07/20/2026
What causes frosting on candles—and how can you reduce it?
Frosting is the white, crystal-like appearance that can develop on the surface or sides of candles made with natural waxes, especially soy wax.
It may be caused by:
🕯️ Sudden temperature changes
🕯️ Pouring outside the wax manufacturer’s recommended temperature range
🕯️ Cooling the candle too quickly
🕯️ Cold jars or work surfaces
🕯️ Moving the candle before it has completely set
🕯️ Natural crystal formation within plant-based wax
The good news is that frosting is usually cosmetic. It typically does not affect the candle’s safety or performance.
How to help reduce frosting
1️⃣ Follow the recommended temperatures
Check your wax supplier’s guidelines for melting, fragrance-addition, and pouring temperatures.
2️⃣ Warm your vessels slightly
Cold jars can cause the wax to cool unevenly. Gently warming your vessels before pouring may help.
3️⃣ Keep the room temperature stable
Avoid making candles in areas that are extremely hot, cold, or constantly changing in temperature.
4️⃣ Allow candles to cool slowly
Keep freshly poured candles away from fans, air-conditioning vents, open windows, and cold countertops.
5️⃣ Do not move them too soon
Leave your candles undisturbed until the wax has completely cooled and set.
6️⃣ Test your process
Record your temperatures, fragrance load, room conditions, and results so you can determine what works best for your wax.
Because frosting is a natural characteristic of some plant-based waxes, it may not always be completely preventable—but a consistent process can help reduce it.
💾 Save this post for your next candle-making session!
What’s your go-to method for preventing frosting? Share your best tip below—you may help another candle maker! 👇🏽
