid dyes provide vibrant colors but can bleed or morph in some wax blends.
- Dye blocks – These condensed dye chips need to be shaved or grated before mixing into wax. Block dyes produce bold, opaque colors with less bleeding.
- Dye chips – These small chips melt easily into wax. They create translucent colors and are easy to measure by weight.
Usage rates vary by dye type and desired color intensity. On average, use 0.5-1% of dye by wax weight. Liquid dyes only require a few drops per pound of wax. More dye leads to darker colors but can increase bleeding or mottling. Start with less dye and increase as needed. Too much dye may seize or thicken the wax.
Liquid dyes blend easily but can create amorphous colors or bleeding. Block dyes make consistent, strong colors but require more prep. Dye chips are convenient but have less color variety. Test different dyes and amounts to find what works best for your soy wax blend and desired look.
Wicks
The wick is a crucial component of soy candles that impacts the quality of the burn. Choosing the right wick type and size for your soy wax and vessel is important.
Common wick materials for soy candles include:
- Cotton – The most popular option provides a bright flame but can create more soot.
- Wooden – Creates less soot but may crackle and spark more.
- Paper cored – Good for larger candles, as the paper burns away leaving an open core.
- Metal cored – Allows lots of wax to melt quickly, good for large candles.
To determine the best wick size, test candles in the vessel using different wick diameters. Monitor for issues like tunneling, poor scent throw, excessive sooting or mushrooming of the wick tip. Adjusting the wick size can optimize the melt pool and flame height. Generally, larger candles need wider wicks. But testing is key, as wax type, fragrance load, and vessel shape also impact performance.
Useful resources for guidance when testing wick sizes include https://www.lonestarcandle.com/wick-guide and https://www.candlescience.com/learning/wick-guide/.
Additives
Soy wax is already naturally hard and has a high melting point, which makes it ideal for candles. However, additives like vybar and stearic acid can enhance the qualities of soy wax even more.
Vybar is a proprietary polymer additive that increases the melting point of soy wax, allowing the finished candle to retain its shape and burn slower. It also makes the wax more rigid so the candle has less issues with scented oils causing discoloration or frosting.
Stearic acid is a natural saturated fatty acid derived from vegetable oils that hardens the wax. Adding just a small amount of stearic acid to soy wax can enhance the finish of the candle surface for a smoother look and shine.
Together, vybar and stearic acid make soy wax harder, allow for slower burning, and provide a glossy appearance without decreasing the natural benefits of soy wax. They are commonly used additives that enhance soy candle making.
Making Soy Wax Candles
Making soy wax candles is a straightforward process with just a few simple steps. Here is a step-by-step guide to making soy candles at home:
- Gather your supplies – you’ll need soy wax flakes, fragrance or essential oils, dye blocks, candle wicks, jars, and a double boiler or crock pot.
- Prepare your jars – clean them thoroughly and affix wick stickers to the bottom if using. Allow jars to fully dry.
- Melt the wax – Add soy wax flakes to your double boiler or crock pot and melt on low heat until fully liquid. The temperature should be 140°F to 160°F.
- Add fragrance and dye – Once the wax is melted, remove from heat. Add in your fragrance or essential oils and stir. Add dye blocks if desired and stir again.
- Pour into jars – Carefully pour the melted wax into each jar, leaving about 1/4″ at the top. Center the wicks as you pour.
- Allow to fully harden – Let candles sit for 24-48 hours until completely hardened.
- Trim wicks – Using wick trimmers, trim wick to 1/4″ before lighting.
Here are some tips and tricks for making great soy candles:
- Always use an accurate thermometer when melting wax so the temperature doesn’t get too hot.
- Stir the wax frequently as it melts to prevent burning.
- Make sure your candle wicks are centered to avoid tunneling.
- Add fragrance oils at 185°F or lower to retain scent. 1 oz oil per pound of wax is a good ratio.
- Cool candles completely before moving or handling to prevent cracks.
Troubleshooting soy candle issues:
- Wick smoking or sooting – Trim wick or use a larger wick.
- Wax not adhering to sides – Warm jar before pouring.
- Air bubbles – Tap jar sharply on counter to release bubbles.
- Frosting – Lower pour temperature to 135°F – 140°F.
Soy Candle Reviews
When exploring the world of soy candles, reading reviews of popular brands and products can help narrow down the best options. High-quality soy candles burn cleanly and evenly, have enticing scents, and come from reputable companies known for their craftsmanship.
Some top-rated soy candle brands include Yankee Candle, P.F. Candle Co., Villagio Candle, and Vermont Country Store. These companies use high-quality waxes, creative and luxurious scents, and attractive packaging. Reviews praise their long burn times, vibrant colors, and intoxicating scents. Customers consistently describe them as having excellent throw and lasting far longer than the average paraffin candle.
When reviewing soy candles, the first thing to look for is the soy wax quality. Pure soy wax has no paraffin blended in and comes from American-grown soybeans. The wax should have a smooth, creamy appearance. High-quality wicks are also key, as they promote an even burn and minimize soot. The fragrance should be strong but not overpowering. Attractive labeling and packaging also signal a well-made candle.
Checking reviews allows you to get unbiased opinions from real customers. Look for common themes praising the scent variety, burn time, and lack of smoke. Multiple disappointed reviews about poor throw, crumbling wax, or quality control problems help identify brands to avoid. With so many options, reading soy candle reviews helps narrow down the very best choices.
