How To Make Candles: 10 Steps to Eco-Friendly Candles (2025)

Learn how to make candles with our 2025 guide. Discover sustainable candle-making techniques and eco-friendly ingredients to create beautiful DIY candles.

Sustainable candle making is booming in 2025, as more people look for eco-friendly, handmade alternatives to mass-produced goods. 

Whether you’re a creative looking for a new hobby or an entrepreneur dreaming of turning wax and wicks into profit, learning how to make candles is a fun, rewarding, and increasingly popular path.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what you need to get started, from choosing the right wax and fragrances to mastering the basic techniques. We’ll also explore different candle styles you can craft and sell, and share tips to help you turn your creations into a small business or side hustle.

Sustainable candle making

If you’re dipping your toes into candle making and want to do it in a planet-friendly way, good news: There are tons of options for making beautiful, sustainable candles that are just as kind to the earth as they are to your nose.

With more people becoming conscious of their environmental impact, sustainable candle making is more important than ever. Many mass-produced candles contain harmful ingredients that pollute indoor air and contribute to environmental waste. Choosing eco-friendly materials is a small but meaningful way to reduce your footprint.

Try zero-waste candle making by using repurposed containers like old jars, teacups, or tins. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also gives your candles a unique, vintage charm. You can even get creative with decorations. Pressed flower candles are a gorgeous way to add a natural, artisanal touch. Just make sure the flowers are dried and placed on the outside of the container, so they don’t interfere with the burn.

And for the finishing touch, choose organic essential oils for fragrance. They offer a natural, non-toxic alternative to synthetic scents and come with the bonus of mood-boosting aromatherapy benefits. 

The candle brand Birthdate uses a natural soy and coconut wax blend in its candles.

Candle making supplies

Before you start selling your creations online, here’s an overview of the supplies you’ll need to craft homemade container candles.

Wax

Candle wax is typically available as shavings, flakes, or blocks. You can buy it in bulk from craft stores or online suppliers. But not all waxes are created equal, especially when it comes to sustainability. Consider your wax options below. 

Paraffin wax

• Melt point: 46°C–68°C (115°F–155°F)
• Pouring temp: 60°C–70°C (140°F–158°F)
• Scent throw: Excellent (hot and cold)
• Sustainability rating: Not eco-friendly

Paraffin is the most commonly used commercial candle wax, mostly because it’s relatively cheap and holds scent and color well. But from a sustainability perspective, it’s not an ideal choice: Paraffin wax is a by-product of petroleum, and it releases potentially harmful chemicals when burned. 

Soy wax

• Melt point: 49°C–82°C (120°F–180°F), depending on the blend
• Pouring temp: 50°C–60°C (122°F–140°F)
• Scent throw: Good, but slightly milder than paraffin
• Sustainability rating: Excellent

Soy wax is made from hydrogenated soybean oil and is one of the most popular eco-friendly wax options for DIY candle makers. It’s biodegradable, renewable, and produces very little soot when burned. It also has a slower burn time, so your candles last longer. 

Beeswax

• Melt point: 62°C–65°C (143°F–149°F)
• Pouring temp: 70°C–85°C (158°F–185°F)
• Scent throw: Mild, with a naturally sweet honey scent
• Sustainability rating: Excellent

Beeswax is another top-tier choice when it comes to natural candle ingredients. It’s harvested from honeycomb, making it a natural by-product of beekeeping. It actually helps purify the air as it burns by releasing negative ions that bind to toxins and allergens. Beeswax is harder than soy wax, so it’s ideal for pillar candles and taper candles. Just be aware that it requires a higher pouring temperature and can shrink a bit as it cools.

Wicks

Candle wicks are usually made of paper, cotton, zinc, or wood. If you opt for wooden wicks, they can add an atmospheric crackling sound effect to your candles once lit. 

Thin wicks suit most candles but may extinguish easily in larger candles. Thick wicks, with their larger flames, melt wax faster and are better suited for larger candles. 

Common wick types for candle-making include:

• Flat-braided cotton
• Square-­braided cotton
• Cored

Otherland uses 100% cotton wicks in its candle collection.

Molds

If you’re not using a container for your candle, molds help shape it to stand on its own. You can find affordable, reusable molds on platforms like Amazon.

Skewer

A skewer keeps the wick upright while the surrounding wax solidifies. You can substitute this with tape or adhesive putty if you’re on a budget.

Dye

Use candle-specific dye to give your homemade candles some color. Using non-candle dyes may alter your wax composition and affect the solidifying process.

Fragrance oils and essential oils

Scented candles get their aroma from essential oils or fragrance oils added to the melted wax during production. 

• Essential oils are natural and smell beautiful, but they can be volatile when heated and often have a lighter scent. They work best in smaller, more intimate spaces.
• Fragrance oils (which are often synthetic or blended with essential oils) tend to produce a stronger, longer-lasting scent and are easier to work with in candle making. Keep in mind that if you’re aiming for creating eco-friendly candles, synthetic fragrances aren’t the way to go. 

Double boiler

Double boilers evenly distribute stovetop heat for controlled warming—ideal for melting wax. You can use a store-bought double boiler or create one by placing a metal bowl atop a pot containing a small amount of water.

Thermometer

Use a candy thermometer, digital infrared thermometer, or deep-fry thermometer to monitor your wax temperature.

Spatula

Stirring the wax with a heat-resistant spatula ensures even wax melting during the candle-making process.

Candle containers

Mason jars, glass containers, or even tin cans make excellent candle vessels. Remember, larger containers yield bigger candles with longer burn times. 

Eco-friendly alternatives

If you want to keep your candle making kind to the planet, there are plenty of sustainable swaps to consider. Choose soy or beeswax instead of paraffin, opt for organic essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances, and use recycled or reusable containers like old jars or tins. You can even pick cotton or wood wicks over those with metal cores for a cleaner, greener burn.

Essential safety tips for candle making

Candle making is a great, creative hobby, but safety is paramount if you want to have a pleasant and hazard-free experience. 

Here are key safety tips to keep in mind when making candles:

• Keep your workspace clean and clear. Make sure your work area is free from flammable materials, such as paper, fabric, or clutter.
• Properly ventilate your working space. Work in a well-ventilated area to disperse any fumes from melting wax and adding fragrances. 
• Wear appropriate clothing. Dress in long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes to protect your skin from hot wax splashes. 
• Use safety gear. Consider wearing safety goggles to protect your eyes from hot wax splatter. 
• Use a double boiler. Melt wax using a double boiler to stop it from overheating. Never melt wax directly on an open flame. 
• Choose the right containers. Use heat-resistant containers designed specifically for candle making. Don’t use containers that can crack or shatter when hot. 
• Choose appropriate wicks. Make sure wicks are suitable for the type and size of candle you’re making. 
• Don’t leave melting wax unattended. Always stay in the room while melting wax or pouring candles. 
• Trim wicks before burning. Before lighting any candles, trim the wicks to about one-quarter inch to prevent high flames and a build-up of soot. 
• Limit burn time. Don’t burn candles for more than four hours at a time. Let them cool for at least two hours before relighting. 
• Burn candles in a safe area. Place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from drafts, flammable materials, and out of reach of children and pets. 

How to make candles at home in 10 steps

1. Prep containers and supplies
2. Measure the wax
3. Melt the wax mixture
4. Add your fragrances
5. Place the wick
6. Stabilize the wick
7. Pour the wax
8. Clean up
9. Wait for the candle to cure
10. Light your candle

Creating candles at home is simpler than you might think. With a few specialized items, some planning, and a little time, you can craft beautiful, fragrant candles. Follow this step-by-step guide to start your candle-making journey.

1. Prep containers and supplies

Choose your candle containers: votive holders, specific candle jars from craft stores or candle-making wholesalers, empty Mason jars, or even tin cans work well. Select a vessel that you like, as most poured candles can’t be transferred once set.

Ensure your containers are clean and dry, and place them on a flat surface. Keep your wicks, fragrance oils, and wick holders (like Popsicle sticks or chopsticks) within easy reach.

2. Measure the wax

Use your candle containers as measuring tools. Fill them with wax flakes or shavings, remembering that melted wax takes up less space. A good rule of thumb is to use about two containers’ worth of flakes per candle.

3. Melt the wax mixture

Pour your measured wax into your double boiler and warm it slowly until completely melted. Stir carefully with a spatula, catching any bits that rise up the pot’s edges.

Different waxes have different melting points:

• Paraffin wax: around 38°C (100°F) 
• Soy wax: approximately 51°C (124°F) 
• Beeswax: around 63°C (145°F)

Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.

4. Add your fragrances

The strength of the scent (also known as the scent throw) depends on the type of wax you use, the temperature at which you add the fragrance, and how much fragrance oil you add.

Most candle makers follow a general guideline of 6% to 10% fragrance oil to wax weight, depending on the wax type and the desired intensity. 

Here’s how that breaks down:

• For a strong scent throw, aim for around one ounce (28 g) of fragrance oil per pound (454 g) of wax, which is roughly a 6% ratio.
• Some waxes, especially premium soy blends or paraffin, can hold up to 10%, or 1.6 ounces (45 g) per pound of wax.

Going over the maximum fragrance load can cause issues like sweating, poor burning, or uneven setting, so always check the recommended fragrance load for your specific wax.

Here’s how different waxes handle scent:

• Paraffin wax has the best scent throw. It has both cold throw (when the candle is unlit) and hot throw (when it’s burning). It can usually hold up to 10% fragrance oil, making it a popular choice for heavily scented candles.
• Soy wax has a decent scent throw, especially when you stick to the 6% to 10% range and pour the fragrance in at the right temperature (typically around 60°C–65°C/140°F–149°F). It tends to have a stronger cold throw than hot throw unless blended carefully.
• Beeswax, with its higher melting point and naturally strong scent, doesn’t hold added fragrances quite as well. It typically supports up to 6% fragrance oil, but many makers prefer to keep it subtle to let the natural honey aroma shine through.

5. Place the wick

Center one wick in each container. Secure it to the bottom with a drop of melted wax or glue. Ensure the wick is centered for an even burn.

To keep your wick centered, use a wick holder or a clothespin across the top of the container to secure it in place while the wax cools. If the wick moves slightly, reposition it while the wax is still warm but not fully set.

6. Stabilize the wick

Before pouring the wax, place two Popsicle sticks (or chopsticks or wooden skewers) across the jar’s top, sandwiching the wick between them. This keeps the wick upright as the wax hardens.

7. Pour the wax

Carefully fill each container to just below the rim, pouring slowly to minimize air bubbles.

If your candle cools unevenly or forms a sinkhole, try reheating the surface with a heat gun or a hairdryer on a low setting. This will help smooth out the top layer.

8. Clean up

Wipe up any wax drips with paper towels while still warm. For hardened wax spills, use hot water to clean surfaces.

9. Wait for the candle to cure

Curing times vary by wax type:

• Paraffin wax candles: cure in about two days
• Soy candles: harden in about four hours, fully cure in three to four days
• Beeswax candles: take up to 10 days to cure completely

Once dry, remove the wick holders and trim the wick. Consider investing in a wick trimmer for precise cutting. The ideal wick length is approximately a quarter of an inch above the set wax surface.

If you notice pockmarks or indentations from air bubbles, warm a little more wax and add a thin layer on top for a smooth finish.

10. Light your candle

Enjoy the fruits of your labor! Handmade candles make great gifts and online store items, and are a cost-effective way to achieve a beautifully lit, aromatherapy-infused atmosphere in your home.

Common candle making difficulties

Candle making is part science, part craft. And, like any good DIY project, a few hiccups are totally normal. If your candles aren’t turning out quite how you imagined, don’t worry! Here are some common candle making challenges and how to troubleshoot them:

Sinkholes

Ever noticed a little dip or hole around the wick after your candle cools? That’s a sinkhole, and it happens when the wax contracts as it sets. It’s particularly common with soy wax.

Fix it by pouring a little extra wax (called a “top-up pour”) to fill in the gap once your candle has cooled. You can also try pouring your wax more slowly or gently tapping the container to help release air pockets.

Weak scent throw

Your candle looks gorgeous, but where’s the scent? A poor hot throw (the scent when it’s burning) is often caused by the wrong fragrance ratio, adding fragrance at the wrong temperature, or using a wax that doesn’t hold scent well.

Make sure you’re using the right amount of fragrance (generally 6% to 10% by weight). Add it when your wax is around 60°C (140°F) so it binds properly. Some waxes (like soy) need a one- to two-week cure time to fully develop their scent, so a little patience helps, too.

Frosting on soy candles

That white, crystal-like coating on the surface of soy wax is totally normal. It’s called frosting and it’s just part of soy’s natural charm.

While you can’t always prevent it, pouring at a lower temperature (around 50°C–60°C) and cooling candles slowly at room temp can reduce it. 

Tunneling

Tunneling happens when your candle only melts in the middle, leaving wax stuck to the sides. It’s usually caused by not burning the candle long enough on the first light.

Burn your candle for at least one hour per inch of diameter the first time around (e.g., three hours for a three-inch wide candle). That creates a full melt pool and helps your candle burn evenly every time.

Mushrooming wicks

If your wick develops a little mushroom-shaped ball on the tip, it’s likely too large or has a high carbon buildup.

Always trim your wick to about one-quarter inch before each burn, and make sure you’re using the right wick size for your container and wax.

Wax cracking or rough tops 

Cracks or rough textures on top of your candle can happen if the wax cools too quickly or if there’s a sudden temperature change.

Try letting your candles cool slowly at room temperature. Avoid placing them near drafts or windows and, whatever you do, never pop them in the fridge to speed things up.

Candle-making ideas for 2025

Stuck on ideas for your candle project? Here are some creative options to inspire you:

• Layered candles. Create fun candles with alternating layers of different colored wax. Experiment with contrasting scents for each layer to make your candle a multisensory experience.
• Pressed flower candles. Incorporate dried flowers into the wax for a rustic, decorative look. Pressed flowers work best on the exterior of a clear container, encased in a layer of translucent wax.
• Marbled candles. Swirl together multiple wax colors to create a marbled effect.
• Holiday-themed candles. Use molds shaped like snowflakes, pumpkins, or hearts to create candles for specific seasons or holidays. Pair these designs with festive scents like cinnamon, peppermint, or pumpkin spice.
• Citrus peel candles. Hollow out an orange, lemon, or grapefruit peel and fill it with wax to make a natural candle holder.
• Crackling wood wick candles. Use wooden wicks that crackle as they burn to give your candles a cozy, fireplace-like ambiance. Pair them with warm scents like vanilla, sandalwood, or amber.
• Floating candles. Make small, lightweight candles that can float on water for decorative centerpieces. These are perfect for weddings, parties, or creating a spa-like atmosphere at home.
• Eco-friendly and sustainable candles. There’s a growing demand for candles made from sustainable materials like soy or beeswax, packaged in recyclable or reusable containers.
• Infinity candles. DIY “infinity candles”—made using household items like citrus slices, cloves, and cooking oil—have gone viral on platforms like TikTok for their long-lasting fragrance and natural bug-repelling properties.
• Sculptural candles. Candles shaped into geometric, abstract, or artistic forms are gaining popularity, serving as both functional items and decorative pieces.

How to start a candle business

If you’ve fallen in love with candle making and want to turn it into a business, good news: It’s totally doable, and there’s never been a better time to start. The global candle market size was valued at $14.06 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% from 2025 to 2030. 

The rising awareness around self-care and mental well-being has seen the candle market explode in recent years. 

Young entrepreneur Lily Harper started making wax melts as a fun hobby during the pandemic, but with a little help from her mom and a lot of creative flair, she turned it into a full-blown candle business called Lily Lou’s Aromas. Today, her brand sells candles, diffusers, and wax melts online, proving that with passion and the right support, even a kid can become a successful entrepreneur.

Before you start your own candle business, here are a few key steps to get you going:

1. Define your niche. Will you focus on eco-friendly candles, luxe aromatherapy blends, or quirky shapes and scents? Having a clear niche helps you stand out.
2. Test and perfect your product. Nail your recipes, wick-to-wax ratios, and scent throw. Create a small batch to trial with friends or potential customers. Don’t forget to take product photos to add to your online store. 
3. Figure out pricing. Factor in material costs, time, packaging, and profit margin. Our guide below has a helpful formula to get it right.
4. Set up your brand. Think about your business name, logo, product labels, and the vibe you want to create. Also, consider social media marketing to get the word out about your candles. 
5. Choose where to sell. You can start with an online store, local markets, or platforms like Etsy. The guide walks you through setting up a Shopify store step-by-step.

👉 Check out the full guide on how to start a candle business

How to make candles FAQ

How do I make homemade candles?

Follow these steps to make homemade candles:

• Prep your candle-making supplies.
• Measure the wax.
• Melt the wax.
• Add fragrances.
• Place and stabilize the wick.
• Pour the candle wax.
• Clean up.
• Allow the candle to cure.
• Light your new candle.

What are the basic ingredients in candles?

To make a candle, you’ll need the following supplies and ingredients:

• Wax
• Wicks
• Fragrance oils
• Spatula
• Heat-proof candle containers
• Double boiler
• Thermometer
• Wick holders (e.g., Popsicle sticks, pencils, wooden dowels)

Is it cheaper to make your own candles?

Yes, making your own candles is typically more cost-effective. While high-end store-bought candles can cost more than $100 for an eight-ounce pour, a pound of soy wax flakes (enough for three eight-ounce candles) usually costs between $2 and $10. Many fragrance oils also retail for less than $10, making DIY candles significantly more economical. Candle making kits also run for anywhere between $60 and $120.

Do homemade candles sell well?

Yes, homemade candles can sell very well, especially if they have a unique angle like eco-friendly ingredients, custom scents, or eye-catching product designs. With the right branding and a clear niche, candle businesses often thrive on platforms like Etsy, local markets, and online stores.

How can I make eco-friendly candles?

To make eco-friendly candles:

• Use natural waxes like soy or beeswax instead of paraffin.
• Choose cotton or wood wicks over metal-core wicks.
• Add scents using organic essential oils.
• Pour candles into reusable or recycled containers.