Can Soy Candles Get Mouldy?

If you have ever lifted the lid on your favourite soy candle and wondered, “Wait, is that… mould?” you are not alone. Candle makers and candle lovers alike get paranoid about this. The truth? Soy candles don’t really grow mould the way bread or your flatmate’s forgotten hummus does. But they can sometimes look suspicious.

Explanation: soy wax is made from soybeans. That is natural, which is why people sometimes panic and assume “natural” equals “perishable.”

What you might see instead is frosting, a white, crystallized look on the surface of soy candles. It’s not mould and it’s not dangerous. It’s basically the wax’s way of reminding you it’s authentic, like a CEO dropping buzzwords to prove they are still relevant.

Frosting happens because soy wax is temperamental with temperature changes. You leave it somewhere chilly, then bring it into the warmth and boom! Frosting.

So, can your soy candle actually mould? Not unless you have introduced moisture into the jar. If you have left your candle lidless in a damp bathroom for six months, then yes, you might see something weird. That’s not the candle betraying you, it’s you treating it like a forgotten intern with no resources.

What This Really Means

• Soy wax itself doesn’t mould

• Frosting is normal and harmless

• Moisture is the real enemy. Store your candles like you would store important client files: somewhere cool, dry and away from drama.

Final Thought

Soy candles aren’t fragile little divas. Treat them well and they will give you hours of clean burn and calm vibes. If you do see something fuzzy, it’s probably dust or your bathroom’s humidity playing tricks on you.

And if this blog has you side-eyeing your candle collection, maybe it’s time for an upgrade. Join one of my Burnout Relief Candle Making Workshops and learn how to make your own soy candles.