What's that white stuff on my wax melts?
If you’ve ever noticed a pale, slightly cloudy or crystalline pattern appearing on a soy wax melt, that’s frosting. It’s completely natural, it’s harmless, and it’s one of the trade-offs of choosing a plant-based wax over paraffin.
Let’s clear it up properly.
What Is Frosting?
Frosting is a natural crystallisation process that occurs in soy wax as it cools and ages. Because soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil, it behaves differently to petroleum-based waxes.
Over time, the wax molecules realign themselves into tiny crystals. These crystals rise to the surface and create a white, frosted or marbled appearance.
Think of it like chocolate blooming or sugar crystallising - same idea, different material.
Why Does Soy Wax Frost?
Frosting can happen for several reasons:
- Temperature changes during storage or transit
- Seasonal weather (cold snaps can trigger it)
- Time - soy wax naturally evolves as it ages
- Natural composition of vegetable wax
Even with perfect pouring temperatures and curing conditions, frosting can still occur. That’s the reality of working with a natural wax.
Does Frosting Affect Scent or Performance?
No. Not even slightly.
- ❌ It does not weaken the fragrance
- ❌ It does not affect how the wax melts
- ❌ It does not reduce scent throw
Once the wax is warmed in your burner, the frosting disappears completely and the melt performs exactly as intended.
Same scent. Same strength. Same experience.
Why I Choose Soy Wax Anyway
I deliberately use soy wax because it is:
- Plant-based and renewable
- Vegan-friendly
- Cleaner burning than paraffin
- Better at holding fragrance oils naturally
Frosting is simply part of that choice. If a wax never frosts, it’s usually because it’s been heavily modified or blended with additives.
The Honest Truth
If you want perfectly glossy, plastic-looking melts every time, soy wax probably isn’t for you.
But if you want:
- Strong fragrance
- A natural, plant-based wax
- Performance over appearances
Then frosting is just a visual quirk - not a flaw.
If your wax melt arrives with frosting, rest assured:
- It’s normal
- It’s expected
- It doesn’t affect quality
- It doesn’t affect scent
Pop it in your burner and enjoy it exactly as intended.
That’s the beauty of working with real, natural wax.