Stearin opens up new opportunities in terms of creating candles. It is an additive that can save you from multiple problems by making your wax more opaque, harder or even increasing the burning time of your candle. Through this article, you will discover or rediscover the countless benefits of vegetable stearic acid . Ready, fire, light!
What is stearin? Definition and history
Stearin is a fatty acid formerly derived from animal fat, but today stearic acid is derived from palm or coconut oil.
It has a long history of use and has been widely used as an ingredient in candles, soaps, cosmetics...
Stearic acid has been an important ingredient in candle making since the Middle Ages, when it was derived from animal fat. It was first used as a substitute for tallow during the Industrial Revolution thanks to the discovery of a chemist named Michel-Eugène Chevreu in the 19th century. Its use became widespread after World War II due to its high melting point.
Stearin VS Palm Wax
Stearin and palm wax are both solid materials at room temperature, used as ingredients in the production of different products, such as cosmetics, foods and candles. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Stearin is a product derived from vegetable oil, usually made from palm or sunflower oil. It is a white, creamy product, used as an emulsifying agent to help mix ingredients in cosmetic and food products.
Palm wax, for its part, is a product made from palm oil, usually obtained by hot pressing palm oil seeds. It is a solid product at room temperature and is often used in cosmetic products to add texture and stability.
In reality, stearin is used for its emulsifying properties while palm wax is used for its texturizing and stabilizing properties. It is therefore important to consider these factors when choosing ingredients.
RSPO and vegetable stearin certification
More recent research has made it possible to discover an RSPO-certified natural substitute attesting to sustainable beneficial production, whether economically, ecologically and socially. This now makes it possible to manufacture plant-based stearin from plants rather than animal fats in order to reduce its negative impacts on the environment and consumer health. There are therefore currently no health risks or contraindications to using stearin and it has no impact on the combustion process. Not bad is not it ?
What is vegetable stearic acid used for in a candle?
Stearin is a wax additive that is used in candles to make them burn more evenly and with high thermal stability . The melting point of stearin is 62°C (143.6°F) . One of the particularities of stearin is that its softening point and its melting point are almost identical (there is a difference of 15°C - 59°F between the two points for paraffin).
A candle made from a mixture of paraffin and stearin will burn longer than a candle made from pure paraffin.
In short, stearin:
- Increases the burning time of a candle.
- Colors very well and makes the colors more intense.
- Makes the wax more opaque.
- Allows you to make molded candles (100% stearin).
- Helps to make scented fondants (100% stearin), the olfactory rendering is very effective.
- Improves olfactory rendering (5 to 10%) with soy wax.
- Makes the candle harder which prevents small cracks.
With a larger dose you can make the wax opaque and if you go much further the surface can start to crystallize.
Using vegetable stearin in your candles
Certain aspects of stearin are interesting, a “crystal” effect can be obtained (provided you provide a powerful wick) with proportions lower than those recommended and conversely, you can obtain much more intense colors with higher proportions. .
Stearin can also be used as wax, without any additives, either for making candles in containers or for making molded candles.
But be careful! It is not recommended to use latex molds with stearin, it is preferable to use metal or silicone molds.
