Soy Candles are candles created from soy wax, a processed form of soybean oil. Soy Candles are generally container candles. This is because soy wax has a lower melting point temperature when compared to traditional waxes. Soy wax was invented in 1992 by Michael Richards who was on the lookout for an economic and viable alternative to beeswax.
Soy wax is a partly hydrogenated form of soybean oil. It is softer than paraffin wax and with a lower melting temperature. Soy wax is usually available in flake and pellet form and is off-white and opaque in appearance. Certain Soy Candles are created from a combination of different waxes including beeswax, paraffin, or palm wax. Candle making additives which are sometimes used in the manufacture of Soy Candles include: Stearic acid, Vybar, Mineral oil, Petrolatum, Luster crystals, Dye/Pigment, Natural or Artificial fragrance, Synthetic wax, Ultraviolet absorbers, and bht crystals.
Advantages of soy candles
Soy Candles are cheaper and economical - Soy wax is a new substitute for paraffin wax and is highly cost effective. Soy wax is also manufactured from a renewable source.
Soy wax is completely natural - Soy wax is very much favoured by environmentalists as it is not manufactured from petroleum, like paraffin candles. Burning of soy candles does not enhance the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.
Soy Candles can last longer Soy Candles can last 50% longer when compared to paraffin candles.
It is very easy to clean wax spills It is extremely difficult to remove paraffin wax from furniture or textiles. However, Soy wax spills can be easily cleaned with hot soapy water.
Soy Candles generate less soot - Soy Candles generate about 90% less soot when compared to paraffin candles.
Scented Soy Candles disperse more scent/flavour - Soybean oil significantly lowers the melting point of the candle. This helps in creating cooler burning candles and faster dispersion of scent. As a result of the lower melting point of soy wax, a large liquid wax pool is formed around the candle wick. The essential oils evaporate into the atmosphere from this liquid wax pool.
