I love adding candles to a space to create a cozy atmosphere and freshen the room but did you know not all candles are made the same? Many are made with potentially toxic chemicals and synthetics fragrances.
In this blog I am sharing how you can make your own all-natural soy wax candles with essential oils, free from synthetic chemicals and fragrances.
Learn where to source wax and other supplies, the right type of containers and wicks to use, how to melt and pour container candles and add essential oils, as well as my tips for using candles safely.
Not only do these candles look amazing around the home, they also make the perfect handmade gift.
Jump to:
- Why I love soy wax candles with essential oils
- Materials you will need
- Tools you will need
- How to choose the right container to make soy wax candles with essential oils
- Watch the video tutorial
- How to make soy wax candles with essential oils
- Frequently asked questions
- What are the best essential oils for making soy wax candles?
- Where can you buy candle making materials?
- How do you use candles safely?
- Are soy candles really better?
- Are non soy candles bad for you?
- Why are soy candles so expensive?
- Which wick do you choose for soy candles?
- Do you need to cure soy candles?
- Can you place soy wax candles in the fridge to set?
- Comments
Why I love soy wax candles with essential oils
Most cheaper candles are made from petroleum-based paraffin wax. The jury is still out on just how harmful paraffin wax fumes can be, but we know that soy candles produce less soot and toxic chemicals than candles made from paraffin.
Compared to natural essential oils, candles scented with synthetic fragrances may also be a threat to our health, and some people may even suffer an allergic response.
Knowing this, I made the switch to using soy wax candles with essential oils, instead of cheap store-bought candles and air fresheners, and I've never looked back.
I went through a brief stage of making candles to sell at the markets and they were really popular. These days I just make soy wax candles with essential oils to enjoy at home, or to give as gifts.
The process is really simple and you have the option to customise the scent of the candle by adding your favourite essential oils. You can also make them unscented if you prefer, particularly if you love candles, but are sensitive to smells.
Soy wax candles make the perfect gift and pair nicely alongside homemade bath and beauty products such as my botanical bath salts and lip balm.
Materials you will need
To make soy wax candles with essential oils you will need:
- heat proof candle container (read on for how to choose the right container)
- soy wax flakes*
- essential oils**
- wick (choose a wick the right size for the diameter of your candle container)
- wick sticker
- warning label (optional)
- paper towel for cleaning up
*you will need enough soy wax flakes to fill the candle container about two to three times. If you have bought a new candle container you may have been given the containers wax capacity in grams, in which case you can simply measure it using kitchen scales.
**6-7 per cent of the wax weight for a heavy scent, or just a few drops for a lighter scent.
Tools you will need
- cooktop
- saucepan half filled with water
- heat proof jug (to fit top of saucepan)
- spatula
- cooking or candle making thermometer (up to at least 85 degrees Celsius or 185 degrees Fahrenheit)
- skewer
How to choose the right container to make soy wax candles with essential oils
For safety reasons it is really import to select the right containers for your soy wax candles.
Glass
Not all glass can withstand the thermal pressure (heating and cooling) of a candle flame. Be sure to choose heat resistant glass such as jars made specifically for candle making, reputable preserving/canning jars, or recycle a used candle container (I like to find these at thrift shops).
Ceramic
Glazed ceramics are another beautiful option. I like to recycle ceramics I find at the thrift shop.
Candle Tins
Tins are another great choice for candle making.
2024 Update: Kmart now offers affordable candle making supplies in Australia.
Watch the video tutorial
How to make soy wax candles with essential oils
Take the container and place a warning label at the base. This is optional but I think it's a good idea if you are giving candles as gifts as the warning label explains how to use the candle safely.
Take one wick and one wick sticker and place the sticker on the end of the wick. Stick the wick at the centre of the base of the jar. Press down firmly.
Wind the top of the wick around a skewer until the skewer is resting firmly on the top of the jar. This will help keep your wick stay centred when you pour the candle.
Bring the water in the saucepan to the boil.
Measure the required amount of wax and add it to the heat proof jug, stirring occasionally with the spatula.
Once the wax has melted, add the thermometer and heat the wax to 85 degrees Celsius* (185 degrees Fahrenheit).
Turn the cook top off and remove the jug from the double boiler.
Allow the wax to cool to 75 degrees Celsius* (167 degrees Fahrenheit) and add the preferred amount of essential oils. Mix well.
Pour the wax mixture slowly into the candle container ensuring the wick remains centred.
Allow the candle to set (cure) at room temperature for 24 hours before trimming the wick to 1cm. You can now enjoy your handmade candle!
Hint: Wipe your equipment with paper towel while it is still warm to remove excess wax before hand washing.
*These temperatures are suitable for Golden Wax 464 Soy Wax. Check the heating instructions from the wax manufacturer as each wax is slightly different.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best essential oils for making soy wax candles?
You can use any essential oils you like. My favourite essential oils to use in candle making are:
- Rose geranium
- Lavender
- Orange, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Ginger (great for Christmas).
Where can you buy candle making materials?
I like to buy candle making supplies in bulk online:
- Soy wax flakes*
- Wick
- Wick sticker
- Warning label
- Rose geranium Essential Oil
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Orange, Bergamot, Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Ginger Essential Oil
I have also noticed that Kmart and Spotlight are now selling soy wax candle making supplies.
How do you use candles safely?
- Use candles in a well ventilated space, away from drafts
- Never leave a burning candle unsupervised
- Keep candles away from children and pets
- Only place candles on flat, sturdy and heat resistant surfaces
- Ensure good clearance around the candle away from flammable materials such as curtains, soft furnishings and floral arrangements
- Never place flammable decorations inside the candle, such as dried botanicals
- Trim the wick to 1cm before each use
- Do not burn candles for more than 4 hours at a time
Are soy candles really better?
Studies have shown that soy candles produce less soot and toxic chemicals than candles made from paraffin.
Beeswax is another great non-toxic alternative, although it can be more expensive to buy.
Are non soy candles bad for you?
According to this article by Healthline, the jury is still out on just how harmful paraffin wax fumes can be.
Since there are more natural and sustainable alternatives like soy wax and beeswax, I prefer not to take the chance.
Why are soy candles so expensive?
Natural, non-toxic ingredients such as soy wax and essential oils are more expensive to produce, and therefore candles made with these ingredients cost more than synthetic counterparts.
Which wick do you choose for soy candles?
The wick you choose depends on the diameter of your candle container. That's because you need a larger wick and brighter flame to efficiently burn a larger area of wax and vice versa. You can also choose shorter or longer wicks, depending on the height of your container.
Do you need to cure soy candles?
Yes. You should allow the wax to set and cure for 24 hours prior to burning the candle for the first time.
Can you place soy wax candles in the fridge to set?
Well technically you shouldn't, as this will cause the candle to set unevenly (not the best look), however I've found that it's fine to do this in a pinch. When you burn the candle for the first time I find the wax melts and evens out anyway.
How to make soy wax candles with essential oils
Learn how to make your own all-natural soy wax candles with essential oils, free from synthetic chemicals and fragrances.
Materials
- heat proof candle container
- soy wax flakes (enough soy wax flakes to fill the container 2 - 3 times)
- essential oils, optional (6-7 per cent of the wax weight for a heavy scent, or just a few drops for a lighter scent)
- wick (choose a wick the right size for the diameter of your candle container)
- wick sticker
- warning label (optional)
- paper towel for cleaning up
Tools
- cooktop
- saucepan half willed with water
- heat proof jug (to fit top of saucepan)
- spatula
- cooking or candle making thermometer (up to at least 85 degrees Celsius/185 degrees Fahrenheit)
- skewer
Instructions
- Take the candle container and place a warning label at the base. This is optional but I think it's a good idea if you are giving your candles as a gift as the warning label explains how to use the candle safely.
- Take one wick and one wick sticker and place the sticker on the end of the wick. Stick the wick at the centre of the base of the jar. Press down firmly.
- Wind the top of the wick around a skewer until the skewer is resting firmly on the top of the jar. This will help keep your wick stay centred when you pour the candle.
- Bring the water in the saucepan to the boil.
Measure the required amount of wax and add it to the heat proof jug, stirring occasionally with the spatula. - Once the wax has melted, add the thermometer and heat the wax to 85 degrees Celsius (185 degrees Fahrenheit). Turn the cook top off and remove the jug from the double boiler.
- Allow the wax to cool to 75 degrees Celsius* (167 degrees Fahrenheit) and add the preferred amount of essential oils. Mix well.
- Pour the wax mixture slowly into the candle container ensuring the wick remains centred.
- Allow the candle to set (cure) at room temperature for 24 hours before trimming the wick to 1cm. You can now enjoy your handmade candle!
Notes
Hint: Wipe your equipment with paper towel while it is still warm to remove excess wax before hand washing.
As always, thanks for following along. Don't forget to share your thoughts with me below using the comment tool below!
And if you love all things natural and handmade try my eucalyptus cleaning spray and foaming hand soap.
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