Why should I add coconut oil to beeswax candles?

Beeswax is an amazing nontoxic option for candle making. If you’ve ever wondered why people add coconut oil to beeswax candles, here is why, how much to add, and what kind of oil! Along with a super simple coconut oil and beeswax blend candle recipe!

Longer burn time

This right here is one of the best reasons for adding coconut oil to your beeswax candles! If you’ve ever wondered how to make beeswax candles burn longer, here is your answer! Adding coconut oil to your beeswax candle will make it burn longer! It is no secret that beeswax candles are not the most inexpensive option. Beeswax is a hard wax and because of this, it is already known for having the longest burn time out of any other candle! But the best way to extend its life and truly get a longer lasting candle is to add coconut oil.

Sets up more evenly

Homemade beeswax candles can sink towards the center, near the wick as they harden. By adding coconut oil to your candle, it helps the candle set up more evenly.

If you are using a glass candle jar, the glass typically cools faster than the beeswax.Since candle wax tends to rise as it hardens, this causes the wax on that is touching the glass to cool, rise, and harden faster than the center which is what causes the uneven setting of the candle.

Prevents tunneling

Since adding coconut oil helps the candle set up more evenly, this translates into the candle burning more evenly as well, helping prevent tunneling.

Since beeswax is a hard wax, it should not be burned for short periods of time to prevent tunneling altogether. It may take 2, 3, or even 4 hours of burning for the wax to melt to the edge of the jar. This will encourage a more even burn.

Cost effective

100% pure beeswax candles are among the most expensive candles. Though it is the best kind of candle for several reasons, (read more about the benefits of beeswax candles here, and the pros and cons of beeswax candles here) adding coconut oil allows you to get all of those amazing benefits, at a lesser cost without sacrificing the quality!

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How much coconut oil to add

This is more about ratios than a set amount. Some people go as far as to make a 50/50 blend candle. I prefer to stay on the side of mostly beeswax in my beeswax candles. Check out my post on how to make homemade beeswax candles to see exactly how I make mine to get the longest burn time, but still reap all of the amazing benefits of beeswax candles!

Best coconut oil for beeswax candles

I get my coconut oil at the grocery store. To ensure the best quality candle or any other coconut oil DIY projects, I purchase organic unrefined coconut oil. You can find it on amazon here.

If you are looking for a slightly more inexpensive option, this is a great choice!

Coconut oil and beeswax blend candle recipe

Feel free to read my detailed post on how to make homemade beeswax candles for additional tips and more detailed instructions. Here is the simplest form of the recipe and instructions:

Equipment

• 6 4oz mason jars or 3 1/2 pint mason jars
• 6 Candle wicks
• 1 Large glass jar/bowl or metal pitcher
• 1 Large pot
• 6 Wooden Skewers or pencils
• 30-50 drops Essential oils optional

Materials

• 1 pound beeswax
• 1/2 cup coconut oil

Instructions

1. Add beeswax to large glass bowl or jar. I suggest choosing one that you can designate for beeswax projects. It is almost impossible to get beeswax out of dishes. Another option is a metal pitcher or old coffee tin so you can throw it away afterwards if you please.
2. Place the container into a large pot of water and bring to a boil. This is how you will double boil your wax! On medium heat, stir occasionally until all the beeswax is melted. Be careful not to splash any water into the beeswax.
3. After the beeswax has completely melted, remove from the heat and stir in the coconut oil.
4. Add in 30-50 drops of essential oils of choice (optional)
5. Glue a wick to the bottom of your candle jars and fill with melted wax and coconut oil. Leave about an inch of room at the top of the jar
6. Using a pencil, or wooden skewer, wrap the other end of the wick around it and lay it horizontally across the top of the jar to keep the wick centered during the hardening process.
7. Once the wax is completely hardened, trim the wick (should be about half an inch long) and your candle is ready to light!