I emailed them about the retention a few years ago...they said it is capable of holding more(9-10%) , but that is the manufactures recomendation, and that some oils are heavier than others. I have a hunch it is from Golden Foods, but I'm not positive. I use the soy 125 from them. I have seen batches fluctuate in burn. Last year I could use a cd 10 in my jelly jars, this year I'm using 12's in many scents. That is frustrating. But since it is a natural wax it will change from batch to batch. I add 10% parafin, I get very little frosting. I also pour hot. I color. I don't think their soy is much different from any other. Thats my opinion. I have not found many scents from them that I love. Hope that Helps.