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How to Make Essential Oil Candles

Everything you need to know to start making your own DIY essential oil candles at home.
Prep Time15 minutes
Inactive Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 15 minutes
Course: Candles
Servings: 1 4-ounce candle
Author: Stephanie Pollard

Ingredients

  • One 4-ounce metal or glass container
  • Candle wicks hemp will throw off more scent, but cotton or wood will work, too
  • 2 cups pure soy wax flakes add more as needed to fill your container
  • Saucepan
  • Old aluminum can for melting wax
  • 2 teaspoons essential oil of your choice
  • Old kitchen thermometer
  • Clothespin or chopsticks to hold the wicks

Instructions

  • Place the soy wax flakes in an old aluminum can (if it doesn't all fit, add as much as you can and add more as the wax melts)
  • Fill a saucepan halfway with water and place the can of soy wax in the center. Allow the water to simmer until the wax melts completely.
  • Remove the can and place your kitchen thermometer in the hot wax. Check the temperature every few minutes until the wax cools to 185 degrees (it doesn't have to be exact, but a slightly lower temperature is better than higher).
  • Add your essential oils and stir to combine.
  • Place the wick in the center of container and use a clothespin or chopsticks to keep it upright.
  • Pour the wax into the container and allow it to cool for several hours, or overnight, before lighting.

Notes

Any essential oils will work for this, but my favorites are:
If making larger candles, you'll need 2 teaspoons oil for every 4-ounces melted wax. Scale this ratio accordingly to fill your candle container.
Too keep the scent from fading over time, always keep your candle covered when not in use.