Soy Wax Candles
Although candles are not considered to be cosmetic products, They are part of self-pampering. There is something very satisfying about making them by yourself.
Candles can be a great addition when you have a home spa day or just a relaxing evening while treating yourself with handmade skin care.
I prefer to make soy wax or beeswax candles. I don't make candles from paraffin wax.
This post is about soy wax candles. Soy wax is made from soybeans, while paraffin wax is made from petroleum.
Soy wax candles are natural. Soy wax candles have less effect on the environment than paraffin wax candles (Both types of wax produce some amount of soot).
The difference between paraffin and soy is that the soot produced by paraffin candles is generally darker than the soot produced by soy wax candles.
In this recipe, I combine soy wax with coconut oil. Coconut oil can eliminate wet spots and reduce frosting on the top of the candle, so it is an excellent addition to the final look of the candle.
To make decorated candles, you will need the following:
- Soy wax
- Coconut oil
- Fragrance oil (optional)
- Cristal jars
- Wicks (I use the ones that come with stickers to secure them to the bottom of the jars)
- Heat-resistant container to melt the wax and oil
- Silicone molds for the embeds
- Candles dye
- Heat gun
The formula is:
- 80% Soy wax
- 20% Coconut oil
If I make 400g in total, I will use 320g of soy wax and 80g of coconut oil.
After the wax and oil are melted, I add the fragrance oil.
Some suppliers indicate up to 12% fragrance oil, but I find it is enough to use 10% fragrance oil.
For 400g wax+oil, I will add 40g fragrance oil.
Of course, you can leave your candle unscented if you wish.
If you want to create a more colorful design for your candles, you can use silicone molds to prepare wax decorations/embeds which you can place on top of the candle.
You can use candles' dye blocks or liquid dye. Usually, the dye blocks will give a darker color.
You only need a pinch of the block to color the wax.
Method:
- First, weigh the soy wax and coconut oil in a heat-resistant container.
- Place the container into a double boiler on medium heat to melt the wax and oil.
- Prepare the jars by placing the wick in the center of each jar.
- If you want to decorate your candles with embeds, you can divide the liquid wax into different containers and add different colors to create colorful embeds. Use silicone molds to pour your colorful wax and let it solidify.
- You can make different color layers. For the first layer, choose a color and add it to the liquid wax. Mix to combine.
- Once the color is mixed into the wax, take the container off the heat and add the fragrance oil. Mix to combine.
- Pour the first layer into the jars and let the wax solidify. You can use cloth clips (laundry clips) to secure the wick in the middle.
- Make another batch of the mixture (with a different color) if you plan to create two layers. Once the first layer is solidified, you can pour the second layer on top and let it harden.
- Once the top layer is solidified, You can heat it with a heat gun and add the embeds on top for decoration.
- Trim the wick (around 1 cm long). The candles are ready.
Enjoy your handmade soy wax candles.
