All About Soy Wax

Soy Wax History

Invention of soy wax

Soy wax is quite a recent invention. It was only in 1991, when Michael Richards, when looking for a cheaper alternative for beeswax, that he developed soy wax. There was a big demand for natural wax candles, but beeswax was about 10 times more expensive than paraffin. As he entered the candle industry with beeswax products he realized there was a growing demand for natural wax candles.

Micheal Richard tested different natural plant waxes and finally ended up with a vegetable wax which was made with partially hydrogenated soy oil, coconut oil and palm oil. He also blended beeswax with soy wax to make an economical natural wax candle.

Advantages of soy candles

Soy candles have the following advantages compared to paraffin wax candles:

Soy candles are cheap - Soy wax is a new alternative to paraffin wax that is cost effective. Soy wax is also made from a renewable source. Beeswax is a great natural alternative to paraffin, but to get the same results as a soy-based candle, it is very expensive.

Soy wax is natural - Soy wax is a favorite of environmentally conscious people because it is made from a renewable source and is not made from petroleum. Burning soy candles does not increase the CO2 level in the atmosphere. However, some suppliers may add some synthetic wax or paraffin to their soy wax to adjust its physical characteristics. Kiozwi uses 100 % pure Soy wax in all our products, unless stated otherwise in the product description.

Soy candles last longer - Some suppliers claim that soy candles can last up to 50% longer than paraffin candles. Maximum burn time should be 4 hours at any one time. This allows the Soy to create a full melt pool.

Wax spills are easy to clean - It's very difficult to remove paraffin wax from furniture or textiles. Soy wax spills can easily be cleaned up with hot soapy water.

Soy candles produce less soot - Soot should be avoided because it is very unhealthy and can eventually coat furniture and walls. Soy candles produce about 90% less soot than paraffin candles.

Scented soy candles distribute more flavour - The incorporation of soybean oil lowers the melting point of the candle, which translates into cooler burning candles and faster scent dispersion. The lower melting point of soy wax results in a larger size of the liquid wax pool around the candle wick. It is from this liquid wax pool that the essential oils evaporate into the atmosphere.