How to Make Soy Candles

Learn how to make non-toxic soy candles with pure essential oils and a natural cotton wick! 

Soy candles are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional paraffin candles. Made from soybean oil, soy wax is renewable and biodegradable, burns cleaner, and produces less soot. Paired with essential oils and natural cotton wicks, soy candles are a healthier option for your home.

How To Make Soy Candles

For this DIY, you will need soy wax, cotton wicks, wick stickers, and glass jars. You will also need a double boiler or melting pot to melt the wax. Note: You can purchase a candle-making kit that contains all these tools for convenience. 

Melt the wax: Add the soy wax to a double boiler or heat-safe bowl over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until thoroughly melted.

Prepare the jar: While the wax melts, secure the cotton wick to the bottom center of your glass jar using a wick sticker or a dab of hot glue. Wrap the top of the wick around a skewer or pencil laid across the jar’s opening to keep it centered.

Cool and scent the wax: Once the wax is fully melted, remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly (120-140°F is ideal). Add your essential oil and stir thoroughly to combine.

Pour the wax: Carefully pour the scented wax into your prepared jar, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.

Let it set: Allow the candle to cool and harden completely at room temperature. If the surface caves in as it sets, melt a small amount of additional wax and pour it on top to create a smooth finish.

Trim the wick: Once hardened, trim the wick to about ¼ inch. Your soy candle is now ready to use!

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make your soy candles:

• 1 cup soy wax: Soy wax is the base of your candle. You can find it in flakes or pellets for easy melting. If soy wax isn’t available, consider using beeswax as an alternative, though it will produce a different texture and burn rate.
• 2 teaspoons essential oil (approximately 150 drops): Essential oils provide the fragrance for your candle. Popular options include lavender, eucalyptus, vanilla, and citrus. For stronger scents, you can adjust the amount to your preference. Fragrance oils can also be used, but ensure they are specifically designed for candles.
• 4-ounce glass jar: Any heat-resistant glass jar works well. Repurposing jars from jams, sauces, or small mason jars is an excellent sustainable option.
• Candle-making kit: A basic kit typically includes wicks, wick stickers, and a thermometer. You can purchase these items individually if you don’t have a kit.

FAQ

How can I make the scent stronger?

To enhance the fragrance, you can increase the amount of essential oil, but avoid exceeding 10% of the total wax weight to prevent issues with burning. Also, make sure to use high-quality oils designed for candle making.

Why did my candle sink in the center?

This is common as the wax cools and contracts. Simply reheat a small amount of wax and pour it on top to fill the gap.

Can I add color to my candles?

Absolutely! Use candle-safe dyes, chips, or liquid colorants for vibrant results. Avoid food coloring, as it can affect the candle’s performance.

How long should I let the candle cure before burning?

It’s best to let your candle cure for at least 24-48 hours to ensure the fragrance fully binds with the wax.

Related DIY’s

• How To Make Beeswax Candles
• DIY Coffee Candles
• DIY Fire Starters

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