Making Candles with Essential Oils – Have Fun!

By Caryn Gehlmann, Clinical Aromatherapist

More and more people are making candles with essential oils. It can add a lovely ambiance to your home or make for a relaxing at-home spa experience. What should you know before you get started? The tips I’m sharing will help you get the most from the essential oils you use when making candles. That way you can light a candle when you need to cultivate comfort and calm in your day.

In addition to some fun recipes, look for the answers to the following questions:

• Does mixing essential oils with candle wax lessen their therapeutic properties?
• Why don’t my candles smell like the essential oils in the bottle?
• Which are the most cost-effective essential oils with a strong scent throw for candle making?
• What ratio of essential oils should I use?
• What are the step-by-step directions for candle-making with essential oils?

Does mixing essential oils with candle wax lessen their therapeutic properties?  

Using essential oils in candles usually does not provide the same intensity of therapeutic benefits as direct applications like diffusers or topical use. However, it can still contribute to creating a pleasant and calming atmosphere.

The therapeutic properties of essential oils can be affected by the following factors:

Heat Exposure: Essential oils are sensitive to heat, and exposure to high temperatures leads to the evaporation or alteration of some volatile compounds.
Dilution: The concentration of essential oils in a candle is generally lower compared to other applications like aromatherapy or massage oils. This dilution is necessary to ensure safe burning and to prevent potential irritation.
Duration of Exposure: Burning a candle provides a continuous, but relatively low-level, exposure to essential oil compounds. This may not be as potent as more direct methods of aromatherapy.

Why don’t my candles smell like the essential oils in the bottle?

The strength of the scent throw in candles depends on the wax used, the candle-making process, and the concentration of essential oils in the formula. When it comes to choosing wax, here are some of the most popular options:

Soy Wax is eco-friendly, renewable, and has a clean burn, but it might not hold fragrance as well as other waxes.

Beeswax has a natural honey scent, a longer burn time, and a beautiful appearance, but it can be more expensive than other waxes.

Coconut Wax provides a clean and slow burn, and it blends well with essential oils, but it can be pricier than other waxes.

Which are the most cost-effective essential oils with a strong scent throw for candle making?

Here’s a list of cost-effective essential oils with a strong scent throw for candle making:

Best Candle-Making Essential Oils

Cedarwood has a strong and woody aroma, making warm, grounding candles.

Cinnamon has a strong, spicy, warming fragrance.

Citronella has a strong, citrusy scent, adding a bright and outdoorsy quality to candles.

Clove has a warm and rich scent.

Eucalyptus has a strong, invigorating scent.

Lavender is popular for its calming properties.

Lemon is known for its bright and fresh fragrance.

Lemongrass has a strong citrusy scent for a vibrant, energizing aroma.

Orange Sweet has a strong and uplifting citrus scent.

Patchouli is known for its strong, earthy, and musky aroma.

Peppermint has a potent and refreshing aroma.

Wintergreen has a strong, sweet, and minty scent.

What ratio of essential oils should I use?

It will take experimentation with different ratios of essential oils to wax to find the right balance for your desired scent intensity. Generally, you’ll want to add about 100 drops of essential oils for every pound of wax. Of course, essential oils with a stronger scent intensity will require less drops, while gentler oils will require more drops. I also like combinations like:

Lemon, Lavender & Bergamot Bliss

1 lb Soy Wax
50 drops Lemon
50 drops Lavender
10 drops Bergamot 

Energizing Citrus Burst

1 lb Coconut Wax
50 drops Lemon
45 drops Orange Wild
15 drops Grapefruit

Warm Spice is Nice

1 lb Beeswax
70 drops Vanilla Blend
30 drops Cinnamon

Other tools you’ll need:

Candlewick
Wick holder
Candle container or mold
Double boiler or microwave-safe container for melting wax
Stirring utensil
Thermometer

What are the step-by-step directions for candle-making with essential oils?

Directions for Candle Making with Essential Oils

1. Set up your work area with all the necessary materials.
2. Ensure the candle container or mold is clean and dry.
3. Attach and center the wick to the bottom of the candle container using a wick holder.
4. Melt 1 lb wax in a double boiler (stovetop method) or microwave-safe container (microwave method)  slowly over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Use a thermometer to heat the wax to around 170-180°F (77-82°C).
6. Turn off heat and cool the melted wax to approximately 150°F (65°C). This ensures that the essential oils won’t evaporate when added. If cooled too much the oils won’t blend properly.
7. Add essential oils and stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the fragrance.
8. Pour the wax carefully into the prepared candle container, leaving about half an inch from the top.
9. Keep the wick centered and in place.
10. Let the candle cool and set completely. This may take a few hours.
11. Trim the wick to about 1/4 inch above the surface of the wax.
12. Allow the candle to cure for at least 24 hours before burning.
13. For burn safety, burn the candle for about 1-2 hours during the initial use to ensure an even melt pool.

Regarding other safety concerns, it’s crucial to be aware of the following:

Some essential oils can be toxic to pets or individuals with certain health conditions. Research the toxicity of each oil you plan to use.
Be cautious about the flash point of essential oils. All oils are flammable, but the temperature at which they ignite varies from oil to oil.
Ensure that you’re not using an excessive amount of essential oils, as this can lead to safety issues and may affect the candle’s burn quality.
Always follow safety guidelines, use quality materials, and test your candles before widespread use.
If you have specific concerns about toxicity or safety, consult with a professional aromatherapist or candle-making expert.

We’d love to hear about how making candles with essential oils goes for you. Contact us and let us know your favorite oils — do you like single scents or blends the best? And if you haven’t done so already, download our free workbook The Art & Science of Blending Essential Oils.