Every year, coconut wax wins over more candle makers and lovers of natural creations. Derived from coconut oil and made using a carefully controlled hydrogenation process, it offers everything today's makers look for when they want to combine a flawless finish, outstanding scent performance and a responsible approach.
With its bright white colour, soft texture and particularly clean burn, it stands out as one of the most sophisticated plant-based waxes for scented candles and wax melts. Biodegradable, vegan and derived from a sustainable resource, it embodies a new generation of conscious, refined raw materials. Coconut wax is often described as a luxury wax, as it sells at a slightly higher price than other plant-based waxes.
The origins and production of coconut wax
Made from the oil extracted from the flesh of the coconut, this wax is obtained through hydrogenation, which naturally stabilises the saturated fatty acids.
Hydrogenation simply means solidifying a liquid vegetable oil to make it more stable over time and more resistant to heat. The material remains 100% plant-based: its nature is not altered, only its firmness and consistency are improved so that it is perfectly suited to candle making.
The result is a wax that is smooth, glossy, uniform and particularly pleasant to work with. Its fatty-acid-rich structure gives it an unmistakable signature: a creamy texture and a brilliant white finish, ideal for carefully crafted creations.
The benefits of coconut wax for candles
Coconut wax is regularly cited as one of the best allies for makers who want to offer premium creations with a flawless sensory finish.
A sustainable, naturally responsible choice
Coconut wax is a pure plant wax, made without petrochemical derivatives and fully biodegradable, just like olive wax. When coconut plantations follow responsible practices, they allow production that respects the tropical ecosystem, with no negative impact on local biodiversity.
Its limited environmental footprint makes it a top choice for makers who want to offer more eco-friendly candles and wax melts, while guaranteeing flawless quality.
A clean, stable and refined burn
Coconut wax stands out for its slow, even burn, which is almost entirely soot-free. Its uniform melt gives a smooth surface from the very first pour, reducing touch-ups and making the most of your production time.
Its low melting point gives it a unique softness, ideal for container candles and particularly popular for massage candles. The flame stays steady, and the scent throw takes on the soft, rounded character that is typical of coconut.
Some premium blends developed for moulded candles, notably those from Kerax or EcoCoco, are known for their natural hardness and refined finish. Their clean, even burn enhances the premium character of your creations.
A healthy wax, suited to indoor spaces
Unlike coconut oil, the wax has no noticeable odour, so it carries fragrances perfectly without distorting them. Vegan, not tested on animals and free from toxic substances, it gives a worry-free burn that respects indoor air quality.
Our main coconut wax products
We offer several coconut waxes suited to container candles, moulded candles and wax melts, as well as blends designed for making massage candles.
Kerax coconut wax for container candles
White, creamy and naturally glossy, this wax is ideal for container candles thanks to its stability and remarkable scent throw. Its white shade makes colouring easier and guarantees a vibrant result. It is a 100% natural blend of coconut wax and naturally derived additives.
Kerax coconut wax for wax melts and moulded candles
This wax is perfectly suited to free-standing pillar candles. It holds its shape well, releases easily from the mould and leaves a clean surface. It delivers a strong cold and hot throw, and lets you create crisp shapes that keep their appearance over time.
It is suitable for polycarbonate, latex and metal moulds, and is easy to use for beginners and experienced makers alike.
Kerax coconut and soy wax for container candles
This blend combines the softness of coconut with the stability of soy. Its creamy texture adheres evenly to the sides of the container and gives a smooth, uniform finish in a characteristic ivory tone.
Easy to work with thanks to its low melting point, it is also suitable for making massage candles. A slight natural odour may sometimes be noticeable, but it disappears as soon as the fragrance is added.
Cargill NatureWax Elite 600 rapeseed and coconut wax
Supplied in blocks, this wax stands out for its melting point of between 20°C and 55°C. Its off-white to yellow colour gives a much sought-after opaque finish. The combination of rapeseed and coconut strikes an excellent balance between firmness, sensory appeal and ease of use.
Melting points by wax type
- Kerax coconut wax for container candles: between 50°C and 58°C
- Kerax coconut wax for wax melts and moulded candles: 52°C
- Kerax coconut and soy wax for container candles: 50°C
- Rapeseed and coconut wax for container candles: between 20°C and 55°C
Which wicks to choose for coconut wax
Container candles
Coconut wax works just as well with cotton wicks as with wooden wicks. Its density sometimes calls for a slightly wider wick than you would use with petroleum-based waxes.
The TCR, ECO, STABILO and LX series, as well as flat or round cotton wicks and wooden wicks, all give very good results.
Moulded candles
For moulded candles and wax melts, flat or round cotton wicks, wooden wicks and tealight wicks are recommended. Testing remains essential to fine-tune the flame and the depth of the melt pool.
Colouring coconut wax
Thanks to its natural whiteness, coconut wax renders pigments beautifully. Pastel shades and deeper colours alike come out very evenly.
- Solid dye chips: 5 g per kg of wax (0.5%)
- Liquid dyes: 15 mL per kg of wax (about 1.5%)
Solid dye chips should be added to wax heated to at least 75°C, whereas liquid dyes can be added from 70°C. Adding a UV stabiliser at 0.1% to 0.3% helps the colours hold better.
Adding fragrance to coconut wax
Melt the wax to around 80°C, then add the fragrance once the temperature has dropped back to about 75°C. A fragrance load of 7% to 10% is recommended for candles, and 10% to 15% for wax melts.
Coconut wax stands out for its ability to hold fragrance oils evenly, ensuring a consistent, well-balanced scent throw, both cold and hot.
Storing coconut wax
Store the wax in a cool, dry place, away from light and heat. An airtight container prevents any contamination from moisture or outside odours and preserves its technical properties.
Conclusion
Coconut wax has established itself as an exceptional material for makers seeking quality and sensory appeal. Its clean burn, refined look and ability to bring out the best in fragrances make it an essential ally for creating elegant, natural and long-lasting candles.
Choosing it means opting for a modern, responsible, high-quality wax. To find out more, read our guide to common problems with plant-based waxes and perfect your creations with complete peace of mind.
