Why Your Soy Candle Is Frosting: Causes & Simple Fixes
Frosting, that dusty, white crystalline layer that appears on soy candles, is one of the most common concerns for beginner candle makers. While it’s mostly cosmetic, it can be frustrating. Understanding why frosting happens and how to minimize it will help you make more beautiful candles without compromising on scent or burn quality.
What Is Candle Frosting?
Frosting is the crystallization of soy wax on the surface of the candle. As soy wax cools, tiny wax crystals form and rise to the surface, leaving a whitish, frosty look. This effect is natural and doesn’t affect how the candle burns but it does affect appearance.
Why Does Soy Wax Frost So Easily?
1. Wax Composition
- Pure soy wax is more prone to frosting than wax blends.
- Soy wax’s molecular structure promotes crystal formation as it cools.
2. Cooling Rate & Temperature
- Rapid cooling (e.g., pouring in a cold room) encourages crystal formation.
- Temperature shifts during curing, from warm to cool, can make crystals rise.
- Very warm or very cold pour temperature can make frosting worse.
3. Environmental Conditions
- Humidity and storage temperature influence frosting.
- Candles exposed to significant temperature swings are more prone to frosting.
4. Additives (or Lack of Them)
- Without hardeners, pure soy wax tends to crystallize.
- Using additives like vybar, stearic acid, or paraffin can help reduce frosting.
How to Reduce or Prevent Frosting
Use a Wax Additive
Adding a wax hardener can dramatically reduce frosting:
- Vybar: Commonly used to reduce crystallization and shrinkage.
- Stearic acid: Helps improve surface finish and minimize crystal formation.
Control Your Pour Temperature
- Pour your wax at the recommended pour temperature for your wax type.
- Avoid extremes: don’t pour too hot, and avoid pouring into a very cold room.
- Maintaining a consistent temperature during cooling helps minimize rapid crystal formation.
Slow Down Cooling
- Let your candles cool gradually in a stable, warm environment rather than a chilly or drafty spot.
- Use insulated boxes or wrap containers lightly when cooling to prevent temperature shock.
Blend Your Wax
- Consider a wax blend (e.g., soy + paraffin) if frosting is a persistent problem.
- Blends crystallize less because the different wax types interfere with pure soy’s crystal structure.
Proper Cure Time
- Allow candles to cure in a stable environment. Adhesion of crystals is influenced by cure.
- Longer cure time (1–2 weeks or more) can help stabilize the candle’s internal structure.
When Frosting Is “Okay” It’s Cosmetic, Not a Defect
- Frosting does not affect how your candle burns or the fragrance throw.
- Many candle makers consider it a natural characteristic of soy.
- If the appearance bothers you, just use the steps above to minimize it but don’t worry too much about performance loss.
FAQ’s
Q: Can frosting ruin my candle?
A: No. Frosting is cosmetic. It doesn’t affect burn quality or scent throw when properly cured.
Q: Will frosting go away over time?
A: Some crystal structures may settle slightly with long cure times, but frosting usually remains visible.
Q: Does adding paraffin or hardeners affect fragrance throw?
A: When done correctly, additives like vybar or stearic acid shouldn’t significantly reduce fragrance load, but always test small batches.
Q: Is frosting harmful?
A: No, it’s a natural crystallization process and doesn’t create toxins or performance issues.
Make Beautiful Soy Candles with Less Frosting
Frosting is a natural part of working with pure soy wax, but it doesn’t have to ruin your candle’s look. By using wax additives, controlling pour temperature, cooling slowly, and curing properly, you can dramatically reduce that whitish haze.At Candlewic, we offer high-quality soy wax flakes, additives like vybar, and all the supplies you need to make smooth, clean-finished candles. Explore our soy wax collection and our wax additives to get started on your next batch, frost-free and beautiful.
