If you want an environmentally friendly and vegan way to make candles, try making them out of soy wax. For many people, soy wax is a healthy and versatile material to create with and burn. They are especially great for container candles. Here are some reasons to choose soy over paraffin and some ideas on using it for candle making.

What Is Soy Wax?

Soy wax is derived from soybean oil. The beans are harvested, hulled, and rolled into flakes. The oil is extracted from the flakes and hydrogenated. This process causes the fats in the oil to saturate and changes the melting point. The oil is solid at room temperature and behaves similar to other waxes when melted.

What Are the Benefits of Soy Wax?

Because soybeans make soy wax, it is natural, non-toxic and renewable. Paraffin comes from petroleum and has some health risks. Beeswax relies on bees and is not vegan. Soy wax also burns cleaner and slower than paraffin. Many people say they get headaches and have asthma and allergy trouble with paraffin candles. If you have problems with strong scents, natural soy candles tend to release less intense bursts of scent than other candles.

What Are the Downsides of Soy Wax

The downsides of soy wax are few. If you have soy allergies, then soy wax candles may not be for you. Some scents don't "take" very well with soy wax, so you would be limited on what types of scented candles you can make. Soy candles can go bad in the wrong environmental conditions. Humidity and heat are two things that can shorten the life of your soy wax candles. However, you can extend their life with preservatives, though that could reduce some of the health benefits.

How Can One Use Soy Wax in Candle Making?

You can use soy wax in many different ways much like other types of wax. For example, you can use them for:

• Scented candles
• Colourful candles
• Jar candles
• Tea light candles

With scented candles, you may need to research which scents work best with soy. You can do so much with jar or glass container candles. For example, you can mix in items like sprinkles and jellybeans to make them more colourful. Just be sure you mix in items that are safe to burn.

When it comes to candle making, you have many choices in what wax you use. With soy wax, you can create safe and fun candles that can also make great gifts. If you want to know more about soy wax, or other wax alternatives, see a candle-making supplier like Adelaide Moulding and Candle Supplies and see what they have in stock.