How to Make DIY Non-Toxic Candles with Essential Oils

Most store-bought candles are made with paraffin wax, a waste product from the petroleum industry. When burned, paraffin wax releases carcinogenic chemicals similar to a diesel engine or second-hand smoke.

In addition to the wax, most candles are scented with synthetic fragrances and dyes that include formaldehyde and petroleum distillates, often contaminated with carcinogens absorbed through the skin.

Our bodies efficiently filter out toxins; however, the problem lies in the sheer quantity of toxic chemicals we are exposed to every day. Chemicals in our products are not well regulated, so they are in practically everything we use. If we don’t make an effort to seek out non-toxic products, we are overloading our systems with low-vibrational toxins that wreak havoc on our health. So, swapping out your candles for a non-toxic version is just one way to reduce your toxic load and allow your body to heal both physically and energetically.

Ingredients

3 Tbsp Organic Soy Wax
1 Tbsp Organic Beeswax
1 Tbsp Organic Coconut Oil
35 drops of your favorite essential oil diffuser blend (We chose 10 drops Frankincense, 10 drops Holiday Joy, and 15 drops Black Spruce)
Cotton, hemp or wooden wick (for a cleaner, less smoky burn)
2-3 oz candle tin or jar

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Instructions

1. Melt the solids (soy wax, beeswax, and solid coconut oil) in a double boiler. You can make a makeshift double boiler by place a melting pot inside a pot of boiling water. Place the solids in your melting pot. Heat a small pot of water on the stove on high and bring to a boil. Using oven mitts, carefully place the melting pot in the pot of boiling water. Use a long stirring spoon (you can find candle-making kit online that come with a long spoon) to occasionally stir the mixture until it is fully melted. Be sure to wear the oven mitts while you are stirring to keep from getting burned.

2. When the mixture has fully melted, remove it from the heat.

3. Use a thermometer to measure the temperature of your mixture. Adding your essential oils at the proper temperature will hep them bind to the wax giving your candle a stronger scent. I have mistakenly put the essential oils in too soon, and you could barely smell the lovely scent, so don’t skip this step. Wait until the mixture is between 180 – 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Stir in the essential oils and blend for 30 seconds.

4. Dip the bottom of the candle wick into the melted wax and use the wax to adhere the wick to the bottom of the container.

5. Prop wick upright using a wick holder or makeshift one with two popsicle sticks or anything else you might have on hand, and pour the wax into the container.

6. Allow the candle to cool completely. Trim the wick to ¼” height above the wax.

7. Continue to trim the wick as your candle burns lower. This wick trimmer is an excellent tool to use for a clean and easy cut. I have all used wire cutters from my toolbox in a pinch.

Enjoy the fantastic smell and ambiance of your new non-toxic candle!