Can An Additive Make Soy Wax Last Longer?

Help! Is there anything natural, or any type of additive that can be mixed into  candle wax to make it last longer? What about a soy blend wax, or palm wax?  I do not want to buy a lot of candle wax, because it is so expensive. Will adding fabric softener,  lotions, or shampoo increase the volume of the candle wax, and still burn?

Comments will be welcome, but I felt I should make a blog post in response to Shirley’s question posted under the blog comments instead of responding to her via email.

 Candle safety is a primary consideration.

Personally, I would not consider it safe to add any additive to a candle wax product you intend to burn, unless it is approved by the National Candle Association.  

Please understand – any lit candle supports an open flame.  Anytime an open flame exists, fire hazards also exist. Without knowledge of the materials you are blending, or flash points, you could inadvertently increase the fire hazard risk, or cause a fire. Roughly four percent of residential fires in the U.S. result from accidental candle fires.

Soy wax candles burn cooler; as a result they can last up to 50% longer than paraffin wax candles. What may seem more expensive, may not be as expensive as it first appears.

Another thing to consider.  Scented soy candles have a higher quality scent throw than cheaper candle wax which has a hotter melting point than soy wax. This is achieved as a result direct result of the incorporation of soybean oil – which drops the candle waxes melting point. When candle wax burns at a cooler temperature, a lower melting point of candle wax is achieved. What results is a larger melt pool of the liquid wax building up around the candlewick. Essential oils or fragrances are dispersed into the air in greater volume creating a higher quality scent throw.

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