Finally, a post that shows you how to make aromatherapy candles properly. No guessing, no leaving you disappointed or wanting more. An actual aromatherapy candle recipe that is not only really good for your health and helps you sleep but smells amazing too. 
This post is all about how to make aromatherapy candles
Many years ago when I first learned how to make candles, I was a complete novice, like any beginner. I didn’t know the how to make it smell stronger, how to mimic the scents of my favourite candles or even just get it to smell nice.
So I visited the number one place for any DIYer, Pinterest, and searched endlessly for recipes. Every single time, I would be disappointed by the result. I mean, it’s just wax and fragrance, how difficult could candle making really be?
After many attempts, workshops, and courses, I came to appreciate that there really is a precise art and science to candle making. It isn’t simply about melting wax and pouring fragrance. Just like baking there is a timing and specific science to it.
This post hopes to simplify that process for you in a way that you can understand and replicate at home.
What Do You Use To Make Aromatherapy Candles?
Making an aromatherapy candle is pretty simple and you need just two main things.
- Wax or wax blend
- Essential oil
That’s it. Of course, you need other things like a wick, a spoon to mix it, a thermometer, a jar to put it into, measuring cups or scale, and so on but the heart of any good homemade aromatherapy candle are those two things. Wax and essential oil.
Now let me educate you on essential oils because this is why it is even called an aromatherapy candle in the first place.
Essential Oil vs Fragrance Oil
Aromatherapy, also known as essential oil therapy is a holistic treatment that uses natural plant extract to promote health and wellbeing.
The reason essential oils have the capacity to alter or enhance your wellbeing is because essential oils are literally the spirit of the plant. They are produced through a very labour intensive extraction process from actual plants’ roots, bark, seed, rind, and pulp.
That’s why a candle made with essential oils is called an aromatherapy candle because the fragrance has the ability to alter your mood when you smell it or when it comes in contact with your skin.
Fragrance oils on the other hand are made in the lab and have no health benefits besides the beautiful fragrance they provide. Unfortunately, most fragrance oils contain phthalates that are derived from petroleum. Phthalates help fragrances smell stronger but can be pretty toxic.
If your eyes just widened on reading that, may I remind you that phthalates are in almost every self-care product you can think of, from soaps to shampoo.
Let me show you some of the differences between fragrance and essential oil.
| Essential Oil | Fragrance Oil | |
| Cost | Essential oils are expensive | Fragrance oils are more affordable |
| Source | Sourced from plants and are natural | Made in the lab, they are synthetic |
| Consistency | No consistency in fragrance due to varying seasons, weather and soil conditions | Precise and consistent aroma all year round |
| Benefit | They have healing benefits and can alter your mood | No healing benefits and contain phthalates, a by-product of petroleum |
So if you make a candle with fragrance oil, just be sure to do it with an open window. But I am pretty sure you are here because you want to learn how to make an essential oil candle. So, let’s make one together.
How To Make Essential Oil Candles Smell Stronger
If you’ve ever made candles asked ‘Why don’t my soy candles smell strong?’ or ‘Why can’t I smell my candles?’ I’ll explain why precisely.
Your candles don’t smell strong because you do not add your fragrance at the right temperature or pour it at the right temperature. Candle making is a science and if you mix your essential oils when it’s too hot, you risk your precious oils evaporating and you are left with a candle that does not throw (throw is a fancy word for how much fragrance you can smell from the candle)
What temperature should you pour essential oil into your wax? Great question. 57 C / 135 F is the perfect pouring temperature and 85 C / 185 F is the highest melting temperature for Golden Wax 464
There are about 6 types of soy wax and Golden Wax 464 is one of the types of soy wax I use. Every type of soy wax has a specific melting and pouring temperature.
The pouring temperature is when it’s okay to pour into your container to set and the melting temperature is the highest temperature it can reach so it does not become a fire hazard.
So you melt a brand of wax, like Golden Wax 464 to 85 C / 185 F, take off the heat and leave to cool. Add the essential oil when it reaches 57 C / 135 F and it’s ready to pour into your container.
To help you understand, here is a video I made explaining it precisely.
How Much Pure Essential Oils Should You Use When Making Candles?
Okay, now that you know all about the science of pouring and melting temperatures, let’s get into how much essential oil to use when making your aromatherapy candles.
To formulate your own unique aromatherapy candle, you need about 6-12g of essential oil for every 1kg wax.
The exact percentage you use is dependent on a number of factors like the type of wax and strength of essential oil but not to worry, I will give you a precise recipe below.
The Best Essential Oils For Aromatherapy Candles
Now that you know how much essential oil to use and how to make aromatherapy candles smell stronger, let me introduce you to the essential oils I have chosen for this recipe. Besides the three essential oils I chose, I would love to introduce you to other essential oils you may want to experiment with for this recipe.
The reason is that scents are very personal and our love or hatred for different scents is triggered by experience or memory. For example, my husband hates lavender because it smells too clinically. He grew up in a hospital so it’s easy to see why he doesn’t like the association.
So feel free to play with scent combinations you like from the list below:
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular essential oils. It is antibacterial, antifungal and is used to treat insomnia and depression.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Sweet Orange essential oil is antibacterial and antiseptic and it’s also great for easing anxiety and stress-related conditions as well as insomnia
Rosewood Essential Oil
Rosewood essential oil is antifungal, antimicrobial and it is also used to treat physical, mental tiredness, and stress headaches
Mandarin Essential Oil
Mandarin essential oil is antiseptic and antidepressive. It is also a sedative and calmative which is why it is used to promote restful sleep
Sandalwood Essential Oil
Sandalwood essential oil is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. It is also restorative and a sedative which is effective in relieving stress and anxiety
Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot Essential oil is also antibacterial and antiseptic. It is also a calmative and sedative that is excellent for sleep because it lowers the blood pressure and helps you get into a state of rest.
Clary Sage Essential Oil
Clary Sage Essential oil is antibacterial, antiseptic as well as an antidepressant. It also has calmative benefits that help you sleep peacefully
Neroli Essential Oil
Neroli Essential oil is antimicrobial, antiseptic, and an excellent sedative. It also helps your mind relax and an excellent relief for insomnia.
To learn more about essential oils, you can find a complete guide to essential oils by clicking here.
How To Make Your Own Homemade Aromatherapy Candles
Let’s make a calming aromatherapy candle that smells good too, shall we? The three essential oils I have chosen for this candle are:
Bergamot, Lavender and Orange
What you’ll need
Measurements are for a 180ml candle jar
- 90g Soy Wax
- 12ml essential oil blend (5g lavender, 3g wild orange, 4g frankincense- adjust this ratio to your liking )
- CDN 10 Wick
- Jar/ Container
- Thermometer
- Mini Whisk
- Measuring scale
- Clothes Pin
- Wick stickers/glue
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Instructions
- Using a measuring scale measure the soy wax and pour it into a bain-marie or double boiler to start melting
- Whilst it is melting, glue your wick to the base of your container
- Check to see if your wax flakes have melted and if it has, check that the temperature is over 65C
- Let it cool to just about 65C and pour your essential oils in gently. Mix gently with your mini whisk or spoon in different directions making sure that the oils bind properly to the soy wax.
- Pour in the corner of your prepared jar and use your pegs to center the wick
- Leave undisturbed to harden and let it cure from 48 hours to one week
Enjoy your new homemade aromatherapy candle.
Diffuser Blend For Sleep
One of the ways I test fragrances and use essential oils is with my diffuser. You might also not want to make a candle just yet. Here’s the diffuser recipe blend.
- 4 drops Bergamot
- 3 drops Lavender
- 3 Drops Sweet Orange
Candles are incredibly easy to make. I hope you learned the essential oils that aid sleep, why essential oils are important, and more importantly, how to make aromatherapy candles for your overall health and wellness.
This post is all about how to make aromatherapy candles.
COMING SOON: I have an ebook all about making professional-looking candles coming soon. It will take you from beginner to candle expert in just one day. Look out for it.
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This was incredibly helpful
This is what I always try to achieve. I am so glad it helped.