Looking for a charming, eco-friendly DIY project that smells amazing and looks beautiful in your home? Coconut soy candles are a perfect blend of nature and creativity. These unique candles are made using real coconut shells and natural waxes, making them a sustainable and stylish alternative to store-bought versions. Whether you’re making them for personal use, seasonal decor, or as thoughtful handmade gifts, this guide will walk you through every step of the process – from choosing your materials to adding your own personal flair.

1. What Is a Coconut Soy Candle?

Coconut candles are natural candles made by pouring wax into cleaned and polished coconut shells. These containers are biodegradable, plastic-free, and offer a rustic, tropical aesthetic. Their rising popularity stems from their eco-conscious appeal and the cozy, natural ambiance they create when lit. They make stunning centerpieces, relaxing additions to bedrooms or bathrooms, and are often sold in boutique markets as artisanal products.

2. Can You Make Candles with Coconut Oil?

Yes, you can use coconut oil in candle-making, but not by itself. Pure coconut oil has a low melting point (around 24°C or 76°F), which means it can liquify even at room temperature. This makes it unsuitable as the sole ingredient for candle wax. Instead, coconut oil is commonly blended with other waxes such as soy or beeswax, typically in ratios of 10–15% coconut oil to 85–90% other wax, to improve the candle’s consistency, scent throw, and overall burn quality. The result is a smooth, creamy wax that is ideal for holding fragrance and delivering an even burn.

3. Materials You’ll Need

To get started, gather these basic materials:

• Coconut shell (halved, cleaned, and dried)
• Natural wax (soy wax, coconut blend, or beeswax)
• Candle wick (preferably cotton or wood for a clean burn)
• Essential oils (optional for fragrance; lavender, vanilla, and lemongrass are popular choices)
• Wick holder (or a pair of chopsticks to keep the wick centered)
• Double boiler (or a heat-safe bowl over a pot of boiling water)
• Thermometer (to monitor wax temperature)
• Glue gun or wick stickers (to secure the wick)
• Sandpaper (optional, for smoothing the coconut shell’s exterior)
• Decorative elements (dried flowers, crushed shells, or herbs for custom designs)

4. How to Prepare the Coconut Shell

Step 1: Open the coconut carefully: Use a hammer or heavy knife to split the coconut in half. Drain the water and scoop out all the meat with a knife or spoon.

Step 2: Clean thoroughly: Rinse the inside with warm water and soap, then dry it completely. Avoid leaving any moisture, as this can interfere with the wax setting.

Step 3: Polish and sand: Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges. You can also polish the outer shell with coconut oil for a shiny finish.

Step 4: Stabilize: Make sure your shell sits flat. If it wobbles, sand the bottom gently or place it in a heat-safe holder or ring to keep it steady while the wax sets.

5. Step-by-Step Candle Making Process

Step 1: Secure the Wick

• Use a glue gun or wick sticker to fix the wick to the center base of the coconut shell.
• Hold the wick upright using a wick holder or balance chopsticks across the top of the shell.

Step 2: Melt the Wax

• Measure your wax (about 1 cup for a medium coconut shell) and place it in a double boiler.
• Slowly heat and stir until fully melted. Keep an eye on the temperature – the ideal pouring temperature is between 55–65°C (130–150°F).

Step 3: Add Fragrance

• Remove the wax from the heat and let it cool slightly.
• Stir in essential oils – 10–20 drops per 1 cup of wax, depending on your desired strength.

Step 4: Pour the Wax

• Carefully pour the wax into the coconut shell, leaving about 1 cm of space from the rim.
• Adjust the wick as needed to stay centered.

Step 5: Let It Set

• Allow the wax to cool and harden at room temperature for at least 4–6 hours. Avoid moving it during this time.

Step 6: Trim the Wick

• Once fully set, trim the wick to 0.5 inch (1.2 cm). Your candle is ready to use!

6. Safety Tips & Usage Advice

• Place candles on a heat-resistant surface before lighting.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended.
• Keep candles away from flammable materials, children, and pets.
• Do not burn all the way to the shell’s base to avoid overheating or cracking.
• For best results, burn the candle in 2–3 hour sessions to allow an even melt pool.

7. Where to Buy Materials & Finished Coconut Candles

7.1 DIY Materials:

• Amazon/Etsy: Buy bulk soy wax, coconut blend wax, essential oils, wicks, and glue dots.
• Craft Stores: Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Joann offer candle-making kits and tools.
• Eco Suppliers: Check Sustainable Jungle, EcoEnclose, or CandleScience.
• Markets & Online Sellers: Source real coconut shells or pre-scooped halves from local farmers or eco-vendors.

7.2 Finished Coconut Soy Candles:

• Etsy: Explore handmade coconut candles from global artisans.
• EarthHero, Package Free, or The Coconut Candle Co.: Reliable for organic, ready-to-use candles.
• Boutique Stores: Many local eco-lifestyle shops carry coconut candles as decor or spa accessories.

8. Creative Ideas & Customizations

• Decorate the shell: Wrap with jute rope, paint with natural dyes, or add wood-burned designs.
• Layered scents: Mix complementary essential oils for a unique aromatic experience.
• Seasonal themes: Add cinnamon sticks or dried citrus slices for winter-themed candles.
• Gift packaging: Place in a fabric pouch or eco-box with a handwritten tag.

9. Conclusion

Making your own coconut candle is a fun, creative, and eco-friendly project that adds a personal touch to your home or gift-giving. With a few simple tools and natural ingredients, you can craft a beautiful candle that smells amazing and supports sustainability.

Not feeling crafty today? No problem – there are plenty of talented makers offering gorgeous coconut candles ready to ship. However you choose to enjoy them, coconut candles bring a warm, tropical vibe to any space.

Bonus Tip: Share your candle creations on social media using hashtags like #CoconutCandleDIYwithPhuHao or #EcoHomeCraftswithPhuHao to inspire others and join a growing community of natural living enthusiasts.

Give it a try and drop your thoughts or questions in the comments below!

Visit Us at

Tel: +84 906 789 215

Email: phuhaogroup@gmail.com / henry@phuhaogroup.com

Website: 𝐰𝐰𝐰.𝐩𝐡𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩.𝐜𝐨𝐦

Alibaba: 𝐡𝐭𝐭𝐩𝐬://𝐩𝐡𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩.𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬.𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐚.𝐜𝐨𝐦/

Youtube: 𝐡𝐭𝐭𝐩𝐬://𝐰𝐰𝐰.𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐛𝐞.𝐜𝐨𝐦/@𝐩𝐡𝐮𝐡𝐚𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩