Looking to understand the numerous coconut wax candles benefits? There’s quite a few you should know before deciding!
Coconut wax candles have been gaining popularity for good reason. They are non-toxic and sustainable, making them the perfect choice for environmentally-conscious consumers.
In this article, I’ll discuss the numerous benefits of coconut wax candles and why they might be the perfect addition to your home.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you sign up for a program or make a purchase using my link!
Related Posts:
- Soy Candles vs Coconut Candles for Candle-making
- How To Make Coconut Candles with Essential Oils
- At What Temperature Does Candle Wax Melt?
What Is Coconut Wax?
Coconut wax is derived from the meat of coconuts. Through the process of hydrogenation, coconut oil is transformed into a creamy, solid wax. The production involves minimal processing, which makes it easier for the wax to retain the natural properties of coconut.
Compared to other kinds of waxes, coconut wax carries a smooth texture and excellent scent throw. If you’re planning to create scented candles, coconut wax candles may be a great choice as it is pure, sustainable, and biodegradable.
Pros & Cons of Coconut Wax Candles
There are numerous benefits of creating and using coconut wax candles.
Environmental Benefits
Coconut wax is a renewable resource, harvested from sustainably grown coconuts. It’s biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly choice compared to traditional waxes like paraffin wax (derived from petroleum).
- Sustainability: Coconut trees are abundant and grow in tropical regions without the need for pesticides or herbicides. By opting for coconut wax candles, you’re supporting an eco-friendly industry that values the environment.
- Biodegradability: Unlike paraffin wax, which can take years to decompose, coconut wax breaks down naturally, reducing its environmental impact.
- Eco-friendly production: The production of coconut wax involves minimal processing and energy use. This results in a lower carbon footprint compared to other waxes.
Health Benefits
Unlike paraffin wax, which can release harmful chemicals when burned, coconut wax is non-toxic and safe for your health. It produces minimal soot, reducing indoor air pollution and making it a better option for those with allergies or sensitivities.
- Non-toxic properties: When burned, coconut wax doesn’t release harmful pollutants into the air, making it a safer option for indoor use.
- Reduced soot production: Candles made from coconut wax produce significantly less soot compared to paraffin candles. This helps maintain better air quality in your home and reduces the risk of respiratory issues.
- Safe for allergies and sensitivities: Coconut wax candles are ideal for people with allergies or sensitivities. They’re hypoallergenic and won’t trigger adverse reactions.
Superior Burn Quality
Coconut wax candles are known for their superior burn quality. They burn longer and cleaner than other types of wax, providing a consistent and even burn. Additionally, coconut wax has a better scent throw, meaning the fragrance is more pronounced and lasts longer.
- Longer burn time: Coconut candles burn more slowly and evenly, providing more hours of enjoyment compared to other waxes.
- Cleaner burn: Coconut wax burns cleanly, leaving minimal residue. This means less cleanup and a more pleasant candle-burning experience.
- Better scent throw: Coconut wax has excellent scent retention, which helps with distributing the fragrance well throughout the candle’s lifetime.
The Cons of Coconut Wax Candles
- Cost: Coconut wax is more expensive than other types of wax due to its production process and quality.
- Availability: Coconut wax candles are less widely available than soy or paraffin wax candles, making them harder to find in some regions.
- Performance challenges: Coconut wax can easily become soft or melt in high heat. Frosting, a white, crystallized pattern on the surface, can occur but doesn’t affect performance, though it may be aesthetically unpleasing.
Comparing Coconut Wax to Other Waxes
The table below highlights the key differences and similarities between coconut wax and other popular candle waxes to guide you on your candle-making journey.
| Feature | Coconut Wax | Soy Wax | Beeswax | Paraffin Wax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Coconuts (renewable) | Soybeans (renewable) | Bees (renewable) | Petroleum (non-renewable) |
| Environmental Impact | Low | Low | Low | High |
| Burn Time | Long (slower burn) | Moderate | Long (slower burn) | Shorter |
| Soot Production | Minimal | Minimal | Minimal | Higher |
| Scent Throw | Strong | Moderate | Natural honey scent | Strong |
| Texture | Smooth and creamy | Smooth but can frost | Firm and smooth | Firm and can be brittle |
| Melting Point | Low | Medium | High | Medium to high |
| Cost | Higher | Moderate | High | Low |
| Ease of Use | Easy to work with | Easy, but can frost | More challenging, requires higher temps | Easy to work with |
| Fragrance Holding | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent |
| Cleanliness | Burns cleanly | Burns cleanly | Burns cleanly, purifies air | Can release harmful chemicals |
| Blending | Often blended with other waxes | Often blended with paraffin or coconut | Often used pure or blended with soy | Often blended with soy or stearic acid |
| Color | Creamy white | Creamy white, can frost | Natural yellow | White, can be dyed |
Coconut Wax vs. Paraffin Wax
Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, making it less eco-friendly. It also produces more soot and can release harmful chemicals. In contrast, coconut wax is natural, sustainable, and burns cleanly.
Coconut Wax vs. Soy Wax
While soy wax is also a popular natural wax, it doesn’t have the same scent throw as coconut wax. Coconut wax blends well with essential oils, providing a richer fragrance.
Coconut Wax vs. Beeswax
Beeswax is another natural wax with a long burn time and clean burn. However, it can be more expensive and less accessible than coconut wax. Additionally, coconut wax is vegan, making it a better choice for those avoiding animal products.
How to Make Coconut Wax Candles
Here is a simple guide you can follow to make coconut wax candles on your own. Recipes can vary with type of product used and its individual properties.
Essential Tools and Materials
- Coconut wax
- Essential oils
- Cotton wicks
- Double boiler
- Thermometer
- Stirring utensil
- Candle molds or containers
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare Your Workspace: Ensure your area is clean and covered to protect from spills.
- Melt the Wax: Use a double boiler to melt the coconut wax slowly.
- Add Essential Oils: Once the wax reaches 170°F, remove from heat and add essential oils. Stir well.
- Attach the Wick: Secure the wick at the bottom of your container with glue dots or wick stickers.
- Pour the Wax: Carefully pour the melted wax into the container, keeping the wick centered.
- Let It Set: Allow the candle to cool and set for at least 24 hours before using.
Read: Are wax melts better than candles?
Customizing Your Coconut Wax Candles
You can customize your coconut wax candles by adding color dye, using decorative containers and adding extra elements like dried flowers or herbs. Just remember that adding these elements may change your candle’s burning performance.
Remember to test!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Weak scent: Increase the amount of essential oil if the scent is too weak. Ensure the wax isn’t overheated, as this can diminish the oil’s potency.
- Uneven burning: Uneven burning is often due to improper wick placement. Make sure the wick is centered and the correct size for your container.
- Frosting on candles: Frosting is a natural occurrence with vegetable waxes like coconut. It doesn’t affect the candle’s performance but can be minimized by controlling the cooling rate of the wax.
Storing Coconut Wax Candles
Coconut wax candles can last for a long time if stored properly. The essential oils may lose their potency over time, so it’s best to use them within a year for optimal fragrance.
Store your candles in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This helps to keep the candles intact.
Are Coconut Wax Candles Safe?
Coconut wax candles are generally safe as they burn cleanly and produces minimal soot and pollutants. This contributes to better indoor air quality and reduces the risk of respiratory issues.
It is non-toxic and hypoallergenic, which also makes it a friendly product to be used around individuals with allergies. However, always ensure proper candle safety practices, such as trimming the wick and not leaving the candle unattended.
Adding Essential Oils to Coconut Wax Candles
Essential oils add therapeutic benefits to your candles. They can create a calming atmosphere, boost energy, or even help with focus and relaxation.
Popular Essential Oil Blends for Coconut Wax Candles
You can adjust the amount of essential oils used based on amount of wax but maintain the ratio of these oils for the perfect scented candle experience.
Always use essential oils in well-ventilated areas and follow recommended usage rates. Essential oils are potent, so a little goes a long way.
| Blend Name | Essential Oils |
|---|---|
| Relaxing Lavender | Lavender (10 drops), Chamomile (5 drops), Clary Sage (5 drops) |
| Refreshing Citrus | Lemon (8 drops), Orange (8 drops), Grapefruit (4 drops) |
| Calming Forest | Cedarwood (8 drops), Pine (6 drops), Eucalyptus (6 drops) |
| Spicy Cinnamon | Cinnamon (5 drops), Clove (5 drops), Orange (10 drops) |
| Floral Bliss | Rose (6 drops), Ylang Ylang (6 drops), Geranium (8 drops) |
| Invigorating Mint | Peppermint (8 drops), Spearmint (6 drops), Eucalyptus (6 drops) |
| Warm Vanilla | Vanilla (10 drops), Cinnamon (5 drops), Sandalwood (5 drops) |
| Earthy Patchouli | Patchouli (8 drops), Bergamot (6 drops), Frankincense (6 drops) |
| Uplifting Herbal | Rosemary (8 drops), Thyme (6 drops), Lavender (6 drops) |
Soy Wax Coconut Wax Blend Candles Benefits
Soy wax and coconut wax blend candles or coconut soy wax candles combine the benefits of both waxes. They burn cleanly and produce minimal soot, which is healthier for indoor air quality and makes an eco-friendly choice.
This blend often results in a candle with an excellent scent throw, both cold and hot, allowing for a strong fragrance release. The mixture also tends to have a longer burn time and a more even melt pool, reducing waste.
They are also non-toxic and less likely to trigger allergies, providing a safer option for people with sensitivities.
Soy Wax and Coconut Oil Candle Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound soy wax flakes
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- Cotton wick
- Candle container
- Essential oils (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare Container: Secure the wick in the center of the container.
- Melt Wax: Melt soy wax flakes in a double boiler over medium heat.
- Add Coconut Oil: Once melted, add coconut oil and stir until fully combined.
- Add Essential Oils: Optional step to add fragrance; use about 30-50 drops.
- Pour Mixture: Carefully pour the mixture into the container, holding the wick upright.
- Cool and Set: Allow the candle to cool and solidify. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch before lighting.
How to Make Coconut Wax
Coconut wax is made by hydrogenating coconut oil, a process that solidifies the oil.
Here’s a simplified overview:
- Hydrogenation: Coconut oil undergoes hydrogenation, where hydrogen gas is added to the oil in the presence of a catalyst. This changes the chemical structure, making the oil solid at room temperature.
- Purification: The solidified coconut wax is then purified to remove impurities and ensure a clean burn.
- Blending: Often, coconut wax is blended with other natural waxes like soy or beeswax to enhance its performance in candles.
Is Coconut Wax Good for Candles?
Coconut wax is an excellent option for making candles. It burns cleanly, producing minimal soot and pollutants, which is healthier for indoor air quality.
If you’re planning to make scented candles, coconut wax allows for strong fragrance release and has a good scent throw. It also has a longer burn time and an even melt pool, making candles last longer and burn more efficiently.
Bottom Line
Coconut wax candles offer numerous benefits, from their environmental sustainability to their health advantages and superior burn quality. Whether you’re a seasoned candle maker or just starting, coconut wax provides a versatile and eco-friendly option that can elevate your candle-making experience.
Just remember to test your candles and repeat the process to curate the perfect recipe that works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, coconut wax candles are generally considered healthy. They are made from the hydrogenated oil of coconuts, a renewable and sustainable resource. Coconut wax burns cleanly, producing minimal soot and pollutants compared to paraffin wax. It is non-toxic and often blended with other natural waxes like soy or beeswax, enhancing its health benefits. Coconut wax candles are also hypoallergenic and less likely to trigger respiratory issues or allergies, making them a good choice for people with sensitivities.
Coconut wax candles offer several benefits. They burn cleanly, producing less soot and fewer toxins, which contributes to better indoor air quality. The wax has an excellent scent throw, both cold and hot, meaning it effectively releases fragrance when unlit and lit. Coconut wax also has a long burn time and a low melting point, allowing the candle to burn more evenly and slowly. Additionally, coconut wax is a renewable and eco-friendly resource, supporting sustainable practices and reducing the environmental impact compared to paraffin wax.
Coconut wax candles do not actively clean the air like beeswax candles, which release negative ions that can help neutralize pollutants. However, they contribute to better air quality by burning cleanly and producing minimal soot and harmful chemicals. This makes them a healthier alternative to paraffin candles, which release toxins and black soot when burned. While coconut wax candles won’t purify the air, they help maintain a cleaner and safer indoor environment due to their low emission of pollutants.
Beeswax is often considered the healthiest wax for candles. It burns cleanly, producing minimal soot and releasing negative ions that can help purify the air by neutralizing pollutants. Beeswax is natural, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for people with allergies or sensitivities. Soy wax is another healthy option, burning cleanly and being made from renewable resources. Coconut wax also ranks high for its clean burn and eco-friendly properties. Overall, beeswax, soy wax, and coconut wax are among the healthiest choices for candles, each offering unique benefits for a safe and pleasant burning experience.
