Where Does Soy Wax Come From?

If you’re into natural candles, chances are you’ve heard of soy wax. But have you ever wondered where soy wax actually comes from? In this article, we’ll break down the entire process—from soybeans in the field to the wax in your favorite candle.

What Is Soy Wax?

Soy wax is a vegetable-based wax made from the oil of soybeans. It’s a popular alternative to paraffin wax, which is derived from petroleum. Soy wax is biodegradable, renewable, and burns cleaner, making it a go-to choice for eco-conscious candle makers and consumers.

The Journey of Soy Wax: From Soybean to Candle

1. Growing the Soybeans

The story of soy wax starts on farms, primarily in the United States, which is the leading producer of soybeans globally. These beans are grown in large quantities for various uses—food products, livestock feed, and yes, wax!

2. Harvesting and Cleaning

Once the soybeans are mature, they’re harvested and cleaned to remove any debris. The cleaned beans are then ready for oil extraction.

3. Oil Extraction

The soybeans are cracked, de-hulled, and rolled into flakes. Oil is then extracted from these flakes using mechanical pressing or a solvent extraction process. This crude soybean oil is what eventually becomes soy wax.

4. Hydrogenation

The extracted soybean oil undergoes a process called hydrogenation, where hydrogen is added to the oil. This changes some of the fatty acids in the oil from unsaturated to saturated, which raises the melting point and transforms the liquid oil into a solid wax.

5. Refining the Wax

The hydrogenated oil is then refined and bleached to produce the smooth, creamy soy wax used in candle making. It’s free of toxins, parabens, and often GMO-free when sourced organically.

Why Choose Soy Wax?

• Eco-Friendly: Soy wax is biodegradable and made from a renewable crop.

• Cleaner Burning: It produces less soot compared to paraffin candles.

• Longer Burn Time: Soy candles burn slower and more evenly.

• Better Scent Throw: It holds fragrance well, making it perfect for scented candles.

Final Thoughts

Soy wax is more than just a trendy candle ingredient, it’s a sustainable, natural product with a fascinating origin. From humble soybeans on American farms to the cozy candle flickering on your coffee table, soy wax takes a surprisingly natural and eco-conscious journey.

Whether you're a candle enthusiast or an aspiring candle maker, knowing where your wax comes from adds a meaningful touch to the warm glow of your soy candle. Click the link to shop our selection of soy candles.