What Candles Are Soy Based?

What Are Soy Candles?

Soy candles are candles made from soy wax, which is a processed form of soybean oil. Soy wax is made by hydrogenating soybean oil to convert it into a solid wax substance. According to CandleScience, soy wax contains no petroleum, is biodegradable, and made from a renewable resource. Soy candles burn slower and cooler compared to paraffin wax candles.

The process for making soy candles starts with hydrogenating soybean oil, adding various additives, and then cooling it into solid flakes or pellets. The soy wax is then melted and fragrances and dyes are added as desired. Wicks are inserted into jars or other containers and the melted wax is poured around the wick. Once cooled and solidified, the finished soy candles are ready for use.

Compared to paraffin wax, soy wax is denser, so soy candles tend to burn slower and need less frequent trimming of the wick. The natural texture of soy wax also allows for better fragrance throw. Soy candles are often touted as a more natural and environmentally friendly option compared to petroleum-based paraffin wax candles.

Benefits of Soy Candles

Soy candles offer several benefits compared to candles made from paraffin wax. One major benefit is a softer, more pleasant scent throw. Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin, which allows fragrance oils to be released more easily into the air when the candle is burned (https://www.pureintegrity.com/blog/soy-wax-healthier-choice-candle-addiction.html). This results in subtler, more nuanced aromas from soy candles.

Soy wax is also more environmentally friendly than paraffin. Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct, while soy wax is made from soybeans, a renewable resource. Soybean farmers are able to make use of the soy oil left over from food production to create wax. Making candles from a waste product of food production is much more sustainable than using non-renewable petroleum (https://selfmadecandle.com/blogs/candles/benefits-of-soy-wax-candles-and-why-they-should-be-your-go-to-choice).

In addition to being renewable, soy wax burns cleaner than paraffin wax. Paraffin candles release more soot into the air, while soy candles have very little smoke and odor. The clean burn makes soy wax candles better for indoor air quality (https://www.waxpoeticcandlebar.com/blog/why-soy-wax).

Finally, soy wax is non-toxic, while paraffin can release small amounts of carcinogens when burned. Soy candles contain no toxins, pollutants or carcinogens. This makes them a healthier option for homes and enclosed spaces where air quality is important.

Types of Soy Wax

There are three main types of soy wax used in candle making: natural, hydrogenated, and blended.

Natural soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, typically between 110-160°F. Natural soy wax produces a soft body and light color in candles. It also allows for excellent fragrance retention and an even burn. Some popular natural soy wax brands include Golden Brands and Cargill NatureWax (according to Lone Star Candle Supply).

Hydrogenated soy wax has been more processed to raise its melting point, which leads to harder candles. The melting point for hydrogenated soy wax is generally 140-170°F. These waxes produce a smooth appearance and strong scent throw. Popular hydrogenated soy wax options are Golden Foods Soy Wax 464 and Ecosoya CB-Advanced (according to Armatage Candle Company).

Blended soy waxes contain a mix of natural, hydrogenated, and other waxes like paraffin or palm. They offer versatility in customizing melting point, texture, and performance. Blended soy waxes have a wide range of melting points from 120-185°F. Some examples are Golden Brands’ Soy/Paraffin Blend Candle Wax and CandleScience’s BW Eco wax.

The differences in melting points impact the burn time of soy candles. Natural soy wax with a lower melting point will burn faster than hydrogenated or blended soy waxes. However, wax type is just one factor in burn time. Proper wicking and vessel choice also affect how quickly a soy wax candle will burn (according to CandleScience).

Overall, natural, hydrogenated, and blended soy waxes each have unique properties that allow candle makers to customize their creations. The type of soy wax impacts appearance, scent throw, burn quality, and more.

Soy Candle Fragrance Oils

Soy candles are often scented with fragrance oils to provide pleasing aromas when burned. There are two main types of fragrance oils used in soy candles: essential oils and synthetic fragrance oils.

Essential oils are derived from plants and capture the natural aroma of ingredients like fruits, flowers, herbs, and spices. Some popular essential oils used in soy candles include lavender, lemon, chamomile, peppermint, and eucalyptus. Essential oils are considered natural fragrance ingredients.

Synthetic fragrance oils are artificially created in a lab to mimic aromas. They allow candle makers to create complex fragrances like apple pie, mahogany, or clean cotton. Synthetic fragrance oils tend to be more affordable than essential oils. Some soy candle makers use a blend of essential oils and synthetic fragrance oils in their products.

Fragrance oils are composed of top, middle, and base notes that determine how the scent unfolds when burned. Top notes provide the initial aroma, middle notes emerge next, and base notes linger the longest. Soy candle makers carefully craft fragrance oil blends to provide an appealing scent from start to finish.

When choosing a scented soy candle, the fragrance oil makes a major impact on the overall experience. Soy candle brands use high quality, expertly blended oils to create signature scents that set their products apart.

Best Soy Candle Brands

When choosing a soy candle, you’ll want to consider the reputation, variety, and price range of the brand. Some of the top soy candle companies known for their quality and scent selection include:

P.F. Candle Co. – This brand offers soy candles with creative fragrances like Beachy Aura and Birchwood Pine. P.F. Candle Co. is known for quality ingredients and excellent throw. Their candles range from $24-$36.

Homesick – Specializing in nostalgic and location-based scents, Homesick has a large variety of soy candles. Their collection includes scents like Grandma’s Kitchen and Maine Coastline. Prices are $34-$44.

Village Candle – With affordable prices from $10-$20, Village Candle has seasonal soy wax candles in scents like Lilac Blossom and Pumpkin Chai. They are a budget-friendly option.

Boy Smells – This trendy brand offers unique scent blends like Kush and St. Al, with prices around $32-$36. Boy Smells is praised for their sophisticated aromas.

Yankee Candle – As one of the most well-known candle brands, Yankee Candle offers an enormous selection of soy candle scents, from fruity to spicy options. Prices range from $15-$27.

These reputable brands offer quality soy candles at different price points and scent varieties. Consider the brand’s reputation and your budget when choosing the perfect soy candle.

Soy Candle Safety

When burning soy candles, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Here are some tips for safe soy candle use:

Always keep candles away from kids and pets. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from drafts and vents. Keep them away from flammable items like curtains, books, paper, etc. Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to avoid excess sooting and promote steady, even burning. Allow melted wax to harden before moving a candle. Burn candles in a well-ventilated room and never while sleeping. Extinguish candles when they get to within two inches of the bottom. Don’t burn a candle for more than 4 hours at a time.

According to the National Candle Association, approximately 80% of U.S. house fires start from problems with candles¹. Always practice candle safety, and supervise children and pets around burning candles.

Soy Candle Jar Styles

Soy candles come in a variety of jar shapes and sizes like tumblers, votives, pillars, and more. The most common jar material for soy candles is glass. Glass jars allow the candle fragrance to permeate through the container and provide a clean, elegant look. The glass also lets the candlelight shine through attractively. Popular glass jar styles for soy candles include:

– Mason Jars – These wide-mouthed preserving jars make rustic and cute candle holders.[1]
– Tumbler Jars – Short and stout tumbler jars nicely show off candle labels.
– Tall Cylinder Jars – For a modern high-rise look.
– Hexagon Jars – Six-sided jars offer a unique shape.

Tin containers are also common for soy candles. Tins efficiently conduct heat and allow full scent Throw. Their metal material gives an industrial feel. Votives are a type of small tin specifically for tealight candles.

Other natural materials like concrete, clay, and terracotta are trendy. Their organic unfinished look offers an earthy artisan feel.[2] When choosing a soy candle jar, consider the desired visual look, scent projection, and labeling space.

Making Soy Candles

Making soy candles at home is a fun and easy craft project. Here are the basic instructions for making soy candles using soy wax flakes:

Ingredients

To make a basic soy candle you will need:

• Soy wax flakes – Use 1 lb of soy wax flakes per standard 16 oz glass jar candle
• Fragrance oil – Use .5 to 1 oz of fragrance oil per 1 lb of soy wax
• Wick – Use recommended wick size for jar diameter
• Glass jars
• Double boiler or crock pot for melting wax

Steps

Here are the basic steps to make soy candles at home:

1. Prepare your jar – Add wick to empty glass jar using wick stickers or hot glue
2. Melt wax – Add soy wax flakes to double boiler or crock pot, heat slowly until melted
3. Add fragrance – Once wax is melted between 180-200F, add .5 to 1 oz fragrance oil per 1 lb wax
4. Stir and test – Stir to blend, test for scent throw
5. Carefully pour – Carefully pour wax into prepared jars around wick
6. Straighten wicks – Straighten wicks before wax fully sets
7. Cool completely – Allow candles to fully cool before moving or burning

Always use proper safety precautions when working with hot wax. Follow manufacturer guidelines for wick sizing, wax temperatures and fragrance loads. Allow soy candles to cure for 1-2 weeks before burning to maximize scent throw and burn time.

For complete instructions see: How to Make a Soy Candle

Soy Candle Burn Time

Soy wax candles generally burn longer than paraffin candles. The exact burn time depends on the size of the candle. Here are some guidelines:

• 4 oz soy candle: 20+ hours
• 8 oz soy candle: 40+ hours
• 12 oz soy candle: 60+ hours

There are a few tips for extending the burn time of soy candles:

• Trim the wick to 1⁄4 inch before lighting to prevent excess sooting.
• Allow the wax pool to completely liquefy across the top before extinguishing.
• Avoid drafts which can cause the candle to burn unevenly.
• Keep the candle away from other heat sources which can cause it to burn faster.
• Store the candle properly when not in use. Tightly cover to retain fragrance.

With proper care, soy candles can provide 30-50% longer burn times than paraffin. The natural soy wax holds fragrance extremely well over the life of the candle too.

Storing Soy Candles

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the scent and performance of soy candles. The ideal storage temperature for soy candles is below 80°F, in a cool, dry area with consistent temperature and humidity. Storing soy candles in excessive heat can cause the wax to soften and lose its shape. For long-term storage, aim to keep soy candles in an area around 60-75°F.¹

Avoid storing soy candles in areas that experience large temperature fluctuations, such as near heating vents, stoves, or in a garage. Consistency is key. Direct sunlight and humidity should also be avoided, as these factors can cause soy candles to sweat and lose scent. Store soy candles away from anything that emits a strong odor, as they can absorb smells. For added scent preservation, storing soy candle jars with the lids tightly closed is recommended.

Proper soy candle storage will help maintain an even burn and wax pool when lit. With the right storage conditions, the quality, aroma, and performance of soy candles can be maintained for up to two years.² Following these simple soy candle storage guidelines will extend the life of your candles.