Pros & Cons of Coconut Wax Candles: What You Should Know

Want to understand the pros and cons of coconut wax candles? Here’s what you should know before deciding!

Mastering candle making can be a tedious journey – but it can be an equally enjoyable one. When it comes to choosing the right ingredients and tools for your candle-making process, it’s important to compare your options the right way.

In this article, I’ll share more about the pros and cons of coconut wax candles, including reasons why I feel that you should or should not be using them.

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Related Posts:

• Soy Candles vs Coconut Candles for Candle-making
• How To Make Coconut Wax Candles with Essential Oils
• How Long Should Coconut Candles Cure For Best Burning Experience?

What is Coconut Wax?

Coconut wax is made from the meat of coconuts through the process of hydrogenation. The extracted coconut oil is transformed into a solid wax form suitable for candle making.

While soy and paraffin waxes have dominated the candle market for years, coconut wax is relatively new. There’s a growing demand thanks to their sustainable and natural properties. Candle-makers also love them due to their creamy texture and ability to hold stronger fragrances for longer.

The Pros and Cons of Coconut Wax Candles

The Pros of Coconut Wax Candles

Here is a list of advantages of using coconut wax for candle-making.

• Renewable resource
  • Coconuts are a highly renewable as they grow abundantly in tropical climates and do not require extensive use of pesticides or fertilizers.
• Biodegradability
  • Coconut wax is biodegradable and once discarded, breaks down naturally over time without harming the environment and doesn’t take decades to decompose.
• Non-toxic
  • Coconut wax does not release harmful chemicals when burned, making it a safer option for indoor use, especially for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues.
• Clean burning
  • When burning, coconut wax produces minimal soot – which helps maintain your home’s air quality and prevents any black residue from accumulating on walls and furniture.
• Excellent scent throw
  • Coconut wax holds and release fragrances well, making it possible to enjoy your scented candles for longer.
• Longer burn time
  • Compared to other waxes, coconut wax candles typically have a longer burn time so you won’t have to replace them frequently.
• Aesthetic appeal
  • Once cured, coconut wax candles have a creamy texture and smooth finish which can be visually appealing to some. They also hold color well, allowing for a more vibrant candle.

The Cons of Coconut Wax Candles

While there are many benefits to coconut wax candles, there are also a few drawbacks you will have to consider before using them.

• Cost
  • Coconut wax is generally more expensive than other types of wax. This may due to their production process and the quality of the wax.
• Availability
  • It is not easy to find coconut wax or coconut candles. They are less available compared to soy or paraffin wax. This may also contribute to the higher costs.
• Temperature sensitivity
  • If not stored properly, it’s easy for coconut wax to become soft or even melt in high heat. It’s best to store your candles in a cool, dry place.
• Frosting
  • Another common issue with natural waxes, including coconut wax, is the appearance of white, crystallized pattern on the surface of the candle. Although it doesn’t affect burning performance, it can be aesthetically unpleasing.

Making Your Own Coconut Wax Candles

If you’re a DIY enthusiast, making your own coconut wax candles can be a rewarding experience.

Ingredients and Equipment

To get started, you’ll need:

• Coconut wax
• Candle wicks
• Fragrance oils
• Candle containers
• A double boiler or wax melter
• A thermometer
• Stirring sticks
• Digital scale

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Coconut Wax Candles

1. Melt the wax: Heat the coconut wax in a double boiler or wax melter until it reaches about 180°F (82°C).
2. Prepare the containers: While the wax is melting, place the wicks in your candle containers. Measure your fragrance oils to weigh 6%-10% of the total weight of wax you’re mixing.
3. Add fragrance: Once the wax reaches the desired temperature, remove it from heat and let it cool to around 160°F (71°C). Add your fragrance oil and stir well.
4. Pour the wax: Carefully pour the wax into your prepared containers, ensuring the wick remains centered.
5. Cool and cure: Allow the candles to cool and cure for at least 24 hours before trimming the wicks and lighting your candles.

Tips for Choosing and Using Coconut Wax Candles

With every new candle you’re trying out, it’s common practice to check it’s ingredient list to ensure no harmful additives are used. You should also read manufacturer’s guidelines for a specific candle and adhere to it.

Look for high-quality products made from 100% coconut wax or a blend with other natural waxes like soy.

To get the most out of your coconut wax candles, trim the wick to about ¼ inch before each use. This helps the candle burn evenly and prevents soot buildup. Also, allow the candle to burn long enough for the entire surface to melt on the first burn, which can prevent tunneling.

Is Coconut Wax Better Than Soy Wax?

Wondering to yourself – is soy or coconut wax better for candles? Choosing between the two sustainable waxes depends on your specific preferences and needs in candle making.

Here’s a list of important factors you’ll have to consider before deciding.

1. Scent throw and burn time
   • Coconut wax has an excellent scent throw, and releases fragrance more effectively than soy wax. It also tends to burn longer and more evenly, providing a longer-lasting candle.
2. Sustainability
   • Both waxes are made from renewable resources. But coconut wax is considered more sustainable as it requires minimal pesticides and fertilizers. Soybean farming practices can vary, intensive ones can impact its overall environmental footprint.
3. Appearance
   • If you’re planning to create candles that looks smooth and luxurious, coconut wax is a better option. Soy wax usually gets you a more matte finish.
4. Product cost
   • Soy wax is more affordable and widely available compared to coconut wax hence it’s a better option for budget-conscious candle makers or those producing candles in larger quantities.

Coconut Soy Wax Benefits

Since deciding between coconut wax or soy wax can be hard for some, candle-makers have improvised with the creation of coconut soy blend candles.

This involves mixing both coconut wax and soy wax to create a blend candle that’s even more stable, holds fragrances better and burns longer. Combining coconut and soy wax can enhance the candle’s performance, offering a balance between excellent scent throw and clean burning.

Since both coconut and soy wax are renewable resources, this blend candle is a much better greener alternative to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Difference Between Coconut Wax and Coconut Oil

While it can be obvious, some of us may be confused of the differences between coconut wax and coconut oil.

Here are three key differences between the two coconut products that you should know.

1. Production process: Coconut wax is produced by hydrogenating coconut oil to create a solid wax suitable for candle making. This process alters the chemical structure to enhance performance characteristics like scent throw and burn time.
2. Use: Coconut wax is primarily used for making candles due to its solid form and ability to hold fragrances effectively. Coconut oil, on the other hand, is commonly used in cooking, skincare products, and as a natural moisturizer due to its liquid state at room temperature.
3. Composition: While both are derived from coconuts, coconut wax undergoes further processing to modify its texture and properties for candle making. Coconut oil retains its natural form as an oil, suitable for various applications beyond candles.

Bottom Line

Although there are notable drawbacks, coconut wax candles offer a range of benefits. These benefits may appeal to a certain target market, especially among eco-conscious consumers and candle-makers.

From being eco-friendly and non-toxic to providing superior performance, coconut wax candles are a fantastic option for anyone looking to enjoy a high-quality, sustainable candle experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)