Soy Wax is a natural and renewable substance derived from soy beans. Traditional candles are made from paraffin wax, which is created from petroleum. It has gained popularity among environmentally conscious individuals due to its eco-friendly nature.
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What Is Soy Wax?
Soy Wax is composed primarily of hydrogenated soy bean vegetable oil. The oil is transformed into a solid form through hydrogenation, a process that involves adding hydrogen to the oil in the presence of a catalyst. Often, other oils and waxes are then included.
The one I use for cosmetic products is a very specific one. The INCI is Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides, and it is 100% made from non-GMO soybeans, without any other additions. It is dermatologically tested and safe to use on the skin. It’s even used to line paper drinking cups as it is so safe.
How Is Soy Wax Made?
Soy Wax is made by hydrogenating soybean oil. The oil is heated, and the hydrogenation process involves saturating the oil with hydrogen. Once this process is complete, the result is a solid wax that can be used to make candles.
Environmental Advantages of Soy Wax
- One of the main advantages is that soy beans are a renewable resource. This means that Soy Wax production has a much lower carbon footprint compared to paraffin wax, which is made from petroleum.
- Since Soy Wax is also biodegradable, it can break down naturally without causing harm to the environment.
- In addition, Soy Wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax. This means that Soy Wax candles will burn longer than paraffin candles do, producing less soot and reducing indoor air pollution. Click here to learn How to Make Your Own CBD Massage Candle
- Soy Wax candles are safer and healthier because they are made with non-toxic wax that doesn’t release harmful chemicals into the air when burned. This makes it more suitable for people with respiratory sensitivities or asthma. Paraffin can release carcinogens and other harmful substances when lit. It’s counterintuitive to have a spa environment for a massage, but breathe in harmful substances from a paraffin wax candle, regardless of its pleasant smell.
- Soy Wax has a much better fragrance throw than other types of wax and also has a longer burning time.
Top 4 Reasons To Choose Soy Wax
There are other reasons to use this particular cosmetic grade wax in skincare creams, lotion bars, and massage candles.
- It has been designed as a one-pour wax with good adhesion. If you have not made candles before, some waxes have to be poured over several sessions, and many don’t stick well in the container. For the purpose of a massage candle, you certainly don’t want the candle to fall out as you tip it onto your skin, so good glass adhesion is really important.
- Once poured, the candle has minimal shrinkage (good for presentation) and has a beautiful creamy, white colour to it.
- Soy Wax has a lower melting point than paraffin wax, melting at about 48 °C / 118 °F and can be poured at 50 °C to 60 °C / 122 °F to 140 °F.
- This particular Cosmetic Grade wax locks moisture into the skin incredibly well, which slows down TransEpidermal Water Loss (TEWL). That keeps your skin more hydrated, supple and flexible.
- You can make an amazing cannabis-infused lotion bar for reflexology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I Choose Soy Wax Over Paraffin Wax?
Soy-derived wax is considered better than paraffin-derived wax for several reasons. Firstly, as it is made from soy beans, it is renewable, making it more environmentally friendly. On the other hand, paraffin is made from petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource.
Secondly, a soy candle melts at a lower temperature than paraffin candle wax, which means it burns slower and provides a longer-lasting candle burn.
Most importantly of all, this particular wax has undergone dermatological testing to ensure it is safe to use on your skin. This means it is ideal to use in skin creams, lotion bars, and massage candles.
What Are The Benefits of Soy Wax Candles?
The benefits of soy-derived wax candles include:
- Being renewable and environmentally friendly as they are made from a sustainable resource (soybeans).
- Burning cleaner and producing less soot compared to paraffin candles.
- Melting at a lower temperature than paraffin candles, resulting in a longer burn time.
- Using cannabis-infused oil blended into the soy wax gives a great way to get 420 benefits in a luxurious cannabis massage candle.
Conclusion
Soy Wax has many benefits for people who care about the environment and want safer skincare and candles. Derived from soybeans, it carries a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to paraffin wax, which is petroleum-based. Its biodegradability ensures it breaks down harmlessly, further contributing to its eco-friendly profile.
Soy Wax candles stand out for burning cleaner, emitting less soot, and boasting a longer burn time due to their lower melting point. Using soy-based wax in skincare products like creams and massage candles offers benefits such as increased moisture retention and decreased TransEpidermal Water Loss (TEWL), resulting in more hydrated and supple skin.
Notably, the shift towards sustainable and health-conscious products has made soy wax a preferred alternative to traditional paraffin-sourced products. Its non-toxic nature and absence of harmful chemical emissions during burning make it a safer choice for indoor environments, particularly for individuals with respiratory sensitivities. Moreover, the fact that the specific type I recommend undergoes dermatological testing adds to its credibility and suitability for skincare applications.
In a world where conscious choices are pivotal, opting for Soy Wax is a responsible decision that aligns with both personal well-being and environmental preservation.
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