Making candles is a fun and easy way to add some extra flair to your home décor, and coconut wax is an excellent choice for those looking for a natural option. Coconut wax is made from the oil of coconuts, and it’s a renewable resource. It’s also non-toxic and has a lower melting point than other types of wax, making it ideal for candles. This article will provide you with everything you need to know to get started with making Coconut Wax candles. Let’s dive in!
What is Coconut Wax?
Coconut wax is a type of vegetable wax made from coconut oil. It is a renewable resource and is non-toxic, making it a more environmentally friendly choice than paraffin wax. Coconut wax is also hypoallergenic and burns cleanly, producing little to no soot.
How is Coconut Wax made?
Coconut wax is made by extracting the oil from coconut meat and then hydrogenating it. This process turns the liquid oil into a solid wax. The coconut wax is then purified to remove any impurities.
What are the properties of Coconut Wax?
Coconut Wax has several distinct properties that we reviewed across several candle wax samples. In the tables below, you will find all the information you need to get started with Coconut Wax and how this will impact your candle wax blend.
If you want to learn more about how Coconut Wax stacks up against other candle waxes, we encourage you to look at our candle wax blending guide and temperature management guide.
| Melting Point in Fahrenheit (°F) | Melting Point in Celsius (°C) |
| 100 to 107 | 38 to 42 |
| Melting Point in Fahrenheit (°F) | At what ambient temperature is the candle at risk of melting? (°F) | How long can you leave the candle before it melts? (Minutes) |
| 100 to 107 | 73 | 20 |
| Flash Point in Fahrenheit (°F) | Flash Point in Celsius (°C) |
| 350 | 176 |
| Add Fragrance Oil at Fahrenheit (°F) | Add Fragrance Oil at Celsius (°C) |
| 200 to 205 | 93 to 96 |
| Add Essential Oil at Fahrenheit (°F) | Add Essential Oil at Celsius (°C) |
| 200 to 205 | 93 to 96 |
| Pour Wax at Fahrenheit (°F) | Pour Wax at Celsius (°C) |
| 145 | 63 |
| Suggested Cure Time |
| 14 days |
| Properties | |||
| Soft (1) or Hard (10) | High (10) or Low (1) Cost | Melting Point (°F) | Finish |
| 1 | 9 | 126 to 130 | Soft, Creamy, White |
| Properties | |||
| Strong (10) or Weak Hot Throw (1) | Fragrance Oil Blending Ease | Sculpture | Burn Time |
| 8 | 6 | 3 | 7 |
| Common Issues |
| Sourcing Concerns, Low melting Point, Limited Applications |
| Added Benefits |
| Luxury Feel, Great Soft Wax |
What are the pros and cons of Coconut Wax?
Coconut wax is a newer type of wax on the market, but it has already become a popular choice for candles. One of the benefits of coconut wax is that it is renewable and environmentally friendly. It is also non-toxic, making it a safe choice for your home and family. Coconut wax candles also have a long burn time and produce little to no soot.
Benefits of Coconut Wax
Sustainable and obtained from natural sources – One of coconut wax’s main benefits is that it is sustainable and obtained from natural sources. Coconut wax is made from the oil of coconuts, which are a renewable resource.
Non-toxic – another benefit of coconut wax is that it is non-toxic. This makes it a safe choice for your home and family.
Burns slowly and evenly – coconut wax candles also burn slowly and evenly, giving you a longer-lasting candle.
Produces little to no soot – coconut wax candles have little to no soot when burned.
Great Hot Throw – one of the benefits of coconut wax is that it has a great hot throw. This means that the fragrance of the candle is strong when burned.
Drawbacks of Coconut Wax
One potential drawback of coconut wax is that it is more expensive than soy wax and paraffin wax.
Softens in warm temperatures – another potential drawback of coconut wax is that it softens in warm temperatures. This can make it challenging to work with if you live in a warmer climate.
How to Use Coconut Wax in Candles?
Coconut wax can be used in a variety of ways in candles. It can be used as a stand-alone wax or blended with other types of waxes. When combined, coconut wax can help improve the performance of the different waxes in the blend. For example, it can help increase the fragrance throw or improve the burn time.
If you are using coconut wax as a stand-alone, we recommend using it in a container candle. This is because coconut wax can soften in warm temperatures, making it difficult to use in pillar candles.
When blended with other waxes, coconut wax can be used in pillar and container candles.
What wicks work best with Coconut Wax?
Coconut wax works best with natural fiber wicks like cotton or hemp. This is because natural fiber wicks tend to have a lower melt point, which helps prevent the wick from drowning in the melted wax.
Sustainability of Coconut Wax
Is Coconut Wax sustainable?
Coconut Wax is a sustainable choice for candles as it is derived from a renewable resource – coconuts. In addition, the production of coconut wax has little to no impact on the environment.
Coconut Wax vs. Soy Wax
Regarding sustainability, both soy wax and coconut wax are good choices. However, there are some differences between the two waxes.
Coconut wax is derived from a renewable resource – coconuts. In addition, the production of coconut wax has little to no impact on the environment.
Soy wax is also derived from a renewable resource – soybeans. However, the production of soy wax can hurt the environment. This is because soybeans are often grown in monoculture systems, leading to soil erosion and deforestation.
Regarding sustainability, both soy wax and coconut wax are good choices. However, coconut wax is a more sustainable choice than soy wax.
Coconut Wax vs. Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is derived from non-renewable resources – petroleum and coal. In addition, the production of paraffin wax can hurt the environment. This is because extracting petroleum and coal can release harmful chemicals into the air and water.
Regarding sustainability, coconut wax is a better choice than paraffin wax.
Is Coconut Wax vegan?
Coconut wax is a vegan-friendly choice for candles.
What is the carbon footprint of Coconut Wax?
The carbon footprint of coconut wax is low. This is because the production of coconut wax has little to no impact on the environment. However, this is just the process of picking and extracting the wax. Transportation plays a significant role in the carbon footprint of any product. The further you are away from the supply, the higher the product’s carbon footprint.
So, if you can try to source locally to reduce the environmental impact of your sourcing strategy.
How to make Coconut Wax candles?
When you’re ready to get started, you’ll need the following supplies:
- Coconut wax
- Wicks
- Candle containers or molds
- Double boiler or melting pot
- Stirring utensil
To start, melt your coconut wax in a double boiler or melting pot over low heat. Once the wax is melted, remove it from the heat and add your wicks. Then, pour the wax into your candle containers or moulds. Allow the candles to cool and harden completely before lighting.
Follow the properties above in this article and ensure you read the guidance for your specific wax and ingredients before starting. When ready to use your candles, trim the wicks to about ¼ inch before lighting. This will help prevent the candles from smoking. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions – Coconut Wax
Does Coconut Wax smell like coconut?
Coconut wax is virtually scentless. This is due to the refining process that the coconut wax goes through. During this process, the wax becomes a colourless and scentless wax that can be used to add any fragrance and colour during the candle-making process.
Is Coconut Wax the same as Coconut Oil?
Coconut wax is not the same as coconut oil. Coconut oil is a carrier oil that is used to dilute essential oils. Coconut oil can also be used for different cooking massages and many other applications. Coconut wax is a type of wax that is used to make candles.
Is coconut wax good for wax melts?
Coconut wax is a good choice for wax melts. This is because it has a lower melting point than other types of wax, making it easier to use in wax melts. In addition, coconut wax is a renewable resource, making it a more sustainable choice.
Is coconut wax suitable for pillar candles?
It is not advised to use coconut wax for pillar candles as the wax is soft and creamy. This means that it is susceptible to hot environments and can deform the shape of your pillar candle. We advise using a harder wax such as paraffin or soy.
Is coconut wax good for candles?
Coconut wax is a good choice for candles. This is because it is renewable, sustainable, and vegan-friendly. In addition, coconut wax has a low melting point, making the fragrance rapidly disperse into your house.
Is coconut wax safe?
Coconut wax is safe to use in candles. It is non-toxic and does not release harmful chemicals into the air when burned.
How long do Coconut Wax candles burn?
Coconut wax candles typically burn for about 15 hours based upon the average size candle. The wax will burn quicker than harder waxes with higher melting points, such as paraffin and soy wax.
How do I store Coconut Wax?
Coconut wax can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Make sure to keep your wax in a sealed container; this will protect the wax from dirt, debris, and external elements.
How long does Coconut Wax last?
Coconut wax does not expire, but over a long period, you may find that any fragrance added to the wax may become weaker. You may also find that if stored incorrectly, the wax becomes discoloured.
Is Coconut Wax biodegradable?
Coconut wax is biodegradable.
Final Thoughts
Coconut wax is an excellent choice for candles. It is derived from a renewable resource, has a low carbon footprint, and is vegan-friendly. In addition, coconut wax can help improve the performance of other waxes when used in a blend. We recommend using coconut wax if you want a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for your candles.
