What Is Frosting?
That white, crystalline bloom that appears on soy candles. It looks like a light frost covering the surface and sides of the wax.
It's sometimes called "bloom" or "polymorphism" if you want the technical term.
Why It Happens
Soy wax is a natural product. It contains triglycerides that can crystallise in different forms as the wax cools and ages.
These crystals grow over time, especially when:
- Temperature fluctuates (hot days, cold nights)
- The candle is exposed to light
- Time passes - even in perfect storage
Frosting is essentially soy wax returning to its natural crystalline state. It's not a defect. It's chemistry.
Does It Affect Performance?
No. Not at all.
A frosted candle burns exactly the same as an unfrosted one. Same scent throw. Same burn time. Same melt pool.
Can You Prevent It?
You can minimise it, but not eliminate it entirely with 100% soy wax.
Minimising Techniques:
- Cool slowly: Rapid cooling promotes crystal formation
- Store consistently: Avoid temperature swings
- Avoid direct light: UV accelerates frosting
- Pour at the right temp: Too hot increases frosting potential
Wax Choices:
- Blended waxes: Soy-coconut blends frost less than pure soy
- Additives: Some manufacturers add polymers to reduce frosting
- Container vs pillar: Container waxes are often formulated to frost less
The Marketing Angle
Some brands embrace frosting as proof of natural ingredients. "If it frosts, it's real soy."
This is actually a valid marketing position. Paraffin doesn't frost. Heavily processed waxes don't frost. Natural soy does.
You can turn a "flaw" into a feature if you frame it right.
Customer Education
If frosting bothers your customers, include a note with your candles:
"The white bloom you may see is called frosting - it's a natural characteristic of pure soy wax and a sign of quality ingredients. It doesn't affect how your candle burns or smells."