How to Make Beeswax Candles for Beginners
There’s just something enchanting about the warm glow of a candle burning that takes you back a few centuries to simpler times. The art and skill of learning how to make your own beeswax candles may feel primitive, but you’ll never complain when you light them up for the first time. Let me tell you how to make the easiest beeswax candles, so you can start enjoying all the benefits in your home!
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I recently became slightly obsessed with learning all about the process. So I hope you’re ready for a crash course in how to make the easiest and most beautiful homemade beeswax candles you’ve ever seen!
Health Benefits of Beeswax Candles vs. Toxic Store-Bought Candles
That warm glow of beeswax candles I was talking about? It does more than just add a romantic atmosphere, they work hard to improve indoor air quality every time you light them.
Here are a few of the other amazing benefits you can expect using your newly poured beeswax candles.
Neutralizing Pollutants: Beeswax candles produce negative ions. This means when they’re burned, those ions neutralize pollutants in the air. Which in turn eliminates dust, odors, and mold in the atmosphere. This can really help ease allergy and asthma symptoms and improve breathing for anyone living in the home.
Beeswax also has the lowest toxicity for candle materials. They release no toxic byproducts or heavy soot into the air. So, instead of adding pollutants, beeswax candles neutralize them.
Zero chemical compounds. Because beeswax candles are all-natural when beeswax burns it doesn’t produce any toxic byproducts.
Environmental friendliness. Beeswax candles are safe, environmentally friendly, and non-toxic. They are biodegradable and don’t undergo any chemical processing.
And since Bees play an impactful role in the restoration of our ecosystem you are helping to preserve and protect hives in communities by using beeswax.
Note: You can also support a local beekeeper (and bee population) by purchasing raw beeswax. Though you will need to go through a process to clean it before using it.
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Supplies
- Candle Container. Candle Jars, Glass Jar, Mason Jars, Thrifted or Repurposed Container
- The Best Candle Wicks. Braided Square Cotton Wicks
- Wick Holder or Wick Pin. Clothes Pins, Bamboo Skewers, Wick Pin
- Wick Adherence. Wick Sticker or Hot Glue Gun + Sticks
- 1 lb. of Beeswax. Organic Yellow Beeswax Pellets (Beeswax Sheets for rolling candles)
- Fragrance Oils like Essential Oils
Equipment
- Medium to Large Stock Pot
- Bowl, Candle Pitcher, or Double Boiler Pot
- Or Double Boiler
- High Heat Resistant Silicone Spatula
How to Pour Simple Beeswax Candles in Thrifted Containers
Using thrifted containers or repurposing containers you already have on hand requires just a little bit of forethought since most don’t come with their volume capacity written on them.
However, the benefits of using these containers far outweigh the small inconvenience of figuring that out first!
Step One | The Container
The sky is the limit as far as your container options for creating beautiful DIY beeswax candles. But there are a few things to consider when making your decision.
- High Heat Tolerable. Please ensure your container can handle hot liquids without breaking. Most food-safe containers will be good choices like mason jars, yogurt jars, spaghetti jars, etc.
- Wide Opening. This is mainly to allow for oxygen movement. With a narrow neck, you would have a lot of issues. Try to pick wide-mouth jars where vapor can free-flow.
The Thrifted (or Repurposed) Option
I am always going to vote for repurposing a container you already have or purchasing second-hand from a thrift store or flea market. And I can give you a whole list of reasons why this is the best way to go!
- Budget-Friendly. It’s simply the least expensive direction to go in.
- 1,000,000 Glass Containers in Thrift Stores. I’m not even exaggerating. Let’s use some of these containers!
- Candle Aesthetics. When you make your own candles with containers you’re choosing this gives you the ability to personalize it to your tastes 100%!
- Uniqueness. You will have a one-of-a-kind candle.
There are very few things that universally fit into every single decor style out there like candles. And by using thrifted containers you are able to create homemade candles that fit into your home exactly as you want them!
Note: To use and repurpose a container that is not clearly marked with its volume capacity (8 oz, 16 oz, etc) you must first fill your jar or container with water and pour that out into a measuring cup. This way you will be 100% precise in how much beeswax and coconut oil you will need to fill them.
Step Two | The Wax + Oil Recipe
There is a full printable recipe below, so don’t forget to check that out!
The easiest way to make your own beeswax candles is the melt and pour with a double boiler method.
Melting and Pouring the Wax
To create a double boiler you will need a medium or large pot, several inches of water, and a bowl or candle pitcher. Also, a few paper towels may come in handy.
- Fill your pot 3/4 of the way full and add a tsp of salt to help the water come to a boil faster. You want enough water to continue to boil all the way through the process.
Turn your burner on medium heat (or high to bring it to a boil fast, then drop it back down). Beeswax is a thicker wax so it will take some time to start melting.
Adhere your wick to the bottom center of the jar or container you’re using. You can use a wick sticker to adhere the wick to the bottom of the jar. Or a dab of hot glue to the bottom of the wick and push it down securely. It’s also useful to use a wick holder of some sort to keep the wick in place straight up and down.
It will take 20-30 minutes to fully melt beeswax pellets.
Once you have fully melted beeswax (with no small chunks left), take it off the heat.
- Quickly add your coconut oil and stir to combine it well.
- At this point, you can add essential oils or other fragrances. Combine it well.
- Slowly and surely pour your wax to about 1/4″ to 1/2″ of the top of the jars.
Note: A word of caution, wearing oven mitts won’t hurt to protect your hands against hot wax and steam!
Overheating Beeswax
You can melt beeswax on your stove, in your oven, or in a slow cooker or similar device. Beeswax melts at 140° F and will burst into flames at 400° F. Heat the beeswax slowly. Wax takes a long time to melt completely so be patient.
This is why I recommend a bowl that sits on top of the water, personally. To avoid direct contact with the burner. You can also heat your beeswax slower over medium heat and stir it regularly to keep it moving.
Step Three | The Candle Cure and First Light
Beeswax like every other type of candle does require a cure time. After you pour your candles it is recommended that you let them sit for 7-10 days to cure properly before lighting them.
And because Beeswax is a very dense wax it’s best to burn for long sessions. The first time you light the candle, burn it until the liquid pool of wax almost reaches the edge of the candle, this can take up to 3-4 hours.
Step Four | Optional Fragrances
I know essential oils are wonderful things. However, not all essential oils are suitable for beeswax candles, simply because beeswax is thick and harder to scent. Some great options are to blend a stronger scent with a milder scent.
Scents like Frankincense and Jasmine, Sandalwood, and Lavender, make the best essential oils for beeswax candles.
Beeswax is thicker, domineering, and burns slowly, unlike paraffin wax. As a result, getting the best essential oil for making beeswax candles rely on the types of essential oil combination you do.
It is also important to note that you need a proper ratio of essential oils to beeswax to get the desired scented candle effect you want.
Since beeswax is thicker and tends to drown fragrance, you will ideally need at least 60 drops of essential oil for every four ounces of beeswax blend.
Best Essential Oils for Beeswax Candles
If you really love a strong scent you can even increase the amount of essential oils you use in your beeswax candles. It is not unheard of to add two tablespoons full of essential oils per four ounces of beeswax bend to get a stronger scent.
Simple Beeswax Candle Recipe – Printable
Simple Beeswax Candle
The easiest beeswax candles you can make!
Ingredients
- 8 oz. or 1/2 lb. Organic Yellow Beeswax Pellets
- 8 oz. or 1 Cup Organic Virgin Coconut Oil
- 60 drops Essential Oils per 4 oz. candle
- Braided Square Cotton Wicks (one or more for each container/jar)
- Wick Holder
Instructions
- Fill a medium size pot with water. Optionally add 1 tsp of salt to help the water boil faster.
- Create a make-shift double boiler by adding either a bowl on top of the pot or a metal container that will sit on the rim. Ensure the container is large enough to contain your beeswax and coconut oil.
- Dump the beeswax in the bowl and let it completely melt. Ensuring there are no clumps left.
- While your beeswax is melting take this opportunity to adhere your wick to the bottom of your container or jar.
- When the beeswax is completely melted take it off the heat. At this point add your coconut oil and stir it until it is fully combined.
- At this point, optionally add in your essential oils or other fragrance oils. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Slowly pour into your containers.
- Let your candles completely cure for 7-10 days.
- Trim your wick to 1/4" before burning. Allow your candle to burn for up to 3-4 hours for the first burn. You want the wax to almost pool to the edge.
Notes
- Wick Holder. Many options include a Wick Pin, Bamboo Skewer, Pencil, or Clothes pins. Depending on the width of your jar opening.
- Container Options for Double boiler. Beeswax is incredibly stubborn to get off of dishes, so I suggest using a bowl you will happily keep as dedicated candle-making equipment. Or purchase a wax melting pot specific to the project.
- Proper Coconut Oil to Beeswax Ratio. Coconut oil is the best option because it helps the beeswax adjust to higher temperatures and helps it burn evenly, slowly, and consistently, preventing tunneling. The proper ratio is 1:1 Coconut Oil to Beeswax.
- Keep Your Wick Trimmed. To ensure good even burning keep your wick trimmed to 1/4".
- Containers or Jars. Any jars that are food safe or meant for high-heat use are appropriate. Feel free to use jars (yogurt, spaghetti, etc), mason jars, crocks, etc.
- Essential Oils. Since beeswax is thicker and tends to drown fragrance, you will ideally need at least 60 drops of essential oil for every four ounces of beeswax blend.
Adjust the Recipe to Different Batch Sizes
Beeswax is such an easy candle to adjust the recipe sizing. I especially wanted to make this foolproof so we have the ability to use those repurposed containers which will be varying volume sizes.
Here is an easy-to-use chart to keep us going on this fun adventure!
FAQ
It takes 7-10 days to properly cure beeswax candles. The first time you light the candle, burn it until the liquid pool of wax almost reaches the edge of the candle, this can take up to 3-4 hours.
Adding essential oils, fresh herbs, or dried flower petals, can provide a lovely natural fragrance. However, if you add coconut oil to beeswax candles it can help boost the scent of essential oils.
Yes. Beeswax requires a larger wick size to burn efficiently. Because the melting point of beeswax is higher than paraffin and soy wax.
When candle making there are several types of candle waxes you can use to create candles including Pure Beeswax Candles, Beeswax + Coconut Oil Candles, Soy Wax Candles, and Paraffin Candles.
Braided cotton wicks are the best wick having been initially designed for beeswax candles. The square braided wick offers benefits like a better flow of vapor even with impurities present. Therefore, this makes them the right wick for the job.
Awick should burn out one inch in diameter every hour and should reach the edge after burning no longer than 4 hours. Therefore, if your candle has a diameter larger than 4”, it is recommended to use multiple wicks.
#4 Square braided cotton candle wick for candles 2-3″ wide.
Trim your beeswax wick to ¼” (6 mm) before lighting. This will ensure optimal burning. It’s important to also maintain a ¼” wick length. This way the flame won’t spike, which would create soot or cause tunneling.
Yes. Absolutely. You can make beeswax candles without adding anything else, with exception of a wick. You can roll beeswax candles quite easily. However, for a slower burn and less chance of sinkholes, use coconut oil at a 1:1 ratio with the beeswax.
Adding coconut oil to your beeswax will create a candle that burns consistently and avoids tunneling. After pouring the wax and coconut oil into your candle containers let them cure for 1-2 days. If you are using molds allow them to cure for 7-10 days.
Sinkholes can occur during the wax setting process. When candle wax around the perimeter of the jar and around the wick cools down at a faster rate than the rest of the wax in the container. When beeswax is heated it expands and when beeswax cools down, it shrinks.
To prevent tunneling, 1. Burn your candle long enough each time so that the entire top surface of the wax is melted. Most especially the first time you burn your candle! 2. Mix your beeswax with coconut oil at a ratio of 1:1.
Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope I have given you some inspiration, ideas for creativity, and maybe a push to start creating your own wonderland one piece or project at a time.
Don’t forget to come back for more great projects like these DIY Projects and many more!
Julie
Meet the Author
Hi, I’m Julie! Mother to five beautiful kids, Homeschool Educator, Writer, Handicraft & DIY Enthusiast, Photographer, Thrifter, and Furniture Restorer. Follow along for fun DIY projects creating a handmade home on a budget! Read more about me here→
Love this! I have been wanting to make beeswax candles!
Thank you! Now you have no excuse lol… they’re so easy!
These look absolutely beautiful! What a joy to bring healthy homemade light into your home. The amount of detail and information you provide is incredible! I will definitely have to give this a try! I’m definitely all about the health benefits – thanks for pointing that out 🥰
You’re very welcome! I love the health benefits of using bees wax, but also the fact that this is a really simple beginner’s project as well.
Thanks for all the great info! I want to make beeswax candles to gift out of new ramekins that they could use again after the candle is gone. Is the leftover wax difficult to remove?
If you remove the excess after freezing it I think it would be really easy to get the excess out! That’s a great idea btw, very thoughtful. I love the fact that you can reuse the containers over and over again.
Can you use olive oil instead of coconut oil?
Because olive oil is liquid at room temperature while coconut oil is semi-solid, it will yield a soft candle. For that reason, I don’t recommend using it.