SOY WAX

What you need to know about soy wax:

Soy wax is a type of natural wax that is widely used in candle making. Soy wax is extracted from soybean oil, and is considered an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paraffin wax-based candles.

Soy wax has been widely used in recent years in homes, hotels, resorts, restaurants and shops for various purposes, most notably perfuming, relaxation and aromatherapy, in addition to the introduction of soy wax jars as a mainstay in decoration.

Soy wax is made from soy oil. After extracting soy oil from soy seeds through pressure or extraction, it is completely hydrogenated to reach a solid fatty substance, which is soy wax.

Soy wax is characterized by a yellowish-white color and a soft, brittle texture. Most types of soy wax are suitable for use in containers only because their melting point is low, around 49-50 degrees, and their texture is brittle and incoherent, breaking and melting quickly.

However, there are grades of soy wax prepared for use in molds (such as C60 soy wax), but it is preferable to mix it with another wax to give it strength and bonding.

- Also, soy wax is suitable for combining with perfumes because of its low odor and carrying a high percentage of essential oils. For this reason, soy wax is also widely used in aromatherapy candles, relaxation candles, and massage candles.

The burning of soy wax is relatively clean and does not produce smoke if it is treated properly and the appropriate wicks and oils are chosen.

In general, soy wax is environmentally friendly because it is produced from a renewable resource and free of waste.

This does not negate the fact that burning soy wax may produce fumes like burning any other substance, and the products of combustion may cause some health damage.

Manufacture of candles from soy wax:

- Weigh an appropriate amount of soy wax to suit the container you wish to use.

- Use a jug or double pot (water bath) to melt the soy wax. If the soy wax is melted over a direct heat source, it must be stirred continuously so that the wax does not burn.

- When the wax melts and reaches a suitable temperature (use a thermometer), add the color and make sure it is mixed well.

The last step is to add the essential oil (it may reach 15% or more), but the usual average amount is 10% essential oil by the weight of the candle, with continuous stirring until completely mixed.

- Finally, pour the wax into the container after installing the wick, and leave it until it dries completely (freezes).

It is always recommended to delay using the candle for up to two weeks until we are sure of complete cohesion and integration of the essential oil to produce the best result.

comments :

1- Any change in the composition of the candle may affect its burning and the appearance of the smell, so do a test before adopting any composition.

2- Increasing the amount of oil is not necessarily a reason for the strong smell when burned.

3- The stronger the smell of the essential oil, the quantity can be reduced until it becomes suitable for use, but any ratio must be tested before adopting it.

4- Most essential oils (natural essential oils) are suitable for combining with soy wax, but some oils have a low flash point and are flammable, such as citrus fruits, so care must be taken when using them.