Soy wax has been one of the most popular candle waxes for several years. This is mainly due to its natural origin, its good ability to retain fragrance oils and its biodegradability. This article explains what soy wax is, how it is produced, which types are available and what should be considered during processing.
At a glance
- Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil – plant-based, vegan and biodegradable
- Ideal for container candles in jars – not suitable for free-standing pillar candles (not drip-free)
- Depending on the fragrance oil, it typically absorbs 6–10% fragrance oil – particularly suitable for scented candles
- Burns slowly, evenly and with low soot formation
- Available as pure soy wax (C-3) or as blends with coconut wax (C-6) or palm wax (C-1)
What is soy wax?
Soy wax is a white to light beige, plant-based wax with a naturally pleasant, almost neutral inherent scent. It is entirely plant-based, vegan and 100% biodegradable.
Soy wax is mainly produced in the USA, as the country accounts for a large share of global soybean production. As a renewable raw material, it is an alternative to paraffin, which is a petroleum-based product and is not biodegradable. In addition to pure soy wax, blends with other natural waxes are also available – for example with coconut wax or palm wax – which can improve certain properties such as stability or texture.
How is soy wax produced?
The starting material is soybean oil, which is pressed from soybeans. Through hydrogenation, a chemical process in which hydrogen is introduced into the oil under pressure, the unsaturated fatty acids in the oil are converted into saturated fatty acids. This causes the oil to become solid and gives it its wax-like consistency.
Depending on the degree of hydrogenation and further processing, different types are produced: from soft container waxes with a low melting point to firmer variants for free-standing candles. The exact composition varies depending on the manufacturer and production process.
Soy wax types compared
We offer various types of soy wax that differ in composition, melting point and intended use. For scented candles in jars, NatureWax® C-3 is the most popular choice. The most important differences at a glance:
| Type | Composition | Form | Suitability | Melting range | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NatureWax C-3 | 100% soy wax | Flakes/ Pellets |
Container candles, scented candles, wax melts | Melting point: 51–54 °C | Bestseller – excellent fragrance release, optimal glass adhesion |
| NatureWax C-1 | Soy wax with palm wax (max. 30%) | Flakes | Container candles, tea lights, wax melts | Melting point: 51–55 °C | Releases from the glass rim and from moulds after cooling |
| NatureWax C-310 | 100% soy wax (EU, GMO-free) | Pellets | Container candles and high-quality scented candles | Dropping point: 51–55 °C | Like C-3, but with European cultivation, sustainability-oriented |
| Kerasoy 4120 | Soy wax blend (100% vegetable) | Pellets | Pillar candles, freestanding candles | Melting point approx. 60 °C | Increased dimensional stability for freestanding candles |
| Kerasoy 4130 | Soy wax blend (100% vegetable) | Pellets | Container candles, tea lights, scented candles | Melting point approx. 45 °C | For scented candles with very good fragrance performance |
| Golden Wax 464 | Soy wax blend (100% vegetable), GMO-free | Pellets | Container candles, tea lights, wax melts | Melting point: approx. 46 °C | Satin-matte surface, strong fragrance development |
| Golden Wax Y50 | 100% soy wax | Pellets | Raw wax for individual wax blends | Melting point: approx. 51 °C | Ideal base for producing your own candle waxes |
Advantages and disadvantages of soy wax
The greatest strengths of soy wax lie in its sustainability and fragrance oil retention: It is plant-based, vegan and biodegradable, burns slowly and with low soot formation and can typically absorb 6–10% fragrance oil, depending on the fragrance used. This makes it one of the best options for container candles in jars.
Its limitations become apparent with free-standing candles: Soy wax is too soft for pillar candles or taper candles and reacts sensitively to temperature fluctuations. Frosting – white streaks or a cloudy surface appearance – can occur, especially with dark colours. It does not affect the burning properties but can be noticeable visually. For silicone moulds, an additive made from harder wax is usually required.
Soy wax vs. paraffin – which is better?
The choice between soy wax and paraffin depends on the intended use. Soy wax has significantly better fragrance oil retention and releases fragrance more slowly and evenly – a major advantage for scented candles in jars. Paraffin is more dimensionally stable, less expensive and better suited for free-standing candles such as taper candles or pillar candles.
Both waxes can also be blended together: A combination of soy wax and paraffin combines the good fragrance retention of soy wax with the structural stability of paraffin. For a pure natural wax approach, rapeseed wax is also a suitable alternative – regionally grown, biodegradable and also well suited for scented candles.
A complete comparison of all candle waxes – paraffin, stearin, beeswax, rapeseed wax and more – can be found in our article What is candle wax made of? An overview of all wax types.
Processing soy wax: tips and notes
Melting and pouring
Soy wax is best melted in a water bath and the temperature should be carefully controlled to reach 55–65 °C. Do not stir too vigorously – air bubbles can form during stirring and may later appear as holes or uneven surfaces in the candle. Add fragrance oils at around 55 °C and stir in gently. More precise information can be found with the respective product.
Before pouring, make sure that the jars or tins are not too cold and are at least at room temperature. Slow pouring and gently tapping the container on the surface can further reduce air bubbles.
Cooling
Allow soy wax candles to cool slowly and evenly. Do not place them in the refrigerator or outside in cold temperatures. Cooling too quickly can lead to cracks, uneven surfaces and poor adhesion to the glass. Ideally, allow the candles to cool slowly at room temperature without drafts.
Frosting
With correct cooling and pouring temperatures, soy wax forms little to no frosting (also known as fat bloom) – a common phenomenon with pure natural waxes. However, with darker colours, the surface should be monitored closely, as frosting is more visually noticeable. The burning properties of the candle are not affected by frosting.
First burn
During the first burn, allow the candle to burn until the wax has completely melted to the edge of the glass. This prevents tunnelling and ensures an even burn. As a rule of thumb: approximately 1 hour per 2–3 cm of glass diameter. A wick that is too thin will not achieve this – wax residue will remain around the edge.
Note on silicone moulds and pillar candles
Pure soy wax is not drip-resistant and is therefore not suitable for free-standing pillar candles. For candles made in silicone moulds, a harder wax additive is usually required – for example, a small amount of stearin.
Frequently asked questions about soy wax
What is soy wax?
Soy wax is a plant-based wax made from hydrogenated soybean oil. It is biodegradable, vegan and has a melting point of approximately 46–54 °C. It is mainly used for container candles and scented candles, as it absorbs fragrance oils particularly well and releases them slowly.
At what temperature is soy wax poured?
Soy wax is ideally poured at 55–65 °C. Fragrance oils should be added at around 55 °C before the wax is poured into the containers. The jars should be at room temperature and therefore not too cold.
What is the difference between soy wax and paraffin?
Soy wax is plant-based, biodegradable and has very good fragrance oil retention. Paraffin is a mineral wax derived from petroleum processing – it is more dimensionally stable and less expensive, but not biodegradable. For scented container candles, soy wax is the better choice; for free-standing candles, paraffin offers greater stability.
Is soy wax suitable for pillar candles?
Most soy waxes are too soft for free-standing pillar candles. An exception is Kerasoy 4120, which was specifically developed for free-standing candles and offers improved stability. All other soy waxes in our range are intended for container candles in jars.
Conclusion
Soy wax is a versatile and sustainable choice for candle making, especially for scented candles in jars. Its excellent fragrance oil retention, low-soot burning properties and biodegradability make it a preferred base for many candle makers.
If you would like to try it out first, our DIY Soy Wax Box contains everything needed for making your first candles. All mentioned soy wax types are available in our soy wax range.
Content: 0.9 Kilogram (€10.51 / 1 Kilogram)
Content: 0.75 Kilogram (€10.65 / 1 Kilogram)
Content: 22.68 Kilogram (€5.86 / 1 Kilogram)
Content: 25 Kilogram (€12.35 / 1 Kilogram)
