5 Kinds of Wax Materials Commonly Used in Making Scented Candles
Wax material is the most important raw material for making scented candles, which can be divided into natural wax and artificial wax. Natural waxes include soybean wax, beeswax, coconut wax and ice wax. Artificial wax is made of paraffin wax, minerals and polymers extracted from petroleum, and jelly wax also belongs to this category. There is a small misunderstanding in this. Many friends mistakenly think that artificial wax is harmful. In fact, it is not. The refined artificial wax is safe and non-toxic.
Wax is a complex mixture of organic compounds. Different waxes have different chemical compositions and physical properties. When choosing a certain wax or several waxes as the wax material for scented candles, it is necessary to understand the difference in properties between them and complement each other. At the same time, control the three indexes of suitable melting point range, oxygen content and fragrance diffusion effect.
1. Paraffin
Paraffin wax is a kind of mineral wax and also a kind of petroleum wax; it is a flake or needle crystal refined from crude oil, and its main component is linear alkanes (about 80%-95%). According to the degree of refining, it can be divided into three types: fully refined paraffin wax, semi-refined paraffin wax and crude paraffin wax. Among them, the former two are widely used, mainly for food and other commodities, such as fruit preservation, wax paper, and crayons. Because of its high oil content, crude paraffin is mainly used to make fiberboards and tarpaulins.
Paraffin wax has a high melting point and is relatively hard. It is generally suitable for mold release wax, such as various shapes of fruit and columnar wax. The refined paraffin wax is food grade and it is very safe to burn. The other non-refined paraffin waxes are only suitable for ornamental scented candles, not suitable for burning as scented candles.
2. Soy wax
Soy wax refers to the wax produced from hydrogenated soybean oil. It is the main raw material for making craft candles, essential oils and aroma candles. Soy wax has the advantages of low price, the cup wax made does not fall off the cup, does not crack, the pigment is evenly dispersed, and does not bloom. The burning time is 30-50% longer than that of paraffin wax. Non-toxic and environmentally friendly. It will not produce carcinogens when burned, and the waste can be biodegradable.
Soft soy wax is the most commonly used wax for hand-made scented candles, but when buying, be sure to ask whether it is soft container wax or hard soy wax. When making aromatherapy, soft soybean wax is generally used, which has a soft texture and is more suitable for making cup wax. It is environmentally friendly and natural, burns without black smoke, and is a very good practical wax. It is the most cost-effective in the current market, and it is also the first choice for many scented candle instructors to make candles.
3. Beeswax
Beeswax: also known as yellow wax and beeswax. Beeswax is a fatty substance secreted by the 4 pairs of wax glands on the abdomen of worker bees in the colony. Beeswax is divided into beeswax and white beeswax. The price is high. The high-quality beeswax has a honey fragrance and is natural and environmentally friendly. It is mainly used to increase the hardness and density of the wax. Like general soft soy wax, it can be mixed with beeswax to extend the burning time of the finished product.
At the same time, because beeswax has a high melting point, is relatively hard, fragile, and has a very large shrinkage when cold, it will easily fall off and deform when making cup wax. Generally it is 2:1 or soy wax. Mix and use at a ratio of 3:1. Increase the smoothness of the wax surface, so that the scented candle of pure soy wax is not too soft.
4. Coconut wax
Coconut wax is actually a kind of fat, and coconut wax is also a kind of vegetable wax. Its raw material is coconut. Candles made of coconut wax are milder. Sometimes when the pure coconut wax scented candle burns and melts, I apply a little bit on my hand to smell it all night. Pay attention to try the temperature first, although coconut wax is generally relatively cold, it turns into a liquid state at about 40 degrees, and it is no problem to use it on the side, but pay attention to safe use.
Coconut wax is harmless to the human body, and belongs to the milder type of scented candles. Coconut wax itself is more expensive than soybean wax, so the price will be higher, but the difference will not be too big. When making aromatherapy candles, the main purpose of adding a certain percentage of coconut wax is to prevent aromatherapy from becoming a pit when it burns, leading to waste.
5. Ice wax
Ice wax is made from oil extracted from coconuts, and the part in contact with the air will appear in the formal shape of snowflakes. 100% plant extract, burns smokeless, degradable, natural and environmentally friendly. Will crystallize, the higher the temperature, the more crystallizing. If the novice is not well controlled, it is difficult to bloom without a large temperature difference. Burning will not produce harmful gas, suitable for making ornamental candles.
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After understanding these five candles, you can also choose a favorite wax, essential oil and glass jar to make your own scented candles.
