Until recent decades, the dominant raw material for candle making was paraffin wax. Today, however, more and more environmentally friendly alternatives are commercially available, one of the most exciting of which is coconut wax. 

Are you wondering if coconut wax makes a good candle?

Coconut wax is one of the latest trends in candle making, favoured for its natural properties.

This article will shine a light on why coconut wax can be your go-to choice for candles, from eco-friendliness to cleaner burning.

Key Takeaways - Is coconut wax good for candles ?

• Coconut wax candles burn slower and more evenly than many other types of wax, making them last longer and deliver a consistent fragrance.
• They are eco - friendly, produced from renewable resources, and do not contain GMOs or produce significant soot, contributing to cleaner indoor air quality.
• These candles provide an excellent scent throw due to coconut wax's ability to hold and release scents effectively, enhancing the atmosphere in any space.
• Although they may cost more than paraffin or soy candles and can be softer which might present challenges during shipping or handling, their benefits often outweigh these drawbacks for conscious consumers.
• Personal preferences should guide your choice of candle wax; consider factors such as natural ingredients, environmental impact, burn quality, and scent when selecting the right candle for your home.

What is coconut wax?

To find the answer to our question, we first need to know what exactly coconut wax is and how it is made!

If you've used coconut oil before, you know that on a hot summer's day, the oil melts and gives off a faint coconut scent. So how do you make solid wax from this substance?

Most coconut wax manufacturers refine coconut oil at high temperatures to remove the characteristic coconut smell. However, this does not solve the problem of low melting point. For coconut wax to be a viable candle-making base, it needs some kind of additive. This is most often soy wax, which is itself an environmentally friendly material.

So most coconut wax candles are actually made from a mixture of soy and coconut wax. The proportion of the two ingredients in this mixture can vary depending on the manufacturer.

Benefits of coconut wax in candle making

Now that we know how coconut wax is made, let's find out why it's great for candle making!

• As mentioned above, coconut wax is environmentally friendly and renewable. It has even less environmental impact than soy wax, as the carbon footprint of coconut cultivation is much lower than that of soy.

• It burns slower and more evenly than other waxes.

• It is a good base for different fragrances and essential oils.

• Candles made from coconut wax produce less smoke and soot even after prolonged burning, so you don't have to worry about the well known black soot that paraffin wax produces.

• Coconut wax is GMO-free, and the hard shell of the coconut protects it from pests, so there is no need to use pesticides (it should be noted here that while coconut is GMO-free, the soy used to make coconut wax not always is, so make sure to check the farm of origin of the soy used).

• Candles made from coconut wax are naturally white or light cream in colour, so they look good on their own without additional colouring.

• The low melting point means you can use almost any type of wick. But, like all natural waxes, coconut wax solidifies very slowly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, coconut wax candles offer numerous benefits such as a slow and even burn, amazing scent throw, and being non-toxic with less soot. These qualities make them a compelling choice for candle enthusiasts looking for an eco-friendly and sustainable option.

While other types of wax exist, the unique properties of coconut wax make it a strong contender in the world of candle making. Whether it's for health or environmental reasons, many individuals find that coconut wax is their preferred choice when it comes to enjoying the warmth and ambiance of a good candle.

FAQs

1. Why is coconut wax considered the healthiest wax for candles?

Coconut wax is seen as the healthiest option because it's a natural, non-toxic alternative that burns clean without producing soot, making it better for candle safety and indoor air quality.

2. Can coconut oil-based wax enhance my candle experience?

Yes, coconut oil-based waxes are odourless and have excellent fragrance-holding qualities which can enhance your candle experience by creating an eco-friendly candle with delightful scents.

3. Is coconut wax a good alternative to paraffin in candles?

Absolutely! Coconut wax serves as a fantastic paraffin alternative because it's eco-friendly and provides a clean-burning, soot-free option for those keen on making or using nontoxic candles.

4. What should I look out for when choosing wicks for coconut wax candles?

When picking wicks for your natural candles made from coconut wax, ensure they are the right size to burn evenly and effectively release your chosen candle fragrance without wasting any of the biodegradable eco-friendly material.