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My Reward PointsIt is possible for your candle to seem yellow or discolored for a variety of reasons, including exposure to light and scents, and having your wax overheated. After discovering that once-beautiful candles have begun to yellow or discolour, it can be disheartening.
However, some actions can be taken to drastically limit the amount of discoloration that occurs. This blog will explain why the discoloration is happening and how to stop it.
Common Reasons for Candle Turning Yellow
Candles turn yellow due to natural processes like oxidation, sunlight exposure, overheating, poor-quality components, and contaminants in the wax or aroma. Oxidation, a chemical reaction, can cause a yellowish color, while UV rays and certain scents, like those containing vanillin, can also cause yellowing. Here are brief explanations of these factors:
1. Discoloration of Fragrance Oil
The discoloration of fragrance oil can turn the candle yellow. Fragrance oils having a high vanillin content, as well as some citrus fragrances, have been reported to induce this yellowing effect within 24 hours of being mixed with the wax.
2. Too Much UV Light Exposure
UV radiation and artificial lighting, such as fluorescent lights, can alter the color of wax by breaking its connections, forming new compounds with a yellowish tinge, affecting the appearance of candles, with non-colored candles appearing yellow and dyed candles potentially fading.
3. Overheating Waxes
To prevent degradation and discoloration of waxes such as vegetable-based ones, avoid high temperatures during melting. Keep large amounts in a liquid condition until ready for candle production. Avoid direct heat contact or microwave methods, as they can cause heat spots and break down the wax.
4. Age and Oxidation
Candle can turn yellow due to oxidation, a reaction between wax and oxygen, and may also show discolouration or yellowing of the wax itself, along with a rancid odour due to the aging process of the oil.
5. Poor-Quality Ingredients
Poor-quality ingredients, particularly fragrance oils, can cause candle wax to turn yellow. Citrus scents or fragrances with a high vanillin content are more likely to cause this discoloration within a day. Additionally, prolonged exposure to UV light may make yellowing worse.
How to Cure A Candle from Turning Yellow?
Store candle wax in a cool, dark place away from light and heat, using high-quality, pure wax with few contaminants, and add a UV stabilizer if yellowing is caused by sunshine.
1. Store in A Cold & Dark Place
Store candles in a cool, dark environment to prevent yellowing of the wax, as UV light can cause discoloration over time. This reduces exposure to light and maintains the wax's natural color.
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Store candles in a cool, dark location, away from heat sources and direct sunlight, and if sunlight is the cause of the discolouration, use a UV stabiliser to stop them from turning yellow.
3. Use High-Quality Ingredients
High-quality candle wax can reduce yellowing, but not completely prevent it. Exposure to sunlight and certain fragrance oils can cause candles to turn yellow. Using pure waxes, dye-free alternatives, and avoiding high-vanillin oils can help.
4. Use UV Stabilizers
A UV stabilizer prevents yellowing of candle wax due to sunlight or UV ray exposure by absorbing UV light and converting it to heat, thus preventing degradation and discoloration.
Final Words
In conclusion, candle wax can turn yellow due to oxidation, UV exposure, overheating, and the use of low-quality ingredients; however, by using proper storage techniques and selecting high-quality materials, you can significantly reduce the risk of discoloration while maintaining the beauty of your candles. Taking preventative actions would protect their look and improve your candle experience.
F&Q
Q. If the wax gets yellow, will it impact candle performance?
Yellowing of candle wax is due to cosmetic oxidation and light exposure and does not affect performance, burn quality, scent, or other functional characteristics.
Q. Can I fix a yellow candle at home?
You can fix yellowing candles at home, but the success relies on the underlying cause. A UV inhibitor can address oxidation or light exposure, but aroma-related issues present more challenges.
Q. Will using essential oils cause yellowing?
Essential oils, being naturally colored, discolor wax, turning it yellow due to their natural range of green, orange, brown, or yellow colors.
Q. Why does wax get yellow?
Strong vanillin and citrus scents can cause the natural yellowing of dyed wax and dye-free candles, which is comparable to the fading of white materials in the presence of sunlight.
