Aromatherapy candles are candles infused with essential oils. As the candle burns, the essential oils evaporate into the air as well, causing them to release their therapeutic properties. By keeping oil-infused candles around your home, you can create your ideal ambiance and enhance your space.
Aromatherapy candles are not complicated to make. In fact, it's fairly simple to learn how to make your own essential oil-infused candles at home. We want to support you in achieving this goal, so we've put together a quick guide to making aromatherapy candles at home with essential oils.
Well, what are you waiting for? Let’s learn how to make aromatherapy candles!
Table of Contents
Picking the Perfect Scents
Aromatherapy is all about the therapeutic benefits of essential oils, and the scents you choose will play a pivotal role in shaping your candle's mood-enhancing properties.
Begin by considering your preferences and needs. Are you seeking relaxation, energy boost, or stress relief? Different essential oils offer distinct benefits. Lavender, for instance, is notorious for its calming effects, while citrus scents like lemon and orange can invigorate your senses.
Choosing a Wax Type
When it comes to the type of wax you use for your aromatherapy candle, you have a couple of difference options to choose from. Our top recommendations would be Soy Wax or Beeswax. This is because Soy wax candles are known for their clean and even burn. What this means is that they produce minimal soot and are less likely to release harmful toxins into the air, ensuring a healthier environment for you and your loved ones.
On a similar note, not only does beeswax burn cleanly as well, but it also has a slower burn rate, resulting in long-lasting candles. This means you can enjoy the benefits of your aromatherapy candles for extended periods without the need for frequent replacements.
Positioning The Wick
Once you have decided on your essential oils and wax type, it’s time to prep your candle jar by positioning the wick. The container you use for your candle is up to you; however, there is one general rule: it CANNOT be flammable. We recommend using a metal tin or glass jar of some sort to burn your candle in.
Ensure the wick is centered in your container or mold and held firmly in place. You can achieve this by using a wick holder or adhesive to secure it. Properly positioning the wick will help it burn evenly and prevent tunneling, ensuring that your essential oils are distributed evenly throughout the candle's lifespan.
Melt The Wax
With your chosen wax and wick in place, it's time to get into the heart of candle making – melting the wax. Using a pot and stove, slowly melt the wax on low heat. It is critical to keep an eye on the temperature and avoid overheating, as this can degrade the quality of your candle. Generally, you should heat until Soy Wax is 130 degrees Fahrenheit and Beeswax is at 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add Your Essential Oil
Now, it's time to infuse your melted wax with the delightful scents of essential oils you chose. This is where your creativity truly shines, as you can experiment with different oil combinations to craft your personalized blend.
Start by adding essential oils in small increments and stir gently to ensure even distribution. The recommended ratio is typically 1 ounce of essential oil per pound of wax, but this can vary based on your scent preferences and the specific oil you're using. Just remember that essential oils are potent, so a little goes a long way.
Pour & Let Cool
With your wax infused with essential oils, it's time to pour it into your chosen container or mold. Carefully pour the wax, ensuring that the wick remains centered throughout the process. Allow the candle to cool and solidify, which typically takes a few hours.
Patience is key during this final stage. Rushing the cooling process can lead to cracks or imperfections in your candle's surface. Once your candle has fully hardened, trim the wick to the desired length, leaving about a quarter of an inch above the wax surface.
And there you have it – your very own handcrafted aromatherapy candle, ready to elevate your space with soothing scents and therapeutic benefits.
Checking Out Eleven’s Scented Oil Line
Our scented oils are multi-purpose and can be used in diffusers, burners, and even your homemade aromatherapy candles! With our high-quality scented oils, you can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy with our unique blends designed to help you achieve your desired state.
Explore our collection of scented oils at elevendeco.com and discover the perfect scents to enhance your daily life.
FAQ Section
Can any fragrance oil be used in candles?
Not all fragrance oils for candles are created equal. It's critical to use candles-specific oils as these oils have been specially formulated to withstand heat and blend seamlessly with the wax, resulting in a consistent and long-lasting scent. Burning oils that are not intended for that use could be harmful to your health and a potential fire hazard.
Why Do My Homemade Candles Barely Smell?
The subtlety of your homemade candles' fragrance can result from a few factors, such as ensuring you're using the right type and amount of fragrance oil relative to your wax. Additionally, proper cooling and curing times are crucial; candles often smell strongest once cooled and lit for the first time.
Are essential oils flammable?
Due to their volatile nature, essential oils are flammable. They do, however, require higher temperatures to ignite than candles. Essential oils are diffused into the air rather than combusting when used in candles. Proper candle-making techniques and precautions can ensure that essential oils are used safely in your homemade candles.