Have you made a few scented candles for yourself or for sale in your shop and noticed that they have turned yellow after a while? Or has the colour you used faded over time? There are several reasons why this can happen, so let’s take a closer look.
Sunlight:
Sunlight, especially its ultraviolet (UV) component, can change the colour of the wax. Sunlight can break some of the bonds in the wax, creating new compounds that may have a yellowish tint. What can you do? Store the candles in a cool, dark place. Keeping your candles away from direct sunlight and heat sources can help prevent yellowing. Store them in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or drawer, to minimise exposure to light. You can also add a UV stabiliser. However, the UV stabiliser only helps if the cause of the discolouration is sunlight.
Fragrance:
The colour of the fragrance itself can affect the colour of your wax. Consider this when choosing your fragrance. Citrus fragrances and fragrances containing vanillin are known to discolour candles. If the fragrance does not mix well, this can also lead to discolouration. Add the fragrance at the correct temperature and stir gently for 2 to 3 minutes to ensure that the fragrance mixes properly with the wax.
Overheating of the wax:
If you overheat your wax for an extended period of time, it will turn yellow. Make sure that you melt the wax below the specified temperature. Have you noticed that you have already overheated your wax and that it is becoming increasingly yellow/darker? You can also add a small amount of beige dye to counteract the yellow tint and achieve a more natural, uniform wax colour.
If you have any further questions, we are happy to help you by email at support@distrebution.com!
