Maddie James
Soy candles are made from soybean oil, a vegetable oil. They are popular among vegans and those with allergies as they are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. Soy candles also have a longer shelf life and produce less soot and smoke than regular candles. To tell if a candle is 100% soy, look for a crystalline and/or white coating, known as frosting, which is a common occurrence in candles made with natural wax. You can also test the hardness of the candle—if it feels soft, it may contain paraffin. However, it's important to note that candle ingredients are not regulated, and some candles labelled as 100% soy may contain paraffin or other toxins. To ensure you're getting a truly soy candle, look for detailed ingredient lists, certification from trusted third parties, and companies that are transparent about their ingredients and processes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Soy wax tends to look creamy and soft, sometimes with subtle white discolorations and unique natural markings on the surface of the candle. |
| Frosting | Frosting is a crystalline and/or white-ish coating found on the candle itself. Frosting is a common occurrence in candles made with natural wax such as soy. |
| Hardness | Soy candles are harder than paraffin candles. |
| Toxins | Soy candles do not release toxins when burned. |
| Bumpy tops | Soy candles may have bumpy tops after burning. |
| Burn time | Soy candles generally burn longer than paraffin candles. |
| Wick | Soy candles use wicks without metal cores. |
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What You'll Learn
- Check the label: The label on the bottom of the candle should say 100% soy wax
- Look for frosting: Frosting is a crystalline and/or white coating that appears on 100% natural candles
- Test hardness: Push gently on the wax. If it feels soft, it may contain paraffin
- Check the ingredients: Look for detailed ingredients on the label or website. If they don't disclose ingredients, be cautious
- Seek certification: Look for third-party certification to confirm the candle is natural and non-toxic
Check the label: The label on the bottom of the candle should say 100% soy wax
One of the most important things to do when trying to determine if a candle is 100% soy wax is to check the label. The label on the bottom of the candle should explicitly state that it is made from 100% soy wax. If it does not say this, it is most likely a paraffin candle or a blend of soy and paraffin wax. The candle industry is not regulated by the government, so some companies may falsely claim their candles are 100% soy wax when they are not. Therefore, it is crucial to trust your source and look for reputable brands that are transparent about their ingredients.
In addition to checking the label, you can visually inspect the candle for signs that it is made from soy wax. Soy wax tends to have a creamy and soft appearance, sometimes with subtle white discolorations and unique natural markings on the surface. Frosting, a crystalline and/or white-ish coating, is commonly found on soy candles due to the formation of crystals during the candle-making process. This occurs because soy wax is trying to return to its original state, and it is a sign that the candle is made from natural wax.
Another way to identify a 100% soy wax candle is by testing the hardness of the wax. Soy wax is generally softer than paraffin wax, so gently pushing on the wax can help you determine if it contains soy wax. If it feels soft, it may contain some paraffin, as paraffin is considered a soft wax. Additionally, soy wax candles often have bumpy or rough tops after burning, which is a common characteristic of soy wax.
It is also important to consider the performance of the candle. Soy wax candles have a longer shelf life and burn time than paraffin candles. They produce less soot and smoke, resulting in a cleaner burn. Soy wax is also non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and biodegradable, making it a safer option for those with allergies or concerns about indoor air quality.
Lastly, you can look for certifications and third-party verifications. Reputable companies will often seek certifications to validate their claims of using natural and non-toxic ingredients. For example, MADE SAFE® certified goods have been thoroughly examined to ensure they are free from behavioural toxins, carcinogens, and other harmful substances.
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Look for frosting: Frosting is a crystalline and/or white coating that appears on 100% natural candles
Frosting is a crystalline and/or white coating that appears on 100% natural candles. It is a common occurrence in candles made with natural wax, such as soy. Soy wax is derived from soybeans, which are cleaned, cracked, dehulled, and rolled into flakes before being made into candles. This type of wax is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and 100% biodegradable.
When a candle is made from soy wax, crystals form on its surface due to the difference in temperature between the wax and the environment. This occurs because the soy wax is trying to return to its original state. Frosting may also form during shipping, wholesale storage, or in the customer's care, due to temperature fluctuations. While the effect of frosting can be lessened during production, it will never completely disappear.
To identify frosting on a candle, look for a crystalline and/or white-ish coating on the top and sides of the candle. This is a tell-tale sign that the candle is made from soy. Frosting is more challenging to detect if the candle is colourless or housed in an opaque container. Additionally, lighter pastel colours can make frosting appear less intense.
If you are a candle maker, you can blend your soy wax with paraffin to resist frosting. Pre-blended mixtures, such as IGI 6006, are known to effectively prevent frosting. Alternatively, you can mix in coconut oil or a UV inhibitor additive. However, these solutions may not work for everyone, so consistent testing and note-taking are crucial to finding the best method for your standards.
While some people may dislike the appearance of frosting, it is important to remember that it is natural and does not affect the performance or quality of the candle. If you prefer a smooth top on your candles, you can blow out your candle, let it cool, and then place a cover over it.
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Test hardness: Push gently on the wax. If it feels soft, it may contain paraffin
When it comes to determining whether a candle is 100% soy wax, one important test to perform is the hardness test. This simple test can provide valuable insights into the likelihood of paraffin wax being present in the candle.
To conduct the hardness test, gently press your finger onto the surface of the wax. Take note of its texture and firmness. If the wax feels soft to the touch, it may be an indication that the candle contains paraffin. Paraffin wax is known for its softer consistency, and this tactile quality can help distinguish it from soy wax, which tends to be harder and firmer.
The hardness test is a practical way to assess the potential presence of paraffin wax, which is a common additive in candles. While many candles are marketed as being made of 100% soy wax, some may contain a blend of soy and paraffin wax without clear disclosure. By gently pressing on the wax, you can make an initial assessment of its composition.
It is important to remember that the hardness test is not definitive, and other factors can influence the texture of the wax. For instance, the ambient temperature, humidity, and speed of cooling can affect the hardness of soy wax. Additionally, some soy candles may have a softer texture due to the addition of other natural ingredients or essential oils.
However, if a candle's wax feels notably soft, it may warrant further investigation or comparison with known 100% soy candles. Combining the hardness test with other indicators, such as the presence of frosting (a crystalline or white coating), can also help strengthen your assessment of the candle's composition. Remember to also examine the label and look for certifications or detailed ingredient lists to make a more informed decision about the candle's authenticity as 100% soy wax.
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Check the ingredients: Look for detailed ingredients on the label or website. If they don't disclose ingredients, be cautious
When shopping for candles, it can be challenging to determine whether they are 100% soy candles. While most artisan candle makers are transparent about their ingredients, some vendors sell hybrid candles that contain paraffin as 100% soy candles. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious and diligent in verifying the ingredients.
Firstly, always look for detailed ingredients on the label or the candlemaker's website. If the ingredients are not disclosed, it should raise a red flag. Reputable candle companies that use pure and natural ingredients are usually proud to showcase their ingredient lists. They should also be forthcoming about their processes and any certifications they have obtained. For example, MADE SAFE® certified goods have been rigorously evaluated to ensure they are free from behavioural toxins, carcinogens, and other harmful substances.
Additionally, it is worth noting that soy wax tends to have a distinct appearance. It often looks creamy and soft, sometimes with subtle white discolorations and unique natural markings on the surface. In contrast, paraffin wax usually has a transparent texture, with dark discolorations, bubbles, or craters on the top.
Another way to identify a 100% soy candle is by observing the presence of "frosting". Frosting is a crystalline and/or whitish coating that forms on the candle due to the difference in temperature between the wax and the environment. It is unique to candles made with natural waxes like soy and will not be found on paraffin candles or those made with a mix of paraffin.
Finally, you can also assess the hardness of the candle by gently pressing on the wax. If it feels soft, it may indicate the presence of paraffin, as soy wax tends to be harder.
By following these steps and being vigilant about ingredient disclosure, you can make a more informed decision when purchasing candles and ensure that you are getting a genuine 100% soy candle.
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Seek certification: Look for third-party certification to confirm the candle is natural and non-toxic
When shopping for candles, it can be challenging to determine whether a candle is 100% soy wax or contains other waxes, such as paraffin. While some physical characteristics of 100% soy candles can be observed, such as frosting, bumpy tops, and longer burn times, these are not always reliable indicators.
To confirm that a candle is indeed 100% soy wax, it is essential to seek third-party certification. Independent certification by trusted organisations is one of the best ways to verify that a candle is natural and non-toxic. Certifications like the MADE SAFE® Certification, for example, attest to the candle's natural and non-toxic properties, assuring consumers that the product is free from harmful chemicals and artificial ingredients.
When considering purchasing a candle, look for brands that are transparent about their ingredients and have obtained third-party certification. Reputable companies will be happy to provide detailed information about their candles, including the wax type, wick materials, and fragrance sources. Certifications and ingredient disclosures demonstrate a brand's commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, ensuring the use of pure, natural ingredients.
Additionally, when seeking non-toxic candles, opt for those made from natural waxes like soy wax, beeswax, or coconut wax. These waxes provide a cleaner burn and reduce the release of harmful toxins and additives. Also, pay attention to the wick materials, choosing candles with natural options like 100% cotton or wood wicks to further minimise toxic byproducts.
By prioritising third-party certification and opting for natural waxes and wicks, you can be confident that your candle is not only enjoyable but also safe and environmentally friendly.
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Frequently asked questions
Soy candles tend to have a creamy and soft appearance, with subtle white discolorations and unique natural markings on the surface. Frosting, a crystalline and/or white coating, is a common occurrence in candles made with natural waxes such as soy. Soy candles may also have bumpy tops after burning.
Soy candles are non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and 100% biodegradable. They also have a longer shelf life, burn more evenly, and produce less soot and smoke than paraffin candles.
Soy wax can sometimes be processed with paraffin and other petroleum-based chemicals, so it is important to look for a detailed list of ingredients. If a candle has an extremely strong scent, it may contain artificial and potentially toxic fragrance chemicals.
