If you’re looking for a natural, eco-friendly alternative to paraffin wax, then palm wax is a great option. Palm wax is made from the oil of palm tree fruit, and is a renewable resource. It’s also non-toxic and burns cleanly, making it a safe choice for both you and the environment. Palm wax candles have a beautiful, creamy texture and a smooth, even burn. They also tend to hold their scent well, so your candles will smell great for a long time.
If you’re interested in trying palm wax candles, this is the guide for you. Read on to learn everything you need to know before you start working with palm wax. Let’s dive in!
What is Palm Wax?
Palm wax is a type of vegetable wax made from the oil of palm trees. It is a renewable resource and is non-toxic, making it a more environmentally friendly choice than paraffin wax. Palm wax is also hypoallergenic and burns cleanly, producing little to no soot.
How is Palm Wax made?
Palm wax is made by extracting the oil from palm tree fruit and then hydrogenating it. This process turns the liquid oil into a solid wax. The palm wax is then purified to remove any impurities.
How is palm wax harvested?
Palm fruit is crushed, and the oil is extracted from the fruit. The oil is then hydrogenated to turn it into a solid wax. The wax is then purified to remove any impurities.
What are the properties of Palm Wax?
Palm wax has a high melt point, which means it can withstand higher temperatures than other types of wax. It is also harder than different types of wax, making it ideal for use in candles.
You can review the properties of Palm Wax below in the easy-to-understand tables. We have seen these results using a sample of Palm Waxes. Remember to check the labels of the specific Palm Wax you are using and use these figures as guidance.
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) |
| 180 | 82 |
| 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) |
| 180 | 93+ | 60+ |
| Flash Point in Fahrenheit (°F) | Flash Point in Celsius (°C) |
| 450 | 232 |
| 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) |
| 188 to 203 | 87 to 95 |
| Suggested Cure Time |
| 7 to 10 days |
| Properties | |||
| Soft (1) or Hard (10) | High (10) or Low (1) Cost | Melting Point (°F) | Finish |
| 8 | 7 | 100 to 107 | White, Smooth |
| Properties | |||
| Strong (10) or Weak Hot Throw (1) | Fragrance Oil Blending Ease | Sculpture | Burn Time |
| 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
| Common Issues |
| Expensive, Unethical Labour Practices |
| Added Benefits |
| Increase Melting Point |
What are the pros and cons of Palm Wax?
Palm wax is a renewable resource and is non-toxic, making it a more environmentally friendly choice than paraffin wax. Palm wax is also hypoallergenic and burns cleanly, producing little to no soot. We will review the benefits and drawbacks of palm wax in the following sections.
Benefits of Palm Wax
Non-toxic – another benefit of palm wax is that it is non-toxic. This makes it a safe choice for your home and family.
Hypoallergenic – if you have sensitivities or allergies, palm wax is a good choice as it is hypoallergenic.
Burns cleanly – one of the main benefits of palm wax is that it burns cleanly. This means there is little to no soot burning a candle with palm wax.
Palm wax is a renewable resource, meaning it is more environmentally friendly than other types of wax.
Drawbacks of Palm Wax
High melt point – one drawback of palm wax is that it has a high melt point. It can be challenging to work with if you are not used to working with high melting point waxes.
Harder than other waxes – another drawback of palm wax is that it is harder than other types of wax. This can make it more difficult to carve or mold candles made with palm wax.
How do I use Palm Wax?
Palm wax can be used in various ways, including in candles, cosmetics, and manufacturing. It is important to note that palm wax has a high melt point, so it should be melted slowly and carefully.
When using palm wax for candles, you will need to add a wick to the wax. The wick should be made of cotton or another natural material. You can find wicks at most craft stores.
You will need a double boiler or a crockpot to melt the palm wax. Fill the bottom of the double boiler or crockpot with water, then place the palm wax in the top part of the double boiler or the crockpot. Heat the water to a simmer, then let the palm wax melt slowly. Once the palm wax has melted, you can add colourants, essential oils, or other fragrances to the wax.
Pour the melted wax into moulds or containers and then allow it to cool completely. Once the wax is cooled, you can trim the wick and allow your candle to cure for seven to ten days.
Sustainability of Palm Wax
Is palm wax sustainable?
Palm wax is sustainable. It is a renewable resource that comes from palm trees. Palm wax is also biodegradable and does not contain any harmful chemicals. This makes it a more environmentally friendly choice than paraffin wax.
Although palm wax is considered sustainable in principle, in recent years, issues have arisen concerning sustainability, labour, and trade practice concerns. These include:
- The conversion of rainforests and carbon-rich peatlands to palm tree plantations.
- Child labour is being used in some areas of palm wax production.
- Poor working conditions for workers on palm wax plantations.
These developments within the industry have led to large candle companies moving away from using palm wax until they are convinced they have found an ethical and sustainable source. Make sure you do your research before choosing the wax for your candles.
To ensure that the palm wax you are using is sustainable, look for products that are certified by organizations such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
What are the environmental impacts of palm wax?
The main environmental impacts of palm wax come from the conversion of rainforests and other natural habitats to palm plantations. This conversion results in the loss of trees and carbon-rich peatlands. It also leads to soil erosion and can cause water pollution.
The RSPO has created a set of environmental and social criteria that companies must meet to be certified. Companies that the RSPO approves have been verified as sustainable and ethical.
What are the social impacts of palm wax?
The social impacts of palm wax come from the working conditions on palm plantations. In some cases, workers are paid very low wages and must work long hours. They may also be exposed to harmful chemicals. In some areas, child labour is used.
The RSPO has created a set of environmental and social criteria that companies must meet to be certified. Companies that the RSPO approves have been verified as sustainable and ethical.
Is palm wax vegan?
Palm wax is vegan. It is made from the fruit of the palm tree and does not contain any animal products.
The Bottom Line
Palm wax is a renewable, sustainable resource. However, some social and environmental concerns need to be addressed. These include converting rainforests and other natural habitats to palm plantations, child labour, and poor working conditions on palm plantations.
When choosing palm wax for your candles, choose a sustainable and ethical supplier for your sourcing strategy.
Palm Wax Substitutes
A few options are available if you are looking for a sustainable and ethical alternative to palm wax.
Coconut wax is made from the meat of coconuts. It is renewable, sustainable, and biodegradable. Coconut wax has a lower melting point than palm wax, releasing fragrance quicker than palm wax. You can understand more about this wax with our ultimate guide to coconut wax.
Beeswax is another sustainable and ethical option. Bees make it from the nectar of flowers and secrete it through glands underneath their bodies. Beeswax candles are non-toxic and have a long burn time. You can understand more about this wax with our ultimate guide to beeswax.
Soy wax is made from soybeans. It is renewable, sustainable, and biodegradable. Soy wax is also non-toxic and has a great feel and appearance. You can understand more about this wax with our ultimate guide to soy wax.
These are just a few sustainable and ethical alternatives to palm wax. When choosing the wax for your candles, do your research to find the best option for you.
How to make Palm Wax candles?
If you want to make your palm wax candles, you will need a few things. Below is a list of materials and supplies you will need to start.
Materials Needed:
- 1 pound of palm wax.
- 1 double boiler.
- Candle wicks.
- Pouring pot.
- Glass jars or moulds.
- Fragrance oil (optional).
Instructions:
1. Start by melting the palm wax in a double boiler.
2. Once the wax is melted, add your desired fragrance oil and stir to combine.
3. Prepare your wicks by threading them through the glass jars or molds.
4. Once the wicks are in place, slowly pour the melted wax into the jars or molds, being careful not to spill.
5. Allow the wax to cool and harden completely before trimming the wicks and lighting your candles!
Remember to follow the guidelines in the properties section of this guide to gain the optimal fragrance and appearance of your candle.
Frequently Asked Questions Palm Wax
Does palm wax burn clean?
Palm wax burns clean. Because it is derived from a natural and renewable resource, it does not produce harmful toxins or chemicals when burned.
How long do palm wax candles burn?
Palm wax candles have a burn time of approximately 30-40 hours. This is highly dependent on the size of your candle.
What is the melting point of palm wax?
The melting point of palm wax is between 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
What does palm wax smell like?
Palm wax is odourless and tasteless. However, it can be scented with fragrance oils to create the desired aroma.
How do I colour palm wax candles?
Palm wax candles can be coloured with candle dye. You can add the dye to the melted wax and stir to combine.
What wick works best in palm wax?
The best wick to use in palm wax is an HTP or CD wick. This type of wick helps prevent tunnelling formation and ensures an even burn.
Is palm wax good for candle making?
Palm wax is an excellent option for candle making. It is renewable, sustainable, and burns clean. Palm wax candles also have a long burn time and can be easily coloured and scented.
Do I need a double boiler to melt palm wax?
A double boiler is the best way to melt palm wax. This will help to prevent the wax from burning or scorching.
What is the best container for palm wax candles?
The best containers for palm wax candles are glass jars or moulds.
How do I store palm wax?
Palm wax can be stored in a cool, dry place. It should be stored in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing moisture from the air.
What is the difference between palm wax and soy wax?
The main difference between palm wax and soy wax is that palm wax is derived from the fruit of palm trees, while soy wax is made from soybeans.
Is palm wax safe to use?
Palm wax is safe to use. It is non-toxic and does not produce harmful toxins or chemicals when burned.
Does palm wax frost?
Palm wax can frost. This is a natural occurrence in many types of palm wax and does not affect the quality of the wax. You can remove it by melting the affected areas of the candle.
What is the best fragrance oil for palm wax candles?
The best fragrance oils for palm wax candles are those that are not too heavy or overpowering. Light, floral, and citrus scents work well with palm wax.
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed this guide to palm wax. Palm wax is a renewable, sustainable resource used to make beautiful candles. When choosing palm wax, choose a sustainable and ethical supplier. There are also a few sustainable and ethical substitutes available if you are looking for an alternative to palm wax.
When making your palm wax candles, follow the guidelines in the properties section of this guide to ensure your candles turn out just the way you want them to!
Do you have any questions or comments about palm wax? Let us know in the comments below!
