Why Are My Soy Candles Sweating?

Have you ever opened your favorite soy candle and noticed tiny beads of moisture on the surface? It might look like your candle is “sweating” — and while it can be a little concerning, this is a common occurrence with soy wax candles and doesn’t mean your candle is ruined.

At Karessa Candles, we create all-natural, hand-poured soy candles, and we've answered this question more than once! So let’s get into it:

What Does It Mean When a Soy Candle Sweats?

“Candle sweating” refers to the appearance of tiny oil droplets or moisture beads on the top or sides of a candle. It’s most noticeable on 100% soy wax candles and often happens when the candle is exposed to temperature changes.

It’s not water — it’s usually fragrance oil or natural soy oils separating from the wax.

What Causes Soy Candle Sweating?

Here are the most common reasons:

1. Temperature Fluctuations

Soy wax is very sensitive to heat and cold. If your candle moves from a warm environment (like a sunny windowsill or delivery truck) to a cool space (like your AC room), the wax can expand and contract — causing oils to separate.

That’s why we ship our handmade candles with extra care and recommend storing them away from direct sunlight or heaters.

2. Too Much Fragrance Oil

If too much fragrance oil is added during the candle-making process, the wax may not be able to hold it all — especially when temperatures rise.

At Karessa, we carefully test our scented candles for the perfect fragrance-to-wax balance so your candle smells amazing without sweating or separating.

3. Hot Rooms or Direct Sunlight

Even after a candle is made, storing it in hot places can lead to sweating. Sunlight, radiators, or even being left in a hot car can cause natural oils to rise to the surface.

Try storing your candles in a cool, dry place to prevent this.

4. Cold Environments Followed by Warm Ones

Sudden cooling followed by warming can also cause sweating. For example: if your candle was stored in a cold room, then moved to a warmer one, the change can cause surface condensation or oil separation.

Is Sweating Bad for My Soy Candle?

Not at all! While it might not look perfect, sweating does not harm the candle’s performance. It still:

• Burns evenly

• Smells beautiful

• Is safe to use

Just gently blot the surface with a tissue or clean cloth and enjoy your candle as usual.

How Can I Prevent Sweating in Soy Candles?

Here are some simple steps you can follow:

Store your candles in a cool, dry place
Avoid direct sunlight or high heat
Use an airtight lid if storing for long periods (many of our candle jars come with lids!)
Allow the wax to cool slowly when making candles
Use tested fragrance oil ratios (like we do in all our handmade candles)

Shop Candles That Are Tested for Perfection

All of our soy candles are hand-poured with care, using the perfect balance of natural soy wax and fragrance. Whether you're buying for yourself or gifting one of our candle hampers, you can trust they’re made to last — without the sweat.

Explore Our Handmade Soy Candle Collection
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