The History of Soy Wax for Candle Making

At In Mourning, we believe that candlelight is more than mere illumination—it is a ritual, a mood, and a connection to the unknown. Throughout history, candles have played a central role in mourning rites, magic, and sacred spaces, their flickering flames symbolizing both life and loss. While traditional waxes such as tallow and beeswax have long been used in candle-making, a relatively modern material—soy wax—has risen in popularity. But how did soy wax come to be, and what are its benefits and drawbacks, including its clean burning properties?

In this guide, we explore the history of soy wax, how it compares to other waxes, and why In Mourning chooses hand-poured soy candles for our darkly elegant collections.

The Origins of Soy Wax: A Modern Alternative

Unlike beeswax, which dates back to Ancient Egypt, or paraffin wax, which emerged in the 19th century, soy wax is a modern innovation. It was first developed in the 1990s as an eco-friendly alternative to paraffin, the petroleum-based wax commonly used in mass-market candles (CandleScience, 2020).

Soy wax is derived from hydrogenated soybean oil, a process that turns liquid soybean oil into a solid wax. Its origins trace back to the growing demand for sustainable and renewable candle materials, especially as awareness of paraffin’s environmental impact increased. Choosing the right soy wax is crucial for achieving the desired results in candle making, as different types of soy wax offer varying melting points and fragrance load capacities.

Why Was Soy Wax Created?

• Environmental Concerns – Paraffin wax is a byproduct of petroleum, a non-renewable resource. As sustainability became a key concern in the 20th century, candlemakers sought plant-based alternatives (Reinhardt & Marhold, 2012).
• Vegan & Cruelty-Free Appeal – Unlike beeswax, which is produced by honeybees, soy wax is 100% plant-based, making it ideal for vegan candle lovers.
• Healthier Indoor Air Quality – Paraffin candles release soot and toxins when burned, whereas soy wax burns cleaner and produces less air pollution (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2001).
• For candle makers, purchasing wholesale soy candle wax can be both cost-effective and convenient, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality, eco-friendly wax.

While soy wax may lack the ancient mystique of beeswax or the gothic allure of tallow, its practical benefits and sustainability make it a compelling choice for modern candle-making.

The Benefits of Soy Wax Candles

At In Mourning, we craft hand-poured soy candles that embody dark beauty and sustainability. Here’s why we embrace soy wax over paraffin and other alternatives:

1. Clean and Slow Burning

Soy wax burns more slowly and cleanly than paraffin, allowing candles to last 30-50% longer (CandleScience, 2020). This clean-burning property makes soy candles perfect for long, meditative rituals or quiet evenings of reflection.

2. Low Soot Production

Paraffin candles can release black soot, staining walls and affecting indoor air quality (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2001). Soy wax, by contrast, produces little to no soot, making it a healthier option.

3. Excellent Scent Throw

Soy wax holds fragrance oils well, making it ideal for creating custom-scented candles that release a subtle yet rich aroma without overpowering the senses. This makes it ideal for gothic-inspired scents like:

• Black Rose & Patchouli (perfect for mourning rituals)
• Absinthe & Myrrh (evoking a haunted Victorian parlor)
• Graveyard Fog (a blend of damp earth and aged wood)

4. Biodegradable & Sustainable

Soy wax is derived from soybeans, a renewable resource, unlike paraffin, which relies on non-renewable petroleum (Reinhardt & Marhold, 2012). Additionally, soy wax is biodegradable, meaning it won’t linger in landfills or contribute to environmental waste. Soy wax flakes are particularly popular among candle makers for their ease of use and clean-burning properties, making them an eco-friendly choice for DIY projects.

The Drawbacks of Soy Wax

While soy wax offers many advantages, it is not without its flaws:

1. Softer, Less Structured Wax

Soy wax is softer than paraffin, making it less ideal for pillar candles or highly detailed molds. This is why In Mourning primarily uses soy wax in container candles, ensuring clean, controlled burns. Despite its softness, soy wax is highly versatile and suitable for making candles of various types, including container candles and wax melts.

2. Frosting & Aesthetic Imperfections

One of soy wax’s quirks is frosting—a white, crystalline layer that can form on the surface of the wax. While this doesn’t affect burn quality, it can create an aged, weathered appearance—perhaps fitting for those who appreciate an antiqued, gothic aesthetic. These imperfections can add a unique, personal touch to your own candles, making each one a distinct piece of art.

3. Limited Heat Resistance

Soy wax has a lower melting point than paraffin, meaning it can become soft in warm temperatures. For this reason, soy candles should be stored in cool, dark places—a fitting metaphor for those drawn to the shadowy corners of existence. Soy wax is also ideal for creating wax melts, which can be used in various types of candle-making projects and provide a clean, fragrant burn.

Why In Mourning Chooses Soy Wax

At In Mourning, we believe in creating beauty from the dark. Our Mourning Light collection of witchy soy candles is crafted with hand-selected botanicals, resins, and essential oils to enhance ritual work and personal reflection.

We choose soy wax because it aligns with our values of sustainability, longevity, and natural beauty. Our candles:

• Burn cleanly for extended rituals and meditations.
• Feature hauntingly evocative scents, inspired by mourning traditions and gothic literature.
• Are hand-poured in small batches, ensuring artisanal quality.

Soy wax may not carry the ancient superstitions of tallow or the luxurious prestige of beeswax, but it is a modern material with deep, mystical potential.

The Future of Soy Wax in Gothic Candle-Making

As we look to the future, soy wax remains one of the most sustainable and effective choices for candle magic and gothic decor. Its slow, clean burn and eco-conscious origins make it a fitting material for those who honor both tradition and transformation.

For those who seek ritual candles that embrace both the beauty and sorrow of existence, Mourning Light soy candles by In Mourning offer an elegant, gothic alternative.

Ready to illuminate your dark sanctuary? Explore our handcrafted soy candle collection today.

Citations

• CandleScience. The Science Behind Soy Wax. CandleScience, 2020.
• Reinhardt, Günter, and Marhold, Norbert. Sustainable Industrial Chemistry: Principles, Tools, and Industrial Examples. Wiley-VCH, 2012.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Candles and Incense as Potential Sources of Indoor Air Pollution: Market Analysis and Literature Review. EPA, 2001.