Natural Plant-Based Waxes for Candles and Addressing Soy Wax Frosting

For making candles from natural plant-based waxes, besides soy wax, you can use several other types of natural waxes derived from plants:

• Candelilla Wax: This wax comes from the Candelilla plant. It is harder than beeswax and has a higher melting point, which can help create a firmer candle structure.
• Carnauba Wax: Derived from the leaves of the Carnauba palm, this is one of the hardest natural waxes with a high melting point. It is often used in blends to increase hardness and stability.
• Sunflower Wax: This wax is obtained from sunflower seeds and has a relatively high melting point.
• Tribehenin: While often used as a substitute for natural waxes in cosmetics, Tribehenin is a soft wax that can be plant-derived and might be used to modify texture in blends.
• Cetyl Palmitate: This is an ester that can be plant-derived and acts as a wax, often used as a beeswax substitute. It can function as a thickener and emollient.

Beeswax is also a natural wax, but it is derived from bees, not plants.

Addressing Air Bubbles (Frosting) in Soy Wax Candles

The "bubbles" or cloudy/crystalized appearance on the surface or sides of soy wax candles is commonly known as frosting or bloom. This is a natural characteristic of pure soy wax and occurs due to the crystallization of the wax. While it doesn't affect the candle's performance, it can be aesthetically undesirable.

To minimize frosting and improve the surface finish of soy wax candles, you can try the following:

1. Blend with Other Waxes: Mixing soy wax with a small percentage of a harder wax can help stabilize the crystal structure and reduce frosting. Suitable natural plant-based waxes for blending include:
   • Candelilla Wax
   • Carnauba Wax
   • Sunflower Wax
     
     Adding around 5-10% of these harder waxes to your soy wax can make a significant difference. The exact ratio may require experimentation to achieve the desired result.
2. Control Pouring Temperature: Pouring the melted wax into the container at a lower temperature, just above its melting point, can help reduce rapid crystallization and minimize frosting and air bubbles.
3. Preheat Containers: Warming your candle containers slightly before pouring the wax can also promote slower, more even cooling and reduce frosting.

By experimenting with different wax blends and pouring techniques, you can achieve a smoother finish for your natural plant-based candles.