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About Our Pure Soy Wax Candles and Melts

ABOUT OUR WAX

Why 1803 Candles Uses Pure Soy Wax

Wax is the foundation of every candle we pour. At 1803 Candles, we are proud to use pure soy wax made from U.S.-grown soybeans rather than a soy-paraffin wax blend. From soybeans grown in American fields to the finished candles poured by our candle crew, soy wax is an important part of the 1803 Candles story.

Our soy wax is pure soy wax. It is not blended with another type of oil or wax. We are proud of the handmade products we create and the care that goes into every 1803 candle.

What Is Soy Wax?

Soy wax is a vegetable-based candle wax made from soybean oil. After soybeans are harvested, they are cleaned, prepared and processed so their oil can be extracted. The soybean oil is then hydrogenated, a process that changes the oil so it becomes solid at room temperature and can be used as candle wax. The finished soy wax can then be carefully melted and combined with fragrance before being poured into a candle container.

Soybeans used to make soy wax for 1803 Candles U.S.-grown soybeans used for soy candle wax

How Soybeans Become Soy Candle Wax

  1. Harvest: Soybeans are harvested from the field.
  2. Cleaning and preparation: The beans are cleaned and prepared for processing.
  3. Flaking and oil extraction: The soybeans are processed into flakes so the soybean oil can be extracted.
  4. Hydrogenation: The soybean oil is hydrogenated so it becomes solid at room temperature.
  5. Candle making: The resulting soy wax can then be melted, fragranced and poured into candles.

At 1803 Candles, that soy wax becomes the starting point for the fragrances and candle collections our customers enjoy throughout the year.

Pure Soy Wax — Not a Paraffin Blend

The term soy candle does not necessarily tell you how much soy wax is actually present in a candle. Some candle waxes are blends containing soy along with other waxes. 1803 Candles uses pure soy wax for our handcrafted soy candles. We do not blend our soy wax with paraffin wax. That distinction matters to us because we want our customers to know what type of wax forms the foundation of their 1803 candle.

Why U.S.-Grown Soybeans Matter to Us

Soybeans are an important American agricultural crop, and we are proud that the soy wax used by 1803 Candles begins with soybeans grown in the United States. Choosing soy wax fits naturally with a company whose products are handcrafted in Waterman, Illinois and whose story has always been closely connected with family, small businesses and the communities around us.

Learn more about the people and history behind the company on our Our Story page.

Benefits of Soy Wax

  • Made from a renewable agricultural resource
  • Made from U.S.-grown soybeans
  • Supports American agriculture
  • Vegetable-based wax
  • Lower melting point than many traditional candle waxes
  • Wax residue can generally be cleaned with warm, soapy water

These characteristics are among the reasons soy wax has been the foundation of 1803 Candles since the beginning.

Soy Wax and Candle Fragrance

A strong scented candle depends on more than wax alone. Wax, fragrance, wick selection, candle design, room size, airflow and the way a candle is burned can all influence the fragrance experience.

As a candle burns, melted wax forms around the wick and fragrance is released from the warmed wax. Developing an even melt pool and keeping the candle away from excessive drafts can help the candle perform as intended.

If noticeable home fragrance is important to you, explore our strong scented soy candles.

Getting the Best Burn From Your Soy Candle

  • Trim the wick to approximately 1/4 inch before lighting.
  • Place the candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
  • Keep the candle away from drafts, fans and vents.
  • Allow the wax to develop an even melt pool during normal use.
  • Never leave a burning candle unattended.
  • Keep burning candles away from children, pets and flammable materials.
  • Always follow the burning and safety instructions supplied with your candle.

Proper wick care and safe burning habits help your candle perform consistently throughout its life.

Beyond Candles: Soy Wax Melts

Love home fragrance without a candle flame? Many 1803 fragrances are also available as soy wax melts for use in an appropriate electric or wax warmer.

Explore our soy wax melts to discover bakery, fruit, spice, floral, fresh and wood-inspired fragrances.

SOY WAX QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About Soy Wax

What is soy wax made from?

Soy wax is made from soybean oil. The oil is processed through hydrogenation so that it becomes solid at room temperature and suitable for candle making.

Does 1803 Candles use pure soy wax?

Yes. 1803 Candles uses pure soy wax in our handcrafted soy candles rather than blending the soy wax with paraffin wax.

Where do the soybeans used for 1803's soy wax come from?

The soy wax used by 1803 Candles is made from soybeans grown in the United States.

Why does the surface of my soy candle sometimes look different?

Soy wax can develop natural surface variations as temperatures change and as the wax heats and cools. Appearance alone does not necessarily indicate a problem with the candle.

How short should I trim my candle wick?

Trim the wick to approximately 1/4 inch before lighting the candle. Always follow the safety and burning instructions provided with your candle.

Does 1803 Candles also make soy wax melts?

Yes. Many 1803 fragrances are available as soy wax melts for use with an appropriate wax warmer.

From U.S.-Grown Soybeans to a Fragrance You Remember

Soy wax is only the beginning. Our candle crew combines our soy wax with carefully selected fragrances and handcrafted candle making to create the scent experiences that have become part of the 1803 Candles story.

Shop Soy Candles  |  Shop Soy Wax Melts  |  Read Our Story

Want to learn more about clean burning soy hand made candles, check out our blog. Learn More about Clean Burning Soy