Making beeswax candles is so simple and rewarding, you'll soon be dreaming of adding a hive of honeybees to your backyard just to keep up with your newfound passion. Seriously, you'll LOVE crafting these all-natural, clean-burning candles. They burn for over 40 hours, emitting the perfect warm, cozy glow and sweet, honey scent.
Here's a little secret: I keep bees but don't particularly like honey. Strange, right? The real reason I ventured into beekeeping was for the raw beeswax. I use it to craft all-natural creams, lip balms, and these long-lasting, homemade beeswax candles.
While you can make your own candles with various types of wax, beeswax is my absolute favorite. It burns cleanly, produces very little smoke, and burns 1.5 times longer than either soy or paraffin wax. And the best part? You don't have to add any costly essential oils (though you certainly can) because beeswax has its own pleasantly sweet, honey-like aroma.
The downside is that beeswax can be expensive if you don't have a hive to harvest it from. If you want to save money, you can also try these easy and cheap lard candles.
Perfect for Gifting
With Christmas just around the corner, now is the perfect time to make a large batch of these beautiful candles. They make thoughtful, easy, handmade gifts for friends and family. Tie a small sprig of evergreen around the jar for a festive touch. I especially love pairing these candles with wooden wicks, which crackle and flicker as if you're sitting in front of a cozy fire.
During the winter months, I light these candles from late afternoon until bedtime. They bring a cozy glow and warmth to an otherwise dark and chilly season.
Jump to:
Materials
Do not use your best equipment for melting beeswax! I can't stress this enough. Beeswax clings to everything, and it's nearly impossible to remove. The materials in this recipe should be dedicated solely to beeswax projects.
Clean beeswax - Beeswax is the perfect natural, eco-friendly wax. It burns cleanly and produces minimal smoke. If you don't have a hive of bees like me or know a local beekeeper who can supply you with beeswax, you can purchase beeswax at your local craft store or online: amazon.ca or amazon.com. If you do have your own raw beeswax, it has to be cleaned first. Here's a handy mess-free guide to cleaning and melting beeswax.
Types of beeswax
If you've never worked with beeswax before, you may be confused by the different types. For this project, you can use yellow (natural and unprocessed) or white beeswax (filtered or bleached to remove impurities). You can also choose between beeswax pellets or blocks of beeswax. If you have a choice, I would go with pellets - amazon.ca or amazon.com. Due to their smaller size, they are easier to measure and faster to melt.
Essential oils (optional) - You don't need to add essential oils to this recipe because beeswax emits its own delicious, honey-like aroma. However, you can definitely add essential oils if you prefer. I love woodsy scents like pine, fir, and sandalwood. For a Christmas scent, try adding a few drops of orange, clove, or cinnamon.
Candleholder - Choose a container that can handle the heat. Some good choices include wide-mouth mason jars or other glass jars, metal tins, or a beautiful ceramic or pottery container. I used 8-oz amber-colored mason jars like these.
Wicks - Natural wicks such as cotton or wood will help ensure a clean and steady burn for your beeswax candles. I experimented with both! I used these wax-coated, cotton wicks: amazon.ca or amazon.com, and these rustic wood wicks: amazon.ca or amazon.com. I prefer the wood wicks as the flame flickers and makes a gentle crackling sound as if you're sitting in front of a real fire.
Toothpick - I used a toothpick to poke small holes around the wick. This step helps eliminate air pockets, ensuring a smooth candle top and preventing cracks.
Wooden dowels or pencils - to help keep the wicks in place while you pour the beeswax into the candle holders.
Wax stickers or adhesive (such as amazon.ca or amazon.com) or hot glue - to secure the wicks to the bottom of the candle holder. If you're using wood wicks, you don't have to worry about wax stickers or adhesives. Your wood wicks should come with a wick holder.
Double boiler - You will need a double boiler to melt the beeswax. If you don't have one, you can make your own. Use a large pot to hold the water that will be heated. Then add your wax to any glass object. I used a glass measuring cup because it makes pouring the wax into the candleholders easier. But you could also use a glass bowl. Place your glass measuring cup or bowl into the water inside your pot. And voila! Your own DIY double boiler.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Prepare the Wicks: If you're using wooden wicks, attach them to the wick holders and then place the wicks in the bottom, center of your container.
If you're using a cotton wick, you'll need to use wax adhesive or wax stickers to attach the wick to the bottom of the jar. You may also need to stabilize the wicks using wooden dowels or a couple of pencils. Your wicks should be placed in the bottom, center of your candleholder.
- Melt the Beeswax: Use a digital scale to weigh your beeswax. If you are using blocks instead of pellets, you can cut your beeswax into small pieces for faster melting (although I skipped this step and just melted a large chunk).
To melt the wax, place the beeswax in a double boiler or a heat-safe container over a pot filled with about 2 inches of water. Heat on medium to low heat. Let simmer (a gentle boil) until completely melted.
- Add Essential Oils: Remove the melted wax from the heat.
Allow the temperature of the wax to cool to about 145°F (the wax should still be liquid) before adding essential oils. Stir gently to mix in the essential oils.
- Pour the Wax: Slowly pour the melted beeswax into your containers, keeping the wicks centered. Leave some space at the top of the containers to avoid overflow.
Save a small amount of wax for the next step.
Tip: You want your containers to be at room temperature or slightly warmer. This helps ensure the wax cools evenly.
- Cool and Set: Let the wax cool completely. This can take about 40 minutes. Next, use a toothpick or wooden dowel to poke holes near the wick (about 1.5 inches/4 cm deep) to let any trapped air escape. Carefully pour the wax you saved from the previous step into the container to cover up the holes and create a smooth surface. This will prevent any sinkholes or gaps from forming in your candle.
- Trim the Wicks: Once the candles are fully set, trim the wicks to about ¼ inch above the surface of the wax. This ensures a safe and even burn.
Wait 24 hours before lighting your candles. This allows them to harden and cure fully.
Warning - Fire Hazard
Beeswax melts at approximately 140-150°F (60 to 65°C). You don't want to heat your wax too much beyond this temperature because if you reach 170°F (76°C), your beeswax may lose its pleasantly sweet aroma. And if the wax reaches its flash point of 400°F (204°C), it could ignite and start a fire.
Remember: Keep the heat low, watch your beeswax closely, and avoid letting it reach its flash point.
How to choose the right wick size
If you've ever perused the candle-making aisle at your local craft store, you may have been overwhelmed by all the different wick sizes. Why does size matter? Choosing the correct wick size will prevent your candle from burning down the center, leaving a lot of unused wax around the edges (tunnelling).
To find the correct wick size for your candle, first measure the inside diameter of your container in inches. Then use a wick size chart specific to the type of wax and wick you will be using.
Here is a wick selection chart for beeswax and cotton wicks:
| Diameter of your container | Wick size |
| Under 2 inches | Small |
| 2 - 2.5 inches | Medium |
| 2.5 - 3 inches | Medium |
| 3 - 3.25 inches | Large |
| 3.25 - 3.5 inches | Large |
| 3.5- 4 inches | 2 Medium |
| 4 - 4.5 inches | 3 Medium |
| 4.5 - 5 inches | 3 Large |
Tips for scented candles
Although beeswax candles have a pleasant scent on their own, they also make wonderful scented candles. The key to success is using the right amount of essential oils and keeping your candles covered to preserve their aroma.
Use the right amount of essential oils
Using too little essential oil can result in a barely noticeable scent, while using too much can cause your candle to struggle to stay lit. The solution? Follow these guidelines from Oily Chic on how to make great-smelling, essential oil candles. Here's an example of how much essential oil you should use based on the size of your candle:
| Size of candle | Amount of essential oils |
| 2 oz | 1 teaspoon = 100 drops |
| 4 oz | 2 teaspoon = 200 drops |
| 8 oz | ½ oz = 300 drops |
Keep your candles covered
I love using mason jars for poured candles for one key reason: they come with a handy lid. This not only keeps your candles free from dust and debris but also helps maintain their scent for longer.
Turn your home into a calm retreat with forest fragrances
Did you know that forest-like scents can help you feel more relaxed? In "The Nature Fix" by Florence Williams, the author suggests using forest scents at home because they connect with our ancient senses, triggering positive emotional responses and reducing stress. Try pine, fir, or cedarwood essential oils to bring the calming essence of the forest indoors.
Beeswax versus paraffin and soy wax candles
Both beeswax and soy wax candles are great eco-friendly options, but I prefer beeswax candles because they will burn about 1.5 times longer than soy wax or paraffin wax candles due to their high melting point.
Paraffin wax is much cheaper, but it's made from non-renewable resources and can release harmful chemicals when burned.
| Beeswax Candles | Soy Wax Candles | Paraffin Candles |
|---|---|---|
| Natural wax made by honeybees | Made from soybean oil | Man-made from petroleum |
| Long burn time | Shorter burn time | Shortest burn time |
| Burns clean, minimal soot | Burns clean, minimal soot | Burns with more soot |
| Average at holding fragrance | Good at holding fragrance | Good at holding fragrance |
| Non-toxic, hypoallergenic | Non-toxic, hypoallergenic | Can release harmful chemicals |
| Eco-friendly, renewable | Eco-friendly, renewable | Not eco-friendly, non-renewable |
Do beeswax candles clean the air?
Beeswax candles may not "clean" your air, but pure beeswax candles do burn much cleaner than cheaper paraffin candles made with petroleum by-products. In fact, burning paraffin wax candles (especially the less expensive ones) can release harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene into your air. They may also contain dyes and artificial scents that, when burned, release a variety of other chemicals. Beeswax candles are a natural and healthier alternative.
Variations
Rolled Beeswax Candles -Rolled beeswax candles are the easiest candles to make. There's no melting, no mess, and they're ready to use in a few minutes. See my easy rolled beeswax candle tutorial here.
Pillar Candles - Pillar candles are made using candle molds and can stand on their own. Here is a step-by-step recipe from BZZWAX, a London-based company that makes beautiful candles.
Taper Candles - Taper candles are long and thin candles that are used in candelabras. Here's a recipe to make rustic, beeswax taper candles from Farmhouse on the Boone.
Troubleshooting / FAQ
It's best to let your candles cure for at least 24 hours to ensure they harden properly and the essential oils are well-settled.
Use a heat gun or lighter to gently warm the surface and smooth out any cracks.
Ensure the wick is centered and trimmed to the appropriate length before each use.
Yes, you can reuse beeswax candles by melting down any remaining wax and pouring it into a new container with a fresh wick.
Yes, beeswax candles are safe. They burn cleanly, releasing minimal toxins and allergens, and they don't produce toxic substances like paraffin wax candles.
Burning paraffin wax candles (especially the less expensive ones) can release harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene into your air. They may also contain dyes and artificial scents that, when burned, release a variety of other chemicals. Beeswax candles are a natural and healthier alternative.
Shop Candle-Making Supplies
- Amber Mason jars - amazon.ca or amazon.com
- Beeswax pellets - amazon.ca or amazon.com
- Wooden wicks - amazon.ca or amazon.com
- Wax-coated, cotton wicks - amazon.ca or amazon.com
- Wax adhesive - amazon.ca or amazon.com
Thank you! These are affiliate links, and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you so much for supporting my work.
Long-Lasting, Beeswax Candles - Easy, DIY Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Wicks: If you're using wooden wicks, attach them to the wick holders and then place the wicks in the bottom, center of your container.If you're using a cotton wick, you'll need to use wax adhesive or wax stickers to attach the wick to the bottom of the jar. You may also need to stabilize the wicks using wooden dowels or a couple of pencils. Your wicks should be placed in the bottom, center of your candleholder.
- Melt the Beeswax: Use a digital scale to weigh your beeswax. If you are using blocks instead of pellets, you can cut your beeswax into small pieces for faster melting (although I skipped this step and just melted a large chunk).To melt the wax, place the beeswax in a double boiler or a heat-safe container over a pot filled with about 2 inches of water. Heat on medium to low heat. Let simmer (a gentle boil) until completely melted.
- Add Essential Oils: Remove the melted wax from the heat. Allow the temperature of the wax to cool to about 145°F (the wax should still be liquid) before adding essential oils. Stir gently to mix in the essential oils.
- Pour the Wax: Slowly pour the melted beeswax into your containers, keeping the wicks centered. Leave some space at the top of the containers to avoid overflow.Save a small amount of wax for the next step.Tip: You want your containers to be at room temperature or slightly warmer. This helps ensure the wax cools evenly.
- Cool and Set: Let the wax cool completely. This can take about 40 minutes. Next, use a toothpick or wooden dowel to poke holes near the wick (about 1.5 inches/4 cm deep) to let any trapped air escape. Carefully pour the wax you saved from the previous step into the container to cover up the holes and create a smooth surface. This will prevent any sink holes or gaps from forming in your candle.
- Trim the Wicks: Once the candles are fully set, trim the wicks to about ¼ inch above the surface of the wax. This ensures a safe and even burn.
- Wait 24 hours before lighting your candles. This allows them to harden and cure fully.
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!PIN IT FOR LATER!
