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Why Does My Soy Candle Have a White Coating AKA Frosting?

Posted on October 01, 2016

Frosting:

Candle frosting is a natural occurrence that can happen to soy wax candles, where the wax on the surface of the candle can appear to have a white, powdery, or frosty look

What causes it?

Frosting is a perfectly natural effect of using soy wax and is unique to vegetable waxes.  It is caused by the natural wax molecules re-crystallizing and forming visible crystals on the surface of the candle.

All soy waxes frost and is a sign that you are using 100% natural soy wax. Some soys have additives to stop this frosting however if you want a 100% natural product then expect frosting.  If frosting really bothers you, try our Soyaluna Container Wax, as this wax contains a small amount of paraffin that will help prevent frosting.

Frosting does not affect the performance of your candle and is something that you shouldn’t stress over.

You can minimize frosting with these simple tips:

  • Play around with your pour temperature. Pour temp is only a guide and is very relevant to your conditions and surroundings. Try pouring hotter in small increments and keep a diary.
  • Don't use dye.  Frosting wont be as noticeable on white candles.  The darker your candle the more obvious the frosting
  • Most importantly: Keep your candles warm overnight. Don’t leave them out on a bench, especially when you know the temperature is going to drop. This is certain to promote frosting. Soy hates fluctuations in temperatures.
  • Frosting will also occur with age so try and move your candles quickly if its something you don’t like.

With a little bit of effort and understanding, you can prevent frosting from occurring.  If your candles are able to cure for a couple of weeks in a steady temperature, and they do not frost, then chances are they are not going to.