What Is Soy 10 Wax?

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Soy 10 wax is a natural vegetable wax made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It was developed in the 1990s as an alternative to paraffin wax and beeswax for candle making and other applications. Soy 10 wax gets its name from having a melting point around 125-135°F (10° above paraffin’s melting point). Natural soy wax is known for being a clean-burning, eco-friendly wax option.

The main uses and applications for soy 10 wax include candle making, soap making, lotions, balms, and as a coating or sealer. Soy 10 wax became popular in the early 2000s as a renewable and sustainable wax for candle making. It burns cooler than paraffin, doesn’t release petroleum soot, and can hold fragrances well. Soy 10 wax also works for creams, balms, and lotions since it has a smooth texture. Overall, soy 10 wax provides an alternative natural wax for many applications where paraffin was traditionally used.

How Soy 10 Wax is Made

Soy 10 wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. The main ingredients are soybean oil, citric acid, and antioxidants (Soy 10 Wax Instructions). To make soy 10 wax, soybean oil first goes through the process of hydrogenation, which converts the oil from a liquid to a solid by adding hydrogen. This makes the oil more stable with a higher melting point (Soy #10 Wax).

The hydrogenated soybean oil is then blended with citric acid and antioxidants. The citric acid helps reduce frosting on the wax surface. Antioxidants are added to help reduce scent throw loss over time. Finally, the mixture goes through quality control checks before being packaged and shipped out.

Compared to other vegetable waxes like palm and coconut, soy 10 wax contains no petroleum by-products. It’s made entirely from soybeans. Soy 10 wax also has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, making it easier to work with. The natural soy scent is milder in soy 10 wax compared to other vegetable waxes.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Soy 10 wax offers several benefits over paraffin wax for candle making and other uses. As a natural vegetable-based wax, soy 10 wax is biodegradable and made from renewable resources. Compared to petroleum-based paraffin, soy 10 wax is considered a more eco-friendly and sustainable option. It also has a lower melting point than paraffin, creating a smoother finish on candles. The natural scent of soy 10 wax is mild, making it ideal for candle fragrances. Soy 10 wax also creates a slower, cooler burn compared to paraffin.^[1]

However, soy 10 wax does have some limitations. It is not as hard or durable as paraffin wax, making it more prone to frosting or sweating in certain environments. Soy wax also has more issues with adhesion and binding with certain fragrance oils. Proper wick selection and preparation techniques can help maximize the performance of soy 10 wax. But in general, it may require more testing and adjustment compared to paraffin wax.

Overall, soy 10 wax provides environmental and performance benefits over paraffin, but may require extra care and testing for optimal results. Its natural, renewable properties make it a popular choice despite some limitations.

^[1] https://www.everythingdawn.com/blogs/news/34785665-the-pros-and-cons-of-soy-wax

Using Soy 10 Wax for Candles

Soy 10 wax is one of the most popular waxes for making candles. This natural wax has a low melting point between 115-125°F, which makes it easy to work with. Soy 10 candles have excellent burning properties and an even wax pool (https://hiveandhoneycandleco.com/products/accu-pure-soy10-wax-slab-form).

The best wicks to use with Soy 10 wax are eco-friendly paper or cotton core wicks. These provide a clean even burn. Popular wick sizes range from CD 5 for votives, up to CD 12 for large pillar candles (https://calcandlesupply.com/soy-10-wax-natural-soy-wax/).

Soy 10 performs well for both jar candles and pillars. For jars, Soy 10 adheres nicely to the sides with minimal frosting. It’s easy to get a smooth top finish. Pillar candles hold their shape well without excessive bending or bowing. Soy 10’s medium crystallization offers rigidity along with a glossy sheen.

Soy 10 Wax for Skin Care

Soy 10 wax, also commonly referred to as soybean oil, has become a popular ingredient in skin care products like lotions, balms, and soaps. This is because soy 10 wax provides many benefits for the skin.

One of the main benefits of soy 10 wax for skin is that it is rich in vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Additionally, vitamin E may help reduce signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.

Soy 10 wax is also highly moisturizing for the skin. It contains fatty acids that help replenish the skin’s natural lipids. This helps the skin retain moisture and prevents dryness. The emollient properties of soy 10 wax make it an excellent ingredient for hydrating lotions, creams, and balms.

Furthermore, soy 10 wax is gentle and unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts. This makes it a good option for inclusion in products designed for sensitive or acne-prone skin. The low comedogenic rating of soy 10 wax means it won’t trigger excessive oil production.

Overall, the nourishing fatty acids, antioxidant vitamin E, and lightweight feel of soy 10 wax make it a versatile choice for skin care formulations. Products like body butters, soothing salves, and moisturizing soaps can all benefit from inclusion of soy 10 wax.

Crafting with Soy 10 Wax

Soy 10 wax is popular for crafting wax melts, embeds, ornaments, and more. Because it has a smooth texture and evenly releases fragrance, Soy 10 wax is an excellent choice for wax melts. It can also hold scent well when used for embeds or ornaments in candles.

Some best practices when crafting with Soy 10 wax:

Heat the wax slowly to the manufacturer’s recommended temperature to avoid burning.
Stir the wax regularly as it melts to prevent hot spots.
Always use a thermometer – do not rely on timing alone.
Add fragrance or dye when the wax is fully melted at the proper temperature.
Avoid bubbles by pouring gently into molds.
Allow wax melts and ornaments to cure 24-48 hours before use.

By following these simple guidelines, crafters can create beautiful wax melts, embeds, ornaments, and more with Soy 10 wax. The smooth texture allows for intricately detailed designs.

Soy 10 Wax vs. Beeswax

Soy 10 wax and beeswax are two commonly used natural waxes for candle making and skincare products. There are some key differences between these waxes:

Cost: Soy 10 wax tends to be more affordable and accessible than beeswax. Beeswax needs to be harvested from beehives, making it a more labor-intensive process. Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil, a more widely available agricultural crop.

Availability: For the same reasons as cost, soy 10 wax is usually easier to source and available in larger quantities compared to beeswax. Beeswax production is limited by the number of beehives maintained. The Sojourn Company notes soy 10 wax is often easier to find.

Melting point: Soy 10 wax has a lower melting point than beeswax, around 125-135F compared to 144-147F for beeswax. This means soy candles typically burn longer and more evenly. However, beeswax can burn brighter.

Scent throw: Beeswax has a sweeter, honey-like natural scent that leads to a stronger scent throw in candles. Soy wax has a fainter scent on its own. Essential oils may diffuse more strongly in beeswax.

In summary, soy 10 wax is usually more affordable and accessible for production. But beeswax offers some advantages like a higher melting point and better scent diffusion. The choice often depends on specific usage and preferences.

Sustainability

Soy 10 wax is often praised for its sustainability compared to paraffin wax. Paraffin is a petroleum byproduct, while soy 10 wax is made from soybeans, a renewable resource. However, there are some considerations around the sustainability of soy 10 wax.

On the plus side, soy 10 wax has a smaller carbon footprint than paraffin since it comes from plants. The soybeans used are primarily grown in the United States, reducing transportation emissions. There are also no toxic chemicals released when burning soy candles compared to paraffin [1].

However, there are ethical concerns around some soybean farming practices, like deforestation and heavy pesticide use. Responsibly sourced soybeans are important. There are also debates around whether large-scale soybean farming takes away resources from food production [2].

Overall, soy 10 wax has a smaller environmental impact than paraffin, but sourcing and farming practices are important considerations. Looking for soy wax made from U.S., responsibly grown soybeans is best for sustainability.

Working with Soy 10 Wax

Learn some best practices for getting the most out of soy 10 wax:

Storage

Keep soy 10 wax in a cool, dark place like a cabinet or closet. Exposure to light and heat can cause the wax to lose its scent throw over time. Store wax in an airtight container to keep out moisture and contaminants.

Melting

Use a double boiler or makeshift double boiler to melt soy wax gently. Do not let the wax exceed 185°F ¹. Higher temperatures can burn the wax. Stir melted wax regularly to distribute heat evenly.

Mixing

Add fragrance oils at around 175°F. Mix for 10-15 seconds to incorporate ¹. Overmixing can cause the scent to fade more quickly. Colorants can be added just before pouring.

Pouring

For best results, pour soy 10 wax into containers at 150-165°F. Allow candles to cure 24-48 hours before burning. Trim wicks to 1⁄4 inch before lighting.

Cleanup

Clean equipment while wax is still warm using paper towels. Once cooled and hardened, soy wax can be more difficult to remove. Avoid washing equipment down the drain to prevent clogs.

Troubleshooting

Scent not strong enough? Try adding more fragrance oil. Wax too soft? Allow candle to cure longer before burning. Wax separation? Stir wax more frequently while melting. Follow tips above to prevent common soy candle issues.

The Future of Soy 10 Wax

The soy wax industry is poised for continued growth in the coming years. According to market research, the global soy wax market size is projected to reach $336 million by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 3.7% from 2023 to 2030 (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/soy-candle-wax-market-2023-2030-updated-research). Key factors driving this growth include rising demand from the personal care and cosmetics industry as well as increased use of soy wax for candles and other applications.

Several innovations are emerging that will expand the versatility and applications of soy wax. Researchers are developing methods to improve the scent throw of soy candles by enhancing soy wax’s ability to hold and disperse fragrances. Enzymatic modification techniques are being explored to alter the structure and performance of soy wax, creating new soy wax variants with specialized properties. Blending soy wax with other natural waxes is also gaining popularity to produce custom blends tailored to different needs.

Soy wax is also being increasingly used in skin care, lip balms, and other personal care products due to its moisturizing properties and safety profile. New products are utilizing soy wax in clear formulations, allowing for translucent gels, creams, and lotions. As more consumers seek natural ingredients, the use of soy wax in cosmetics and toiletries is expected to rise.

Overall, continued innovation focused on enhancing soy wax’s scent throw, texture, and moisturizing capabilities will drive future growth. The natural, renewable, and biodegradable properties of soy wax also align with consumer preference for eco-friendly products. Soy wax is positioned to grow in popularity across candles, cosmetics, and other industries seeking sustainable wax solutions.