Soy Wax

About This Product

Soy wax is made by fully or partially hydrogenating refined soybean oil, which saturates the double bonds in its fatty acid chains and converts a liquid oil into a solid fat. It carries CAS number 8016-70-4 and the INCI name Hydrogenated Soybean Oil. Grade is chosen by form and melting point: blocks at 42 to 46 degrees Celsius, flakes at 48 to 52, and pellets at 56 to 58, with recommended pour temperatures of 45 to 50, 50 to 55 and 55 to 60 degrees respectively. Because it is a triglyceride rather than a hydrocarbon, it behaves differently from paraffin in ways that govern how it is used. It has a low melting point, so container grades soften readily and adhere well to glass, and it burns at a lower temperature, giving a longer burn from the same weight. It also shrinks more on cooling and crystallises unevenly, which produces the frosting and wet spots familiar to candle makers; controlling pour temperature and cooling rate is the usual remedy rather than an additive. Its polarity means it holds fragrance oil well, typically at 7 to 10 percent, though scent throw develops differently from paraffin. It should not be heated above 85 degrees Celsius, which discolours it. It is used in container and tin candles, melts and tarts, massage candles, and as the base of vegan and natural wax blends. Bio Green Wax supplies soy wax blocks, flakes and pellets to specification on melting point, iodine value, colour, free fatty acid and moisture.