From David Fisher,
Your Guide to Candle & Soap Making.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Definition: Universal Additive (UA) is a versatile additive that is primarily used in candle making to help fragrance oil bind better to the wax. It also aids in the long-term retention of the scent, helps reduce mottling, and helps to reduce bubbles in the candle as it cools. Unlike Vybar, it achieves this without affecting the translucence of the wax too much. (If the wax is translucent to begin with, that is.) As a bonus, it also adds a nice glossiness to candles.

In chunk-style candles, it is generally used with a straight paraffin wax like IGI 1343 at the rate of about 1 tsp. per pound of wax. For added fragrance holding and/or glossiness, you can add it up to about 2 tbs. per pound of wax.

It has a high melting point, though (about 190 degrees). You must head your wax to 190 or above and then add the UA to the wax. Keep the wax hot and stir for several minutes to insure that the UA is well incorporated into the wax.

Examples: In chunk candles, I use a straight paraffin wax and 1 tsp. of Universal Additive per pound.