Essential Oils For Candle Making: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Own Candles

A good scent is something that can enhance your mood instantly. Scents and fragrances can help you calm down and relax. Scented candles are one of the ways through which you can add scents and fragrances to your lives.

Scented candles create a great ambiance and offer comfort, warmth, and coziness. But the candles made with harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances are risky and not good for the environment.

Thus, this article discusses an alternate option to create your own natural candles with essential oils. Essential oils are the essence that has been extracted from different parts of plants.

Essential oils have their own natural strong aroma that can be used in candles. Essential oil candles have an impact on your mind and body, and it also helps in supporting spiritual balance. This is the reason these candles are also called aromatherapy candles.

Read below to learn about the essential oils used to make scented candles at home. Find out ways to make essential oil candles at your home. A detailed list of candle-making supplies is included below that will help you make your own DIY essential oil candles.

What Is Required To Make An Essential Oils Candle At Home?

Making essential oil candles is very simple and requires a few ingredients, some of which might already be available at your home. Below is the list of ingredients that you'll need before starting to make candles using essential oils.

#1 Soy Wax Flakes or Beeswax

Soy wax is much cleaner and releases very little soot when burned. Soy wax is also non-toxic in nature and thus will not harm you in any manner when burnt. Soy wax burns slowly; therefore, your candle will last longer if you use this wax.

Beeswax also burns slowly and has a sweet honey-like smell, which can further add a great scent to the candle.

*Note: Avoid using paraffin wax as it is a by-product of petroleum and is not a sustainable option.

#2 Natural Wicks

Natural wicks are recommended as they do not release any butane gas, unlike traditional wicks, which release butane gas when burnt. Avoid taking a smaller wick, instead use a longer wick and then trim its length after the DIY candle is created.

#3 Essential Oils

Essential oils have a scent to them, so they can be used in candles to make a scented candle. To give your candle a strong scent, add around 100 drops of essential oil.

#4 Jars

Container or any glass jar to store and make the candle

#5 Chopstick or Wick Holder

This will help in keeping the wick in place.

#6 A Device to Stir

For stirring the candle wax, you will require a disposable stirring device as the candle wax sticks a lot.

How To Make Candles With Essential Oils At Home?

Follow the Below Steps to Make an Essential Oils Candle Easily.

Step 1- Melting The Wax.

Fill the pot with soy wax and heat it at a low to medium flame. Soy wax melts quickly and will take a few minutes to melt completely. With the help of the stirring device, stir the melted wax. Make sure that the flame is adequate and the wax does not burn.

Step 2- Adding Your Essential Oils.

After the wax is completely melted, add your favorite essential oils to it. 100 drops of essential oils are recommended for a strong scent. Though, you can alter the amount of oil depending on your choices.

Step 3- Anchoring Wick and Pour the Wax Into the Jar.

Now you have to grab the jar or container in which you want to make your candles. With the help of a chopstick, place the wick. You can also use anchors if you want to place the wick. Then pour the melted wax with essential oils into the jar.

Repeat this process if you are making candles in multiple jars. Then leave the jar for one hour or until the wax becomes completely solid. Then according to your desired length, cut the excess wick. Wait for 24 hours, and then light your candle.

How To Make Spiritual Candles?

Making spiritual candles involves infusing them with specially chosen ingredients to support your spiritual practices. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Materials for making natural candles for spirituality:

1. Candle Colour

Choose a natural color based on your mood or purpose. For example, choose white for purity.

2. Essential Oils for Candle Making

Select oils associated with your preference. Some scents are chosen for specific intentions such as lavender for calm surroundings and frankincense for meditation.

3. Herbs, Flowers, or Crystals

Design a potpourri with items that align with your purpose.

4. Paper and Pencil

For writing affirmations or intentions.

5. Candle Holder Or Dish

What Are Some Of The Best Essential Oils Candles?

1. Frankincense Essential Oil Candles

Frankincense oil has an earthy scent, creating a soothing and relaxing environment. It has calming properties which offer you instant peace. Frankincense oil can lift up your mood and relax you after a tiring day.

2. Lavender Essential Oil Candles

Lavender oil is famous for its scent. This is one of the most commonly used essential oils in aromatherapy. Lavender oil has natural calming properties and refreshes the mood. Burning lavender essential oil candles will set a holiday and festive vibe in your room.

Must Read: Essential Oil Blends Recipe for Holiday Season

3. Bergamot Essential Oil Candles

Candles made with essential oils like bergamot can induce a restful state. Bergamot oil has calming effects. It has a combination of sweet and citrusy scents, making this essential oil unique and perfect for your scented candles.

4. Peppermint Essential Oil Candles

Peppermint has a very pleasant scent that can refresh your mood. Peppermint oil has calming properties.

5. Rosemary Essential Oil Candles

Rosemary essential oil is one of the favorite fragrances that are commonly used in candles. It promotes a soothing environment.

6. Cinnamon Essential Oil Candles

Cinnamon essential oil is one of the best essential oils for candle making. Cinnamon oil offers natural warmth and gives a perfect holiday vibe. The cinnamon essential oil candle is ideal for the winter season. It has a comforting fragrance that keeps you warm and cozy.

7. Clary Sage Essential Oil Candles

Clary sage oil has a lovely scent. Clary sage can help you relax instantly with its soothing aroma.

8. Eucalyptus Essential Oil Candles

Eucalyptus oil is a commonly used essential oil in aromatherapy. Eucalyptus oil has a very refreshing scent that cools you down. It has an energizing aroma that boosts your energy and mood.

9. Sweet Orange Essential Oil Candles

Sweet orange oil has a subtle aroma that refreshes your soul. The sweet orange essential oil candle scent can lighten up your mood and can cheer you up if you are having a rough day.

10. Grapefruit Essential Oil Candles

Grapefruit oil has a great citrusy smell that makes this oil appropriate for being used in making scented candles. Grapefruit oil is considered to be a mood booster as it has soothing and comforting properties.

11. Vanilla Oil Candles

Scented candles with essential oils Vanilla essential oil is known for its sweet scent. Vanilla oil has relaxing properties and can calm your mind and body.

12. Marjoram Essential Oil Candles

Marjoram oil is also known for calming and relaxing the mind and body, and the candle prepared from marjoram oil is appropriate to burn after a tiring day at school or work.

13. Sandalwood Essential Oil Candles

Sandalwood oil has a woodsy scent, and people who like the winter feels and smell of wood will enjoy using sandalwood essential oil candles. Burning this candle can help you relax quickly and calm your mind and body.

14. Vetiver Essential Oil Candles

Vetiver oil candles are most appropriate during the winter season and nights. It has calming and warming properties, and burning vetiver oil candles can create a perfect environment before bedtime or during the winter.

15. Cedarwood Essential Oil Candles

Cedarwood is one of the best essential oils for candle. Cedarwood has a natural woodsy scent, and burning cedarwood essential oil candles can set the whole holiday and winter mood. Cedarwood oil has calming properties.

16. Tea Tree Essential Oil Candles

Tea tree essential oil is one of the most commonly used essential oils for many different purposes. It has a sharp scent to it that can fill your whole room. It has calming and relaxing properties that can set your mood and rejuvenate your energy. It will keep you active all day.

17. Clove Essential Oil Candles

Clove oil has a spicy scent to it which keeps you energized. Clove oil also has warming properties, making it a perfect essential oil for your scented candles. Clove oil has relaxing and healing properties and can make you feel refreshed all day.

Blending Essential Oils For Candles

Essential oil for candle making is a delightful and creative process. It combines the art of aromatherapy with the cozy ambiance of candlelight. These carefully crafted blends of aromatic oils can uplift your mood, create an ambience for relaxation, or evoke nostalgic memories of childhood or romance as the candles burn.

• The first step in blending essential oils for candles is selecting the oils (what else). The essential oils in candles have its unique fragrance and health-based properties, and you can mix and match them to create custom scents. For example, a blend of lavender and any strong essential oils for candles (including tea tree oil) can induce tranquility, while citrus oils like lemon and orange can energize and refresh.

• Now that the essential oils have been picked, it's essential to consider the ratios in which the oils have to be mixed. Typically, a few drops of essential oil per ounce of candle wax is a basic way of making natural candles. However, the strength of the scent you desire and the type of wax you're using can influence this ratio.

• Next, mix the essential oils for candles into the melted candle wax; make sure to evenly distribute the fluids. Stirring gently with a wooden stick works well. Be cautious not to use excess oils as too much essential oil for candle making can affect the candle's performance.

Blending essential oils for candles is an art form which when done at home creates a personalized sensory experience. One can craft couple of fragrances for each room. Experiment with various blends until you find the perfect scent that sets the tone of your rooms. Whether for self-care, meditation, or enhancing the ambiance and removing dullness of any space, candle making with essential oils can truly elevate your candlelit moments.

DIY Recipes To Try For Making Essential Oils Candle

DIY candle making using pure essential oils at home is loved by many people. Following are some of the easy DIY recipe essential oils blends that you can use for making homemade candles.

DIY Recipe #1

DIY Essential Oil Candle for Relief

Ingredients

• 20 drops of lavender oil
• 20 drops of cedarwood oil
• 20 drops of bergamot oil
• 15 drops of sweet orange oil
• 25 drops of rosemary oil
• Wick
• Jar
• Beeswax (2 to 3 cups)
• Stirring device

DIY Recipe #2

DIY Essential Oil Candle Recipe for Relaxation

Ingredients

• 15 drops of chamomile oil
• 15 drops of vetiver oil
• 15 drops of peppermint oil
• 15 drops of marjoram oil
• 20 drops clary sage oil
• 20 drops of sandalwood oil
• Soy wax (2 to 3 cups)
• Pot
• Mason Jar

DIY Recipe #3

DIY Essential Oil Candle for Energizing

Ingredients

• 15 drops of cinnamon
• 15 drops of frankincense oil
• 15 drops of eucalyptus oil
• 15 drops clove oil
• 20 drops of vanilla oil
• 20 drops of grapefruit oil
• Jar or any candle container
• Pot or container to melt the wax
• Beeswax

*Note: The drops of essential oils that have a strong scent can be adjusted accordingly.

List of Different Waxes That Can Be Used In Candle Making At Home

The choice of wax plays a very crucial role in making scented candles. Lighter wax increases the fragrance throw of the candle. Thus it gives you a rich aromatic feel. Using soft wax is recommended if you make candles in a container. Because using soft wax for making free-standing candles or pillars might cause them to lose their shape.

So, before deciding on selecting the wax, it is important to first decide on the type of candle you wish to make. Below is a list of some of the natural waxes and artificial waxes from which you can select your desired wax

Natural waxes

As the name suggests, these waxes are made from natural ingredients.

Beeswax: This is the most famously used wax in candle-making activity, mainly because of its soft scent that adds to the scented candle. Though it is to be noted that beeswax is stickier, it works well for containers and rolled candles. This wax has a higher melting point because it burns slowly and is opted for by most candle makers. Beeswax is on the expensive side. It is in bleached white color.

Bayberry wax: It is achieved by boiling the bayberry bush berries. This wax has a spicy aroma, adding a decent aroma to your scented candles.

Vegetable waxes: There are some natural vegetable-based waxes as well, like soy wax, jojoba wax, palm wax, etc. vegetable-based waxes are used as they are long-lasting and burn clean without leaving much soot. Soy wax is one of the most commonly used waxes by candlemakers.

Artificial waxes

Artificial waxes are usually opted for by people as they are easily available and convenient to use. They are also inexpensive. Though they are not good for the environment, it is recommended to avoid using artificial waxes and opt for natural wax choices.

Gel wax: Gel wax is achieved by combining thermoplastic resin and butylated hydroxytoluene. This is an easy-to-use wax, but it is not recommended to be used in candle-making essential oils as it does not blend well with essential oils. Thus the purpose of a scented candle might not be served if this candle is used.

Paraffin wax: Paraffin wax is achieved by synthesizing the process of different mineral oils. This wax is present in rigid form and thus is used for molded candles. Paraffin wax does not burn clean and leaves black soot on the walls and surface. Melting paraffin is believed to have side effects on human health. This is the reason it is not recommended for use.

Which Wax Is Better, Soy Wax Or Beeswax?

Soy wax and beeswax are both natural wax options that should be opted for making candles at home. Both these wax are non-toxic and do not release harmful toxins and chemicals that can negatively impact your health or the environment.

Soy wax and beeswax both burn slowly and make your candle last longer. However, beeswax is much denser as compared to soy wax and hence, can last longer as compared to soy wax.

Beeswax has a soothing mild honey scent, and soy wax has no scent. But the wax does not have a strong scent to make a scented candle, so you have to add essential oils to make your scented candles. Both the waxes are suitable for container candles.

Both soy wax and beeswax are sustainable wax options. So, you can select any of these waxes, as both are good. Though beeswax candle is a better option as compared to soy wax.

About Candle Wicks

Selecting the right type of wick is very important in the candle making process as it can influence the burning process. Following are the main categorization of wicks that are used in candle making:

Paper Core Wicks: These are considered the most appropriate for container candles. The main drawback of using this wick is that it smokes more than other wicks.

Wire Core Wicks: These wicks are also used for container candles. The advantage of these wicks is that they come pre-tabbed and need to be placed at the bottom of the container. However, the only thing to keep in mind about this wick is that the metal core of this wick might contain and release hazardous fumes when burned.

Flat Braided Wicks: This is usually used while making dipped taper candles.

Square Braided Wicks: These are used in pillar candles. These wicks are considered to be studier as compared to flat braided wicks.

* Points To Consider:

A poor burning candle might be a result of a wrong selection of wick. Hence, it is important to select the right wick and the right size wick. Consider the following points while selecting the size of the wick.

• The size and length of the wick should be based on the size of the candle.
• Wick selection is also based on the type of wax being used in candle making.
• If you are using beeswax or paraffin wax, then in such cases, you should select a wick that is larger in size. Because these wax burn for longer periods hence, longer wicks will be required.
• To decide on the length of the wick, you can measure the height of the mold and then add 2 to it.

How To Decide The Fragrance Load?

In order to make the desired perfect scented candle, it is important to know the appropriate fragrance load. A general conception is that the fragrance load should be less than 10% (Between 5% to 10%) of the total volume of wax being used. If you wish to use soy wax in candle making, you should use a fragrance load of around 12%. Soy wax requires a higher fragrance as it does not have its own scent.

Mistakes To Avoid In Essential Oils Candle Making

There are a few points that you should keep in mind to avoid common mistakes in candle-making at home. Ensuring the below points will help you create the perfect essential oil candle at home

1. Always remember to cut the wick longer than the jar. You can cut the excess part of the wick after the wax in the candle jar is all set and strong.
2. Make sure that you use an anchor for placing your wick in the middle of the jar, or it can fall to the side of the jar. You can place a chopstick horizontally over the jar and tie the wick to it to make sure that it stays upright.
3. Always remember to place a newspaper below your jar before pouring the melted wax into the jar. Otherwise, it can make the countertop all messy.
4. Always remember that the leftover melted wax should not be poured into your drain as it will block it.

Safety Precautions

1. Never leave your wax unattended while boiling because if it is overheated, the wax can self-ignite.
2. If the wax catches fire, never extinguish it with water; instead, use a lid, baking soda, or a towel.
3. If there is any wax spill near the burner, immediately clean it, as it can be hazardous.
4. If you spill any hot wax on your skin, then do not wipe it off immediately. Instead, use cold water to rinse the skin and when the wax hardens, remove the wax carefully by scrapping it.
5. Avoid using the pot or container for food purposes in which wax is melted.
6. The residue remaining in a container can be removed by placing the container in the freezer for some time, and when the wax hardens, it can be easily peeled off.
7. Always ensure that there is nothing close to the burning candle as it can catch fire.

Final Thoughts

Essential oils serve many different purposes, and candle-making is also one of them. Many essential oils have natural scents and are one of the favorite ingredients of candle makers. With the help of the above technique and DIY recipes, you can be creative and make your own essential oil candles. You can play along with different scents to create a new and unique candle scent.

The article has included some of the best essential oils you can use for candle making, like tea tree oil, lavender oil, grapefruit oil, cedarwood essential oil, clary sage oil, sandalwood oil, etc. Do not forget to implement the safety precautions included in the above article.