Complete Guide for Homemade Soy Candles

Here we present the complete guide to homemade soy candles because nothing beats the gentle crackle of a burning wood wick and the pure fragrance of your candle. But while spending a lot of money on a high-quality candle, you tend to wonder if it’s always worth it. You’ll be delighted to learn that making your soy candles at home is inexpensive and straightforward, with the added benefit of producing an exclusive scent that you won’t find in stores.

Soy wax is a pure and organic substance manufactured from soybeans. Soy wax is a solid source of hydrogenated soybean oil. Soy wax is a natural compound that can produce candles—Correspondingly, paraffin, a by-product of crude oil refining.

However, if you’ve ever made candles before, you’ll know that they don’t come out ideally right away. Since essential oil candles aren’t scented with synthetic fragrances, they may not be as fragrant as you’d like. Alternatively, if they do have perfume, you will find that it fades with time. That, moreover, is a positive thing.

Complete Guide for Homemade Soy Candles – What You Need to Know

Ingredients 

• One 4-ounce metal container 
• Candle Wicks 
• 2 cups pure soy Wax flakes 
• Saucepan 
• One aluminum can for melting the wax
• Two teaspoons oil 
• Thermometer 
• Chopstick to hold the wicks 

Steps to Make Homemade Soy Candles

Step 1: Soya Wax Flakes 

These scented candles are simple to produce in terms of ingredients. Soy wax flakes and essential oils are what you need (plus your tools). Why is soy wax used? Soy wax candles burn better, with less soot emitted as the candle burns. They’re still non-toxic, but when they smoke, they don’t talk about toxins.

Soy wax will melt quickly and is easy to manage. However, you will want to use some disposable devices for stirring. The wax sticks to everything and is difficult to remove once set. I use a wooden chopstick that I can toss once I’m done with the candle-making process.

Step 2: Add essential oils 

Essential oil candles are used as aromatherapy candles. Check out this article on Essential Oils 101 if you want to hear more about aromatherapy. You’ll need between 80 and 120 drops of essential oil.

Yes, this seems to be a variety, but it’s spread out over four candles. The quantity will be determined by the essential oils you pick. For further detail on the advantages of various essential oils, see this article. Even feel free to mix and match! Pour the oils onto the molten soy wax.

Step 3: Use Oil 

One of the most common mistakes I see is not using enough oil to get a noticeable smell when making essential oil candles. I understand—oils are costly! However, since they don’t smell as good as synthetic fragrances, you’ll need to use more of them to compensate. I suggest using two teaspoons of the oil for 4 ounces of Soy Wax. 

Step 4: Put oil at the right time 

If the wax is too hot, the active compounds in your oils will get destroyed, and the scent will diminish. If the wax is so cold, the oils cannot spread uniformly. 185 degrees F is the optimum temperature for adding essential oils. Place the wax in a double boiler over low heat and slowly melt it.

Step 5: Remove the Wax 

Remove the wax and set it on the counter until it reaches a temperature of around 185 degrees. You can find the temperature with either a sugar thermometer or an infrared thermometer. Attach your oils and pour the wax into your bottle until the wax has reached the desired temperature. 

Once you’ve run the wax into the container, you should apply your oils. Before lighting your essential oil candles, let them cool absolutely. That’s it you have made the candle. 

Additional Tip: Protect the Scent from Fading 

Once your candle has wholly healed, cover it with a lid and use it to prevent the smell from fading. Melt the candle and apply more oil if the perfume needs to be refreshed. Position the candle in the freezer before the wax separates. First, in a double boiler, softly heat the whole chunk of wax (wick and all). Remove the wick, re-fill the bottle with oil, and replace the wick.

Complete Guide for Homemade Soy Candles 15 Best Essential Oils

#1 Anise Essential Oil

For those who love licorice, the anise essential oil is a must. It has a rich sweet note that’s almost similar to that of licorice.

Not only does it smell heavenly, but it has numerous medicinal benefits too. It helps conditions like flu, bronchitis, or even common colds. 

The best part about anise essential oil is that you can even use it to enhance any other dull or bland essential oil.

#2 True Lavender Oil

Lavender essential oil is excellent for drawing a peaceful ambiance. It is perfect for relieving anxiety and stress-related problems. It also promotes sleep and helps relax the body.

#3 Basil Oil

Basil essential oil is one of the best if you consider soy candles. It has a unique herbaceous and sweet aroma with traces of camphor in it. It is excellent for treating inflammations and infections. 

#4 Cinnamon Essential Oil

The warm, spicy note of cinnamon works excellently well for soy candle making. It is the right blend of sweet, spicy, and warm that evokes a lively atmosphere. It can also be used as an aphrodisiac for the mind and body.

#5 Atlas Cedarwood Essential Oil

The Atlas Cedarwood essential oil is excellent if you love a woody yet sweet aroma. When used in soy candles, atlas cedarwood is often known for its energizing ambiance. It is ideal for bronchitis, cough, arthritis pain and helps relieve stress and tension.

#6 Clary Sage Essential Oil

The Clary Sage essential oil has an earthy fragrance. When diffused in soy candles, it is known to relieve menstrual pain, cough, and asthma-related problems. It has sweet fruit, herbaceous, which works great for soy candles.

#7 Clove Essential Oil

Who doesn’t love the spicy fragrance of cloves? It doesn’t just smell great but has numerous benefits for both the mind and body. 

The clove essential oil is an excellent stimulant and aphrodisiac, which has refreshing effects on the body. 

#8 Lemongrass Essential Oil

Everyone loves the aroma of lemongrass. The sweet and subtle lemony freshness is one of the top choices for soy candles. Lemongrass essential oil in soy candles can help relieve stress and repel insects too.

#9 Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint has a strong mint fragrance that works exceptionally well for any soy candle purpose. Not only does it energize and boost liveliness, but it also helps relieve sinusitis, nausea, and headaches.

It is a great choice for any soy candle.

#10 Palmarosa Essential Oil

Palmarosa has a unique smell that’s both fresh, sweet, and strong. It is often diffused to cleanse or purify the air. Its other benefits are it helps in boosting the immune system and relieving breathing problems. 

#11 Patchouli Essential Oil

One of the most captivating fragrances comes from the patchouli essential oil. It helps ease up the nervous system and stimulates all body processes.

#12 Geranium Essential Oil 

Geranium has a powerful fragrance that’s fresh and floral. It is great for uplifting the spirits and purifies the air. 

#13 Petitgrain Essential Oil

Petitgrain has a slightly citrusy smell, which is woodier with the right blend of fresh. It is great to stimulate and energize the body and mind.

#14 Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil

The ylang-ylang is one of the best essential oils for soy candle making. It has a deep oriental scent that’s great for bringing sensuality and love to any room. It also helps stress and tension.

#15 Vetiver Essential Oil

The Vetiver has smoky herbaceous fragrances, which work great for soy candles. Not only does it help improve anxiety and stress problems, but it also relieves muscle pains. 

Great Essential Oil Combinations for Soy Candles

#1 Orange & Cinnamon

Mix equal parts of orange and cinnamon for the perfect fruity yet spicy fragrance. You can also add in some clove or ginger essential oils.

#2 Lemon & Lavender

Mix one part of lemon with three parts of lavender or the other way around for the perfect blend of soothing and uplifting fragrance. Add in some vetiver if you’d like.

#3 Rosemary & Cedarwood

Mix equal parts of cedarwood and rosemary for the most beautiful woody fragrance. It works great if you like more of the strong scents rather than the mild.

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Soy Wax vs. Paraffin Wax: Which is better? 

Natural 

Paraffin wax is made from petroleum, while soy wax is made from soybeans. Yes, the same lubricant is used in the production of oil and gas. Paraffin wax is produced by extracting the waxy layer from crude oil, which was discovered in 1850. 

Soy wax, a hydrogenated form of soybean oil, was found in 1991 as a substitute for paraffin wax. Soy wax is not only natural, but it is also affordable since more soybeans can be grown. Since fossil fuels cannot be replenished, paraffin wax is unsustainable.

Sooth Emission 

Both candles emit some soot, but under the same circumstances wick volume, draught, etc., all candles emit some soot. Soot is produced more by a paraffin candle than by a soy candle. This soot will discolor the candle’s bottle, especially if the soot is being moved about by a lot of air movement. When you light a soy candle next to a paraffin candle, the soot would be noticeably different.

Toxins 

Paraffin wax emits a lot more than just soot. When paraffin wax is burned or melted, 11 known chemicals are released into the air, two of which are carcinogens. Any product or agent that causes cancer is referred to as a carcinogen.

Soy wax has no contaminants or carcinogens since it is a biodegradable wax made from soybeans, which we consume. Soy wax is not only good for the world, but it’s also suitable for you, your family, and your pets.

Burning Duration 

If all other factors are equivalent, a soy candle can burn for 30 to 50 percent longer than a paraffin candle. This, too, depends on the candle’s height and diameter and the wick’s length, and other factors. 

Before relighting your soy candle:

• Cut the wick down to 18 – 14 inches to extend the life of the candle.
• Do not leave the candle burning for longer than four hours, as the wax can overheat.
• When the wax is molten, keep the candle away from draughts and re-center the wick as it moves.

Melting Point 

Paraffin wax has a higher melting point, ranging from 120 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit and 49 to 71 degrees Celsius. Due to its large and well-defined crystal structure. Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax. This makes it simpler to use in warmer climates, even during the winter. This lower stage also reduces the possibility of burning yourself if the candle is knocked over or if something goes wrong.

If you live in a humid environment where temperatures reach the lower end of the scale, soy wax will melt on its own. Paraffin wax is heavier and more fragile due to its crystal structure, whereas soy wax is smoother and more pliable.

Fragrance 

Soy wax candles have a higher fragrance profile than paraffin wax candles due to the absence of soot and contaminants emitted into the air. The chemicals emitted by paraffin wax will interact with the smell of the candle when it is burning, defeating the purpose of lighting it. 

Since you can’t apply additional fragrances to candles, a clean burn that accentuates the scent is significant. After all, you’re not lighting the candle for the sake of illumination but just for its fragrance.

Advantages of Using Soy for Making Candles

Renewable 

Soy wax is readily available and reusable since soybeans are widely cultivated. Some natural candle waxes, such as beeswax or bayberry wax, are more costly and small. However, for those who choose candles made from raw, sustainable materials, Soy is a reliable and viable option.

Long-Lasting 

Soy wax burns more steadily and uniformly than paraffin wax, resulting in longer-lasting candles. Even though soy candles cost a little more, they burn for longer tend to offset the cost. Many people believe that since soy candles burn at a lower temperature, the smell would last longer. However, the consistency and quantity of perfume oil in the candle, rather than the wax heat, determines this.

Clean Burning 

Candles made of soy wax emit far less smoke than paraffin candles, resulting in a cleaner fire. This ensures that everyone who is allergic to candle smoke will find soy wax much easier to use. The air will be healthier and better for all, including young children and the elderly. Smoke damage to surrounding chairs, walls, and ceilings also reduces.

Easy Clean-Up 

The melting point of soy wax is smaller than that of paraffin. If you have a soy wax leak, you should wipe it up with soap and hot water instead of harsh chemicals. This is also a valuable function for candle manufacturers. Equipment must be washed in the sink under hot running water or in the dishwasher.

Adaptable 

Soy wax is no exception to the rule that most types of candle wax are easy to deal with. It’s as adaptable as paraffin, and you can paint and smell it much like any other candle, as well as make interesting shapes and patterns. Soy may be combined with other waxes, such as beeswax, to create exclusive combinations.

Vegan Lifestyle 

Anyone who lives a vegan lifestyle would appreciate soy wax candles. Soy wax candles made from 100 percent organic, non-GMO soy oil are available. Soybeans are a renewable source of energy, and soy wax candles are fully biodegradable. Soy candles that are scent with organic and natural essential oils are also available.

Non-Petroleum

Since paraffin wax candles are made of petroleum, it is one of the justifications for using soy candles. Choose soy candles instead of paraffin candles. Only and only if you want to reduce carbon fuels.

Caution to take while buying soy wax 

Although soy wax is an excellent commodity, as a customer, you can keep your eyes open and read labels to ensure you have a real soy wax candle. 

Cheap Candles 

Cheap candles that appear to be made of soy wax should be avoided. Many of these dollar stores are manufacture using a paraffin/soy mixture that contains very little soy wax.

Check Ingredients 

Since soy wax is a lighter medium than paraffin, additives are used to harden it. If you’re curious about the ingredients, check with the candlemaker or crafter and see if the product is pure.

Fragrance and color are examples of other candle additives. Natural additives, such as essential oils and vegetable-based dyes, are often used. These specifics are almost often indicated on the label, as this is the case.

Complete Guide for Homemade Soy Candles Summary 

While fake candles smell nice, they are harmful to your lungs and heart. They will also produce harmful contaminants like heavy metals and petroleum by-products. These have been linked to cancer and organ damage if they use paraffin wax and metal wicks.