Have you made a few scented candles for yourself or to sell in your store and noticed that they have yellowed after a while? Or the color you used faded after a while? There are several reasons why this can happen, so let's dive in.
Sunlight:
Sunlight, especially its ultraviolet (UV) component, can change the color of wax. The sunlight can break some of the bonds in the wax, creating new compounds that can have a yellowish tint. What to do? Store the candles in a cool, dark place. If you keep your candles away from direct sunlight and heat sources, you can prevent yellowing. Store them in a cool, dark place, e.g. in a cupboard or drawer, to minimize exposure to light. You can also add UV stabilizer. However, the UV stabilizer will only help if the cause of the discoloration is sunlight.
Fragrance:
The color of the fragrance itself can affect the color of your wax. Take this into account when choosing your fragrance. Citrus fragrances and vanillin-containing fragrances are known to discolor candles. If the fragrance does not mix well, this can also lead to discoloration. Add the fragrance at the correct temperature and stir gently for 2 to 3 minutes to ensure that the fragrance mixes properly with the wax.
Overheating the wax:
If you overheat your wax for an extended period of time, it will turn yellow. Make sure that you melt the wax below the specified temperature. Have you noticed that you have already overheated your wax and it is becoming increasingly yellow/darker? You can also add a little beige dye to counteract the yellow tint and achieve a more natural, uniform wax color.
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to email us at support@distrebution.com!