Candle Additives: Types, Chemistry, and Effects

1. What Are Candle Additives?

Candle additives are substances added to the candle wax to enhance specific properties or improve overall performance. These additives can affect various aspects of a candle, such as its colour, scent, burn time, and stability. With the right combination of additives, you can create candles that look great, smell amazing, and burn beautifully!

2. Common Types of Additives

There are several common types of candle additives, each with its unique benefits and effects on the candle:

• Dyes: Dyes are added to give candles their vibrant colours. They come in various forms, such as liquid dyes, dye chips, and dye blocks. Make sure to use candle-specific dyes to achieve the best results.
• Fragrance Oils: Fragrance oils give candles their delightful scents. These oils are specially formulated for use in candles and should be added at the correct percentage for optimal scent throw.
• Stearic Acid: Stearic acid is a fatty acid used to harden candles, making them last longer. It can also improve the opacity and texture of the candle wax.
• Vybar: Vybar is a polymer that helps improve scent throw and wax hardness. It can also reduce mottling and improve the appearance of candles.

3. Chemical Properties of Additives

Understanding the chemical properties of candle additives can help you create the perfect candle:

• Dyes: Most candle dyes are aniline-based, meaning they are derived from coal tar. They are highly concentrated and should be used sparingly to achieve the desired colour.
• Fragrance Oils: Fragrance oils are typically made of a blend of natural and synthetic compounds. They can have different flashpoints, which affect when the scent is released during the burning process.
• Stearic Acid: Stearic acid is a long-chain fatty acid that can be derived from animal or plant sources. It has a high melting point, which contributes to its ability to harden candles.
• Vybar: Vybar is a type of polyethylene wax. It has a low molecular weight and can easily mix with other waxes to improve its properties.

4. Effects on Candle Performance

Candle additives can significantly impact candle performance in various ways:

• Dyes: Using too much dye can affect the candle’s burn quality, causing it to burn unevenly or produce excessive soot. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for dye usage.
• Fragrance Oils: Adding too much fragrance oil can cause the candle to burn poorly or not at all. It’s essential to use the correct percentage of fragrance oil for the type of wax you’re using.
• Stearic Acid and Vybar: These additives can improve the hardness and burn time of candles, but using too much can cause the candle to become brittle or crack.

5. Conclusion

Candle additives are a fascinating aspect of candle making, allowing for customization and improvement of various candle properties. By understanding the different types of additives, their chemical properties, and their effects on candle performance, you can create candles that are not only beautiful but also burn efficiently and effectively.

As a passionate candle company, we at Highland Candle Company strive to educate and inspire our customers about the art and science of candle making. By exploring the world of candle additives, we hope to inspire creativity and enhance your candle-making experience.

So, the next time you light one of our candles or make your own, remember the amazing chemistry and creativity that goes into crafting the perfect candle. Happy candle-making!