Soy Wax

Many candle makers prefer to work with soy wax candles. Everyone has their candle wax preferences. Each wax has its distinct characteristics and advantages. I bye no means endorse one over the other simply because as a candle maker I think it is beneficial to work with each type of wax that is at our disposal. As you progress in your candle making experiences you will decide which type or types of wax are your favorites.

This series of articles on wax will continue to explain the various waxes used in candle making without preference for one over another.

Soy wax is made from soybean oil and can contain other ingredients. The soybean oil is separated from the soybean by mechanical pressing or extraction with a solvent. The resulting raw oil will then be further refined and bleached. It takes approximately 60 kg of soybeans to make 10 kg of soybean oil. The remaining soybean solids are used as feed for livestock. In order to make the soybean oil into a solid it goes through the process of hydrogenation.

The process for making soy wax is protected and each manufacturer has its own special procedures. But all manufacturers follow the main step of hydrogenation. Hydrogenation the process where the poly and monounsaturated oils are solidified to increase its viscosity. A reaction with hydrogen and the oil at a temperature of 140-225 deg C and a nickel catalyst. The mixture is stirred to dissolve the hydrogen and make the distribution uniform between the oil and the catalyst. This hydrogenation process creates saturated fats, meaning the double or poly bonds are converted to single bonds. These single bonds or monosaturated fats are not healthy for human consumption because they have trans-fats. But these are great for soy wax and soy wax candles.

The hydrogenation process produces a wax with a low melting point. But 100% soy wax may be good for container candles but not for pillars or tapers, additives such as paraffin or stearic acid must be added to produce a wax solid enough for votives or pillars.

Soy wax can absorb up to 10% fragrance oils and dyes are easily mixed into soy wax. If you have any doubts about your soy wax being less than 100% soy ask your supplier.