Wax is the most important raw material for making scented candles, which can be divided into natural wax and artificial wax. Natural waxes include soy wax, beeswax, coconut wax, and ice wax. Artificial wax is made of paraffin, minerals and polymers extracted from petroleum, and jelly wax also belongs to this category. There is a small misunderstanding here. Many friends mistakenly think that artificial wax is harmful. In fact, it is not the case. The well-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 differences in properties between them. At the same time, control the three indicators of suitable melting point range, oxygen content and fragrance expansion effect.
1. Paraffin
Paraffin wax is a kind of mineral wax and also a kind of petroleum wax; it is a flaky or needle-shaped crystal refined from crude oil, and its main component is straight-chain alkanes (about 80% to 95%). According to the degree of processing and 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 used for food and other commodities, such as fruit preservation, wax paper, crayons. Crude paraffin is mainly used to make fiberboard, tarpaulin, etc. due to its high oil content.
Paraffin wax has a high melting point and is relatively hard. It is generally suitable for release wax, such as various shapes of fruit and columnar wax. Refined paraffin is food grade and very safe to burn. The rest of the non-refined paraffin is only suitable for ornamental scented candles, not suitable for burning as scented candles.
2. Soy wax
Soy wax refers to wax produced from hydrogenated soybean oil. It is the main raw material for making craft candles, essential oils and scented candles. The advantages of soybean wax are that the price is low, the cup wax made does not take off the cup, does not crack, the pigment is evenly dispersed, and does not budge. Burns 30-50% longer than paraffin. Non-toxic and environmentally friendly. No carcinogens will be produced when burned, and the waste is biodegradable.
Soft soy wax is the most commonly used wax for handmade 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 is soft in texture and is more suitable for making cup wax. It is environmentally friendly and natural, and it burns without black smoke. It 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 four pairs of wax glands in the abdomen of worker bees of the right age in the bee colony. Beeswax is divided into beeswax and white beeswax. The price is high. 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 ordinary soft soybean wax, it can be mixed with beeswax to prolong the burning time of the finished product.
At the same time, because beeswax has a high melting point, is relatively hard, brittle, and shrinks very much when it is cold, it is easy to take off the cup and deform when making cup wax. Generally, it is 2:1 with soybean wax or 3:1 ratio mixed use. Increase the smoothness of the wax surface, and it will not make the scented candles of pure soybean wax too soft.
4. Coconut wax
Coconut wax is actually a kind of oil. Coconut wax is also a kind of vegetable wax. Its raw material is coconut. Candles made of coconut wax are milder, and I sometimes apply a little on my hands when the pure coconut wax scented candle burns and melts, and it will be fragrant all night long. Be careful to try the temperature first. Although coconut wax is generally relatively low temperature, it will turn into a liquid state at about 40 degrees. It is no problem to use the side, but pay attention to safe use.
Coconut wax is harmless to the human body, and it is a relatively mild scented candle. 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 scented candles, add a certain proportion of coconut wax, the main purpose is to prevent the scent from becoming a pit when burning, resulting in waste.
5. Ice Wax
Ice Wax is made from the oil extracted from coconut fruit, and the part in contact with the air will appear in the formal shape of a snowflake. 100% plant extraction, smokeless combustion, degradable, natural and environmentally friendly. It will crystallize, and the higher the temperature, the more crystallization. If novices do not control well, it will be difficult to flower without a large temperature difference. Combustion will not produce harmful gas, suitable for ornamental candles.
