What Is EcoCoco?
EcoCoco is a coconut-based pillar wax. Known for exceptional scent throw and a smooth, creamy finish.
One important thing upfront: coconut wax is soft. Softer than soy, much softer than paraffin. This affects how you work with it and what you can make.
The Honest Truth About Coconut Wax
It's not the easiest wax to work with. Pure coconut is soft, has a low melt point, and can be temperamental in warm weather.
But the scent throw is exceptional. If fragrance performance is your priority, coconut delivers.
EcoCoco Pillar Wax Specs
- Melt point: 52-54°C
- Pour temperature: 60-65°C
- Fragrance load: up to 10%
- Colour: Bright white, creamy finish
What EcoCoco Is Good For
Moulded candles in cooler climates. Wax melts (excellent throw). Pillar candles that won't sit in direct sunlight or warm rooms.
The finish is beautiful. Smooth, creamy white, almost luxurious looking.
What EcoCoco Is Not For
Container candles (too soft, poor adhesion). Outdoor candles. Anything that will be stored or displayed somewhere warm.
If your customers are in the UK and keep their homes at normal temperatures, you're fine. If you're selling to someone in a conservatory in July, warn them.
Working With EcoCoco
Melting
Heat to 75-80°C. Lower than soy because of the lower melt point. Don't overheat it.
Adding Fragrance
Add at 70°C. Coconut wax binds fragrance brilliantly. You can often use less than you would with soy and still get strong throw.
Start at 8%. Go to 10% only if you've tested at 8% and want more.
Pouring
Pour at 60-65°C. Cooler than soy pillar wax.
The wax sets quickly. Work efficiently once you start pouring.
Cooling
Cool at room temperature. Coconut wax is sensitive to temperature changes. Drafts cause surface imperfections.
Don't refrigerate. The rapid cooling causes cracks and can make the wax brittle.
Wick Sizing for EcoCoco
Coconut wax burns hot. Start smaller than you think.
| Pillar Diameter | Suggested Wick |
|---|---|
| 5cm (2") | LX 8-10 |
| 7cm (2.75") | LX 12-14 |
| 10cm (4") | LX 16-18 or double wick |
Test in summer AND winter. Temperature affects how coconut wax burns more than other waxes.
Troubleshooting EcoCoco
Candle Is Too Soft / Bending
Room too warm. Coconut wax softens at lower temperatures than soy.
Solutions:
- Store finished candles somewhere cool (under 20°C)
- Warn customers about warm rooms/sunlight
- Consider blending with a harder wax if this is a persistent problem
Surface Sweating
Oily beads on the surface. Common in coconut wax, especially in warm conditions or with high fragrance loads.
Causes: Too much fragrance, storage too warm, or natural oils separating.
Fix: Reduce fragrance to 8%. Store under 20°C. Wipe with a paper towel before selling.
Frosting
White crystalline patches. Less common in coconut than soy, but it happens.
Purely cosmetic. Doesn't affect burn or scent.
Poor Mould Release
Candle sticking to the mould. Coconut wax usually releases well, but if it's sticking:
- Make sure the candle is fully cooled (overnight)
- Flex silicone moulds gently before removing
- Don't use mould release spray - it can affect the finish
Cracking
Cracks on the surface or through the candle.
Cause: Cooled too fast or temperature shock.
Fix: Cool at steady room temperature. Avoid any drafts.
Curing EcoCoco
1-2 weeks. Coconut wax cures faster than soy. Cold throw develops within a week for most fragrances.
Seasonal Considerations
This matters more with coconut wax than any other:
Summer: Candles can soften in transit. Ship Monday-Wednesday only. Warn customers about leaving packages in hot cars or sunny porches.
Winter: Coconut wax can become brittle in very cold conditions. Don't store in unheated sheds.
The ideal storage temperature is 15-20°C year-round.
Why Choose Coconut Wax?
Scent throw. Nothing else comes close. If your brand is about fragrance, coconut delivers.
Appearance. That creamy white finish looks premium.
Clean burn. No soot, no smoke when properly wicked.
Why Not Choose Coconut?
Softness. It limits what you can make and where it can be sold.
Price. More expensive than soy.
Temperature sensitivity. Requires more careful storage and shipping.
Not for containers. If you want container candles, coconut alone won't work.