How to Make Beeswax Candles (it's easier than you think!)

How to Make Beeswax Candles

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Do you have a soft spot for candles? Me too! There is nothing cozier than lighting a few candles and going into total relaxation mode. The problem is that most candles out there are full of toxic fragrances and other nasty ingredients – definitely something we DO NOT want to breathe in. The solution? Beeswax candles! Learn how to make beeswax candles at home in just a few simple steps (or grab a few from my shop).

Why Beeswax?

Making candles can be a very therapeutic process (it is for me!) and while there are a lot of waxes to choose from, let’s go with the best ingredients we can get our hands on.

Not only is beeswax super safe and environmentally friendly, it’s a natural air purifier. Did you know that?! I was blown away when I found out a candle can actually purify the air. I thought I could only do that by diffusing essential oils! Nope. We have another option.

When beeswax is burned it releases negative ions. These negative ions counteract the positive ions that toxins, pollutants, dirt and pollen release into the air. So the air is purified naturally. Amazing right?!

Supplies for Beeswax Candles

Making beeswax candles requires a few key items, but once you have them the only thing you will have to repurchase is the beeswax and coconut oil.

Here’s what you will need to make beeswax candles at home:

1. Beeswax

I buy mine from a local beekeeper – if that’s not an option for you just pick up the beeswax pellets from Amazon.

2. Coconut Oil

Adding a little coconut oil to the wax is said to help it burn more slowly and evenly. It doesn’t give the candles a coconut scent, the beeswax is way too overpowering.

3. Jars

I love to use all different types of mason jars, you can buy some or just use what you have!

4. Wicks

Stick to 100% cotton wicks so we are not burning heavy metals into the air.

5. Candle Making Pouring Pot

This is a luxury item that you really don’t need, but it makes it soooo much easier. Beewax is incredibly tough to get out of glass measuring cups once it hardens so I like to use a pouring pot that is devoted solely to candle making. That way if there’s still some wax lingering in the pot, it’s no biggie.

6. Candle Wick Centering Devices

Another luxury item, but so incredibly helpful! Once you stick the wicks in the jars, you need to center the wick. These little centering devices help you out. You could also use a close pin and pull the wick through the little hole in the middle of the close pin. Works just as well!

What about fragrances?

Alright, so you noticed I left out essential oils as an ingredient. I know we all love our scented candles, but like I mentioned earlier with the coconut oil, beeswax has an extremely overpowering aroma. I’ve added essential oils before and I was never able to smell them.

Bottom line – you have to use a ton of essential oils to be able to smell them and I personally don’t want to waste my precious essential oils like that.

And now that I’ve been using beeswax candles for a while, I really love the aroma they give out. It’s a yummy, honey-like smell.

If you really want to smell essential oils, set up your diffuser while your candles are burning.

How to DIY Beeswax Candles

This recipe makes about 24 ounces of wax. I like to fill two 12-ounce jars but you could also do four 6-ounce jars. Whatever floats your boat!

Here’s how to make beeswax candles:

1. Melt the wax and coconut oil – Put a big pot on the stove filled with about an inch of water, bring to a boil and let it simmer. Add 1 lb of beeswax and 1/2 cup of coconut oil to your candle pouring pot (or a pyrex) and place the candle pouring pot in the big pot with the simmering water. Let the wax melt slowly. This could take 30-60 minutes.

2. Set up your jars – stick the wicks to the bottom of your jars (they should have a sticky tab) and center the wick using the centering devices or close pins.

3. Once the wax mixture is melted, carefully pour it into your jars. Let them cool overnight.

4. In the morning, remove the centering devices and trim the wicks. Light ’em up and enjoy!

Beeswax Candles Make Great Gifts!

Once I learned how to make beeswax candles, I gifted them to friends and family for special occasions. You will be surprised at how grateful (and amazed!) people are that you made them a candle with your bare hands…

Enjoy!