What Is in a Soy Wax Candle?

Soy wax is soft, and must be burned in a container.

Soy wax candles have increased in popularity as people have become concerned about the possible health and environmental hazards of burning petroleum-based wax candles. Soy candles may contain only wax made from soybean oil, or may have several other ingredients added.

Soy Wax

Soy candles are made from soybean oil, which is hydrogenated after it is extracted from the beans. Candles made from 100 percent soy candle wax have a very low melting point. Because of soy wax's softness, it must be burned in a container.

Wax Additives

Paraffin, made from crude oil and stearic acid, which is prepared from animal fat, are sometimes added to soy wax so that it can be burned as a pillar rather than in a container. Companies may sell such a mixture as "blended wax."

Fragrances and Dyes

Fragrance oils are commonly added to give soy candles a pleasant odor. Soy candle makers can color the wax by using dyes in either flake or liquid form. A powdered UV or ultraviolet stabilizer can also be added to help retain a candle's color.

References

• Soya: Soy Candles - Soy Wax Production
• Mill Creek Soy Wax Candle Supply: Candle Dyes - Flakes and Liquid Dyes