Beginner Candle Makers' Guide to Candle Additives

As a previous candle owner for over ten years I wanted to share with you and break down the most common used additives for candle wax. Before I started selling a single candle I tested candles for over 5 years before I came up with the perfect burning candle with the highest scent throw.

When you are a beginner to candle making you will need to play with additives to find what works best for the type of candle wax you are using and the fragrances, dyes and wicks. Every single fragrance oil and dye are different this is why testing is so important. As what might burn perfectly in one wax with a certain type of wick, your vanilla fragrance oil and light tan dye, may not burn the same with all the above and say strawberry fragrance oil.

Always take notes when trying something new or you will learn the hard way that finding that perfect blend and the perfect candle that you can not reproduce because you didn't take simple notes when testing and developing.

Vybar 103 - Vybar 103 is used to hold in the fragrance oil and dye in candles. Vybar 103 is used in candles that have a melt point over 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Vybar 103 will also make your candles opaque and harden them.

Vybar 260- Vybar 260 is used to hold in the fragrance oil and dye in candles. Vybar 260 is used in candles that have a melt point less than 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Vybar 260 will also make your candles opaque and harden them.

Stearic Acid- Helps lower the melt point of higher melt point waxes. It also acts as a hardener for the lower melt point waxes and will make your candles opaque. You can also use Stearic Acid to alter the appearance of your candles. When used in high percentages it will give off a crystallized look to the wax. When used in lower percentages it will give off a snowflake appearance.

UV Inhibitor- UV Inhibitor helps reduce the dye in your candles from fading. If you do outdoor candle shows or do shows anywhere the sun will hit your candles this is a must to put into your candles.