Soy Candles

It takes around 60 kg of soybeans to produce 10 kg of soybean oil.  The solids left over from oil extraction is suitable for use as food for cattle.  Soy wax is produced from soybean oil.  It may however contain other non-soy ingredients.  The oil from the soybeans is separated by mechanical pressing or solvent extraction.  The raw oil is then refined and bleached.  The oil needs to be made more solid for use as soy wax by hydrogenation.

Hydrogenation is the step in making soy wax, but the precise steps are protected and may vary with every producer.  What exactly is hydrogenation?  It is the process that solidifies the poly and monounsaturated oils by increasing their viscosity.  It involves a reaction of hydrogen with the oil at temperatures of 140-225 degree C, in the presence of a nickel catalyst.  To help dissolve the hydrogen and bring about a uniform distribution of the nickel catalyst with the oil, it is important to stir the mixture.  The process of hydrogenation creates saturated fats, which are the double bonds of oil transforming into single bonds.  These saturated fats are unhealthy for human consumption, as they contain trans-fats.  They are superb for use in making soy wax and soy wax candles.

Some soy wax needs to have other ingredients added in making soy candles.  When you hydrogenate soybean oil it produces a soy wax with a low melting point and a texture that is not very solid.  This soy wax is great for use in soy container candles and is 100% pure.  Pillar soy candles require a more solid texture to maintain their form.  Other ingredients need to be added to produce a more solid wax for votive and pillar soy candles.  You can use paraffin , stearic acid, beeswax, palm oil, etc.  There is no regulatory process in the making of soy wax and its composition.  To be sure your soy candles are 100% pure soy wax check with your supplier.  Our natural soy candles are made with biodegradable soybean wax.  Our pillar soy candles are a blend of natural waxes, primarily soy wax with a small addition of beeswax.

Soy wax is relatively a new market.  It was in 1991 that is came into being.  A man by the name of Michael Richards developed soy wax in the search for a cheaper alternative for beeswax.  Beeswax is ten times more expensive than paraffin, and there is a big demand for candles made from natural wax.  He tested a variety of different natural plant waxes and found one made from partially hydrogenated soy oil, coconut oil and palm oil.  He also made a blend of beeswax and soy wax to usher in an economical natural wax candle.

In 1995 a national chain of stores called the Body Shop offered soy candles for purchase to the general public.  The very first natural wax candles were a blend of beeswax and almond oil but later the almond oil was replaced with soy wax.  Michael was able to replace the beeswax with soy wax in 1996.  He developed soy wax mixtures for container candles as well as free standing candles.  Free standing candles need a higher melting point so their blend must be different.  Candleworks, a soy wax producer, in 1997 did a research project with UNI in Iowa: the results being a study of ” Increasing the use of soybeans in the manufacturing of candles.”  In 1998, at the Farm Progress Show a special patented soy wax was introduced by the Indiana Soybean Board.  It was called “Harvest Lights” developed by a farmer funded group.  Much research has been done since 1999 to prove the benefits of using soy wax which has resulted in two scientific publications: Hydrogenated vegetable oils as candle wax and Combustion characteristics of candles made from hydrogenated soybean oil, both by Rezaei K T Wang and L A Johnson.  Cargill, in 2001, bought the patent of soy wax from Michael Richards.  It now manufactures soybean wax and supplies it to soy wax candle producers.

When candles are burned they release pollutants.  Combustion creates an assortment of chemical compounds.  There are worse contributors of environmental pollutants than candles however, like open fireplaces, cars, unclean power plants, dirty manufacturing processes, and many more.  Because candles release a much smaller amount of pollutants, you can put them on the bottom of your environmental awareness list.

Some candles are worse with releasing pollutants-than others and if you are thinking of going green you should give soy candles, beeswax or vegetable based candles a try.  The traditional paraffin candles do emit more pollutants.  The ways that burning candles are bad for the environment are due to the byproducts produced when they are combusted.  One byproduct is carbon dioxide.  Paraffin is a petroleum product, a nonrenewable resource, and adds to the pollution through oil spills and issues associated with the process of oil extraction.  Candles produce soot, which is a particulate material that can cause lung irritation.  However soy candles produce very little soot, making them an excellent alternative in the green awareness.  Also the wick can be an issue with burning candles.  Be sure to purchase candles with natural cotton wicks.  Some wicks have zinc and lead as additives, when burned releasing harmful gases.  Even though lead wicks are banned in some parts of the world it is hard to enforce.  Be sure and check the label before buying your candles.  Then think of the wrapping your candle is packaged in.  Is it biodegradable wrapping?  Also the container you candle comes in, is it reusable?   

Our soy candles are made with all natural cotton wicks and have no lead or zinc.  The containers are easily reusable.  The nice thing about soy wax is that it cleans up with just soap and water, making the container environmentally friendly.  Enjoy the holidays with our scented natural soy wax candles.  They come in various reusable containers and sizes, as well as pillar soy candles, soy votives, body massage soy candles, wood wick soy candles and aromatherapy soy candles.  They make great gifts for the hard to buy for person on you holiday shopping list!  

Soy is not a magic ingredient and soy candles if not handled properly can still pose a fire hazard.  If you are looking for an environmentally sound candle, a soy candle is an excellent choice.  Soy candles are made from natural soy wax which is a derivative of soy, developed in the early 1990’s.  Soy has an advantage over paraffin, a petroleum product, as soy is a renewable resource.  Soy wax is also cheaper than beeswax.  Beeswax is another all-natural wax alternative.  Soy doesn’t have a rich natural fragrance but it can be used as a carrier medium for essential oils.  By using soy with essential oils you can create scented soy candles.

Soy candles are non-toxic and produce much less soot than many other candles.  If you have pets or children then soy candles are a good choice for the above reasons.  Soy candle wax is easier to clean up than other waxes, just use soap and water.  Soy candles are more expensive than paraffin, but they have a longer burn life thus out weighing their cost.  Soy candles are however cheaper than beeswax candles, since soy is easy to produce to meet the demand.  You can enhance the ecological advantages of soy candles by using recycled packaging and eco-friendly wicks made from recycled materials.

If you are making your own candles, soy wax has a lower melting point thus making it easier to work with.  You can also suspend dried leaves or flowers in your creation soy candle.  Soy wax when used with essential oils is a great medium.  The slower burn time of soy wax allows a slower release of the essential oils, allowing a gradual build up of the fragrance, rather than an overwhelming odor like that produced with paraffin candles.  Soy candles are durable and longer burning that come in a variety of colors, styles, and scents to meet the needs of your home and office.  Store soy candles in a cool dry place to prevent melting or destabilization of the soy wax, until you are ready to burn them.

Natural healing uses an alternative method known as aromatherapy.  Aromatherapy can be used to relax and soothe the body and mind and to energize and to arouse.  Essential oils are used in this method of natural healing.  They are the aromatic compounds of plants that have been extracted by steam distillation or other methods.  Your feelings and moods are affected by the aromas of essential oils through your sense of smell.  Certain scents can bring about a state of relaxation, romance, healing or comfort.   Ways this might be accomplished is by the use of oils, inhalers, diffusers and scented soy candles.  Since aromatherapy has the ability to affect your mood, it can be used to enhance your romantic life.

Jasmine, Gardenia, Rose and Geranium are associated with love and romance.  Oils from these herbs can excite your romantic life.  You can find scented soy candles with these fragrant aromas in many different sizes and styles.  A great way to experience aromatherapy is by using body massage soy candles.  These candles are made with natural soy wax.  They leave behind no soot and are non-toxic, meaning they have no pollution type materials in them.  Spice up your life with romance and try aromatherapy soy candles today.

Most practicing Jews begin their celebration of Sabbath with the lighting of the Sabbath candles.  It begins on Friday night and is a time of rest, no work and inner reflection.  It begins precisely 18 minutes prior to sundown and is started with a prayer, usually spoken in Hebrew.  The oldest woman in the house is responsible for the lighting of the candles.  When there is not a woman present then the oldest man will light the candles and say the prayer.  It is then customary to cover their eyes, so not to see the light.  Two is the traditional minimum number of candles used, but more is OK.  The two candles represent two important texts in the Old Testament or the Torah.  During the Sabbath the candles are also an important source of light, as even electricity is shunned. 

Soy candles can be used as a source of light in areas where there is no electricity.  It is always a good idea to have a few on hand, especially during the stormy weather ahead.  Scented soy candles come in pillars, votives, containers, tart melts, aromatherapy, body massage and wood wicks.  Pick your favorite fragrance, color and size.  Soy candles are made from natural soy wax and are non-toxic, biodegradable, affordable, a renewable resource, and are a healthy choice.

There are many reasons to use candles.  There are different waxes available to make candles with.  Of all the choices you could make, scented soy candles will be the healthier and most economically sound choice.  Below are some of the benefits to using soy candles.  I hope you will give them a try and see for yourself.

1. Soy wax burns 30-50% longer than paraffin wax.
2. Soy wax retains color and fragrance better than paraffin wax.
3. Soy wax is made from the soybean, an unlimited renewable resource.
4. Soy wax is a natural product.
5. Soy wax is not made from petroleum like paraffin wax.
6. Soy wax is non-toxic.
7. No carcinogens are produced when burning soy wax.
8. Using soy wax candles helps support the American farmer.
9. Soy wax is water-soluble, meaning just soap and water will clean up spills.
10. Soy wax is biodegradable.
11. Soy wax produces little to no soot when burning.

Simply put, votive candle holders are designed to hold votive candles.  The holders come in an array of  sizes and shapes.  The material used to make them can be from metal, wood, stone, glass, or ceramic.  You can find them in home supply stores, from companies who deal in candles and lighting, or even make them yourself. 

A votive candle is a small round pillar candle of standard size, usually 2 inches high by one and a half inches.  They can come in other sizes and shapes also.  A votive candle is used in religious services in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches.  They can be made from paraffin, beeswax, soy wax or other waxes.

Candle holders made to hold votives are designed to allow the candle to burn freely without guttering in the wind.  A classic holder is tall and cylindrical with a closed bottom, is made from glass that is clear or colored.  Since the flame is contained in the tall glass holder, making it relatively safe, you can use votives in a large display for parties.  Since a single votive doesn’t give off much light, used in large numbers you will have a nice lighting effect.  A votive candle holder can also be found shaped like a lamp, a candlestick, a candle tray, and a candelabra.  Many holders are versatile and can also hold tea-lights, and taller pillar candles.

For a truly economical and environmentally safe votive candle, try one made of natural soy wax.  Scented soy votive candles are non-toxic and clean up with just soap and water.  They produce little to no soot and burn 50% longer than paraffin wax candles.

An unscented candle is just the opposite of a scented candle.  This candle was created for the purpose of not having any fragrance, scent or aroma.  If burning candles is for the only purpose of providing light, then maybe an unscented candle is the best choice.  Unscented candles tend to be less expensive.

For anyone with allergies, unscented candles are the way to go.  Scented candles can cause headaches and breathing problems if you are sensitive to certain scents.  If storing the candles for a period of time, unscented candles will not attach their aroma to the drawer or cupboard being stored in.  Scented candles will leave behind their aroma and will even spread it onto neighboring candles in the same area, leaving a mixed fragrance. 

If you are burning a scented candle and just want additional sizes to accent your decor but not interfere with the fragrance, then adding unscented candles is an option.  When you burn more than one scented candle at a time they can cause an unpleasant aroma as they are fighting each others fragrance.   Unscented candles come in all sizes and shapes, as well as colors.  Having a colored candle, does not mean it has to have fragrance associated with it.  For beginners in candle making, unscented wax is the easiest to use as it is very basic.  Once you have mastered this step, move on to adding dye to make colored candles and then essential oils for fragrances.

You can find unscented wax in different kinds; beeswax, paraffin wax, gel and soy wax are a few.  Soy wax candles can be found scented or unscented.  The benefits of using soy wax candles are: they are non-toxic, a renewable resource, burn 50% longer than paraffin wax, produce little to no soot and clean up with just soap and water.  The natural soy wax also burns at a lower temperature thus reducing the risk of burns from hot candle wax. 

The purpose of a candle warmer is to heat up scented candles without using a flame.  The warmer is plugged into electricity.  There are advantages to using a candle warmer.  The scent produced by the candle when used in a warmer, is more pure and crisp since there is no burning soot to interfere with the scent.  When you are done with the candle simply unplug the warmer and avoid the after smell of the extinguished flame.  The entire candle will be utilized in your warmer.  When there is a flame the candle sometimes burns through the middle and you have wasted candle.  In a warmer the candle will last longer as it burns more slowly.  The very bottom of the candle will also be melted.  When burning with a flame the bottom portion often times can’t be burnt.  Sometimes the warmer will have a built in fan to help spread the aroma more efficiently.  They are designed to be quiet.

Using a candle warmer prevents soot making it environmentally friendly.  It is also better for the health of those in the home since there is no burning of smoke byproducts.  For this reason, aromatherapy candles are often used in a warmer.  There is no danger of fire from a flame, or worry about the candle being knocked over.  Since you are not lighting the candle but just plugging the warmer in, there is no chance of being burnt by the flame.  

Soy tart melts are a great way to introduce a pleasing aroma into your home with the use of a candle warmer.  The warmer and the soy tart melts are Eco friendly.  They are a renewable resource being made from soy wax which is made from soybeans.  You can mix your melts to create your own personal scent or simply use one scent at a time.  When your melts are gone, your warmer is easy to clean with just soap and water, and your warmer is ready for a new set of soy tart melts.