Production of Aromatherapy Candles from Palm Kernel Oil (PKO)

Palm Kernel Oil (PKO) is a by-product of the palm oil industry that has the potential to be used as an alternative raw material for making aromatherapy candles. This research aims to make aromatherapy candles made from PKO and evaluate the physical characteristics and quality of the products produced. The research method used a variation of PKO concentration (5 ml, 10 ml, 15 ml) combined with stearic acid as a hardening agent (30 gr, 40 gr, 50 gr). The manufacturing process includes mixing PKO with stearic acid at a certain temperature, adding essential oil as fragrance, and printing using wax wicks. Product evaluation is carried out through testing of physical characteristics including shape, color, aroma intensity, flame stability, and burn durability. The results showed that the best formulation was obtained in a combination of 10 ml PKO with 40 gr of stearic acid. The aromatherapy candles produced have optimal characteristics in the form of a smooth and stable solid form, homogeneous and attractive colors, a strong and long-lasting scent both before and after burning, a stable flame without producing black smoke, and an optimal burning time. Overall, aromatherapy candles from PKO can meet physical, aesthetic, and functional aspects so that they are suitable as an alternative value-added product from Palm Kernel Oil waste.