Candles in interior decoration, it is the small object which makes an effect either on their cocooning side or on their design side. But watch out for candles, you can find anything. Beware of ingredients used such as oils. There are several kinds of candle wax. Some can be very bad for health and the environment. For example, waxes are based on paraffin which is made up of hydro fuels.
There is a real awareness of consuming better and turning to brands that market candles with more responsible and organic manufacturing.
What is the best wax for candles?
For this, there is an alternative widely used today: the natural wax bum candle. Among the natural waxes, the best known is soy wax: 100% vegetable, biodegradable, and natural. We explain everything about soy wax in this article. Let’s go!
No doubt! Soy wax is the best for your candles. You will like it for its very smooth and unctuous texture which gives it a perfect finish. You will also appreciate the fact that it does not leave a smell when you extinguish the candle, and it is quite pleasant.
Then, the cotton wicks promise low and slow combustion because the flame is much softer. And above all, it leaves no residue on the walls of the candle. It is a sign of good quality. But how to choose the right wax?
How is soy wax made?
Natural soy wax is made from soybean oil. Hydrogenation gives it a more solid consistency through a chemical reaction. It is white, opaque, and non-toxic daily. It is consumed more slowly, so you will enjoy it for longer.
The cultivation of soy is rather natural, it does not require any pesticides or herbicides. It is best to choose a GMO-free wax, which will be more respectful of the environment and your interior.
Now all you have to do is find out which store to go to.
Where to buy soy wax for a candle?
Around you, you can buy soy wax in various stores (Natures et Découvertes for example) and also in organic stores such as Biocoop or Eau-Vive. You will usually find a wide selection of wax there which will be available in flakes or pellets. Choose the one you prefer, but it will be easier for you to dose in glitter. Several dosages are available from 500 g up to 2.5 kg.
For those who need larger quantities of soy wax, there are economy packs of 10 kg, 15 kg, and 20 kg. These packs are ideal for professionals such as candle makers and other manufacturers who sell their products to customers.
I particularly appreciate and recommend the Terre de Bougies boutique, which specializes in fragrances from Grasse for candles and soaps. You can easily contact them for advice on choosing the right candle wax.
Their vegetable waxes are made from non-GMO ingredients and are free of any toxic products. You will be able to enjoy the scent of your candles without any worries! Plus, their vegetable waxes burn slower than other types of waxes, so you can enjoy your bum candles longer.
I advise you to look at customer reviews on the different ones, it’s always interesting. In addition to reassuring you about the product and helping you select the wax that will suit you, you will find plenty of tips on use in customer feedback. Also, remember to look for Facebook groups or enthusiast forums, you will find the best tips and advice for using soy wax.
You can also find soy wax on these different sites (not all tested):
- Aromazone Extract, 500 g, 6,50€
- Candle creation, 2.5 kg, €20.90
- Amazon, 1 kg, 15,95€
- Joli’essence, 500 g, €5.80
Decide how much wax to buy based on what you want to use it for. The choice is up to you depending on the size of the container you are going to make the candle in and the number of candles you want to make.
How to make a soy wax candle?
Here are the steps to make your soy wax candles.
Like any DIY activity, you need to have the ingredients and utensils to succeed.
You will need the following list:
- A container
- soy wax
- cotton wicks
- wooden sticks
- pins
- Metal plinths
Now you are ready to begin.
- The first step, choose the container you want to use. You can use, a pot of yogurt, or a pot of an old candle for example.
- Melt the wax in a bain-marie.
- While the wax is melting, trim the wicks so they stick out of the selected container.
- Once the wax is well melted, you can pour it into your container.
- Allow the wax to cool well, 24 hours should be fine.