Can Coconut Oil Be Used For Candles?
Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the meat of mature coconuts. It is made up of over 90% saturated fats and has a high melting point of around 24°C/76°F (1). This allows coconut oil to stay solid at room temperature. Coconut oil is sometimes used as a natural alternative to traditionally-used waxes for candle making. Its properties like high melting point, long burn time, and pleasant coconut fragrance make it suitable for use in candles.
The high saturated fat content of coconut oil allows it to burn slowly and evenly. The oil’s high melting point also allows candles made from coconut oil to retain their shape in warmer environments compared to those made with other oils. Additionally, coconut oil contains very little unsaturated fats, which can produce more soot when burned compared to saturated fats. This makes coconut oil attractive as candle wax (2).
Coconut Oil’s Melting Point
Coconut oil has a melting point of around 76°F (24°C), which is lower than traditional candle waxes like paraffin or beeswax. This relatively low melting point makes coconut oil a viable option as a candle wax. Unlike paraffin which melts at 135°F (57°C) or beeswax which melts between 144-149°F (62-65°C), coconut oil is liquid at normal room temperature in most environments.
The advantage of coconut oil’s lower melting point is that it does not require as much heat to melt and blend with other candle ingredients. This makes coconut oil easier to work with than waxes with higher melting points. Additionally, coconut oil’s melting point is ideal for container candles, as it will remain solid when the candle is not lit, but will liquify into a pool of fragrant oil once the wick is lit.
Overall, the relatively low melting temperature of coconut oil makes it a flexible, easy-to-use natural wax for candle making.
Source: https://brookotascreations.com/which-temperature-does-candle-wax-melt-complete-list-of-waxes/
Coconut Oil’s Burn Time
Coconut oil can burn cleanly for a long time in candles, making it an attractive alternative to standard waxes like paraffin or soy wax. According to Virginutty, coconut oil wax candles can burn for up to 60 hours. Small 4oz coconut oil candles can burn for 15-22 hours, while large 8oz coconut oil candles may burn for 25-35 hours. In comparison, standard paraffin candles typically burn for 6-8 hours.
The longer burn time of coconut oil is due to its high oil content and low melting point. The oil allows the wax to burn slowly and evenly. Soy wax, which also has a long burn time, can tunnel or burn unevenly. Coconut oil’s low melting point of 76°F means the wax liquefies at lower temperatures to feed the flame. This allows the candle to burn down fully with less wax left unburned.
One downside is that coconut oil’s burn time is dependent on the temperature. In higher ambient temperatures, the wax will melt faster and the burn time will decrease. But overall, with its ability to burn clean and slow, coconut oil can provide a longer burn time than typical candle waxes.
Coconut Oil’s Scent
Coconut oil has a light, sweet scent that comes from the fatty acids and aromatic compounds present in the oil. The predominant scent notes are nutty, coconutty, and mildly tropical [1]. The aroma is often described as reminiscent of a piña colada or coconut cream pie. Pure, unrefined coconut oil provides a mild but pleasant natural fragrance perfect for candles, as the scent is not overpowering
The light coconut scent also has relaxing and soothing properties. When inhaled, the tropical aroma can help reduce stress and uplift mood [1]. The natural fragrance from coconut oil can enhance the ambience of a space when used in candles or diffusers.
Since the scent is subtle, coconut oil works well on its own or blended with other fragrant candle oils. The mild coconutty aroma complements fruity, floral, vanilla, spice, and woodsy scents. The natural fragrance adds a tropical flair without being too dominant in the blend.
Adding Fragrances
One of the nice things about using coconut oil for candles is that it has very little scent of its own. This makes it easy to add essential oils or fragrance oils to create your desired aroma (Source).
Essential oils are derived from plants and capture the natural scent of ingredients like lavender, eucalyptus, citrus fruits, herbs, and more. They can provide therapeutic aromas in a candle. Most essential oils are safe to burn, but you’ll want to research any oils before using them.
Start by choosing one or more complementary essential oils for your candle. Good options include lavender, vanilla, peppermint, lemon, and pine. Use pure essential oils and not perfumes or synthetic fragrance oils.
Add several drops of essential oil per ounce of coconut oil. Start with 15-30 drops per 8 oz candle. You can always add more oil for a stronger aroma. Thoroughly mix the essential oils into the melted coconut oil before pouring into containers.
Testing different oil amounts will allow you to find the perfect scent strength. The aroma will fill the room as the candle burns. Essential oils elevate simple coconut oil candles into relaxing, inviting, and luxurious homemade candles.
Wick Selection
Choosing the right wick is crucial for coconut oil candles. The wick must be able to withstand the higher melting point of coconut oil wax compared to other waxes. According to CandleScience’s Wick Guide, cotton and paper cored wicks tend to be best for coconut wax candles.
Specifically, Northwood Candle Supply recommends using HPSP (High Performance Safety Pliable) wicks for coconut wax. These wicks are designed to burn slower and prevent issues like sooting. They consist of paper and cotton fibers that can bend and adjust as the wax pool changes while burning.
For wick sizing, larger diameter candles will need larger wick sizes like CD 12 or CD 14 wicks. Smaller jars can use CD 4 or CD 6 wicks. Testing different wick sizes to find the best full melt pool and clean burn is recommended. The width of the melted wax pool should match the width of the jar.
Preparing the Coconut Oil
It’s important to properly prepare the coconut oil before pouring it into containers to make candles. Here are the key steps:
- Start by selecting a refined coconut oil rather than virgin or extra virgin coconut oil. Refined coconut oil has a higher smoke point and will burn cleaner in candles. Make sure the coconut oil is completely liquefied before using.
- Heat the coconut oil slowly over low heat until completely melted. Heating too quickly or too high can burn the oil. Heat to just above the melting point of 76°F.
- Allow the melted coconut oil to cool slightly so it’s between 120-140°F before adding fragrance oils or colorants. This prevents the additives from burning off.
- Stir in any essential oils, fragrance oils, or candle colorants at this point if desired. Use .5-1 ounce of additives per pound of coconut oil. Stir thoroughly to incorporate.
- Allow the coconut oil to cool to 110-115°F, the optimal temperature for pouring into containers. If too hot, it can scorch the wicks.
Properly preparing the coconut oil is a crucial first step to making great coconut oil candles. Allowing the oil to fully liquefy and cooling to the right temperatures will lead to an even burn and help preserve fragrance.
Pouring and Cooling
When the coconut oil wax has reached the proper temperature for pouring (around 100-115 degrees Fahrenheit), it’s time to carefully pour it into the jars or containers you plan to use for your candles. Here are some step-by-step directions for this process:
1. Make sure your wicks are securely fastened in the middle of the jars/containers and held in place by the wick stickers or glue.
2. Carefully pour the wax into each container, moving slowly and steadily to prevent spills. Fill each container about 1/2 inch from the top.
3. Gently straighten the wicks so they remain centered as the wax cools and hardens.
4. Allow the candles to cool completely before handling. This may take 6-8 hours. Cool the candles away from drafts or direct sunlight to prevent cracking or frosting on the top as the wax hardens.
5. Once cooled and hardened, you can trim the wicks to be about 1/4 inch long. Your coconut oil candles are now ready to use!
For best results, always monitor the temperature carefully and pour the wax slowly at the optimal temperature. This will help the candles set up properly. Allowing adequate cooling time is also key for even hardening and avoiding defects.
For specific pouring directions, refer to this guide on temperatures and techniques.
Troubleshooting
When making coconut oil candles, some common issues can arise. Here are tips for troubleshooting some frequent problems:
If your candle is cracking as it cools, this is likely due to shrinkage of the wax. Make sure to control the temperature properly when pouring the melted coconut oil into the container or mold. Allow adequate cooling time before moving the candle. Recommended pour temperatures for coconut oil are between 110-115°F. Cool the candle for at least 12 hours before handling or lighting (source: https://www.baijilondon.com/blog/why-is-my-coconut-wax-candle-cracking-troubleshooting-and-fixes).
Sooting can be caused by several factors like the wick being too large for the diameter of the candle, or adding too much fragrance oil. Use the appropriate wick size for the candle dimensions, and limit fragrance oils to 1-2% by weight. Proper wick trimming before each burn can also help reduce sooting (source: https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/beeswax-coconut-oil-soot-problem.85909/).
If you notice sinkholes or tunnels forming in the candle as it burns, this is often due to pouring the wax at too high of a temperature. Pour coconut oil between 110-115°F to help prevent sinkholes. You can fix existing tunnels by re-melting the wax and repouring after it cools down to the right temperature again.
Summary
The benefits of using coconut oil for homemade candles are numerous. Coconut oil candles burn slower and longer than paraffin wax candles, with some able to burn for up to 60 hours. Coconut oil’s high melting point means the candles retain their shape in warmer environments. The natural coconut scent provides a pleasant tropical aroma without requiring additional fragrances. Coconut oil is also a sustainable, renewable resource. The candles can be customized with different wicks to control the burn rate and with essential oils or other additives to create desired scents. Coconut oil’s moisturizing properties allow the candles to emit less soot. Overall, coconut oil makes an excellent base for clean burning, long lasting, customizable homemade candles.
