Homemade Beeswax Candles
If you love the warm, flickering glow of candles, you'll love having a stash of homemade beeswax candles to use any time. They're so warm and cozy and they make wonderful gifts! Learn how to make beeswax candles with coconut oil (or pure beeswax candles if you prefer) for a beautiful glow any time of year.
Equipment
- Double boiler (medium saucepan and a metal container)
- Wick stickers (optional; can also use a glue gun or a little melted wax)
- Wicks (or cotton wick fabric)
- Bamboo skewers (or wick holders)
- Parchment paper (or newspaper)
- Glass jars, candle tins, or molds
- kitchen scale optional
Ingredients
- 8 oz beeswax, (or 16 oz for pure beeswax candles)
- 8 oz coconut oil, (optional)
Instructions
Melt the Wax
- Fill a medium saucepan with 2-3 inches of water. Set a metal bowl or wax melting pitcher into the water. Place the pan with the bowl on the stove and set it over medium heat
- Measure out the beeswax and coconut oil (optional) and add it to the metal bowl.
Prepare the Jars
- Arrange the jars over a sheet or parchment paper or newspaper for easy cleanup.
- While the wax is melting, prepare the jars. Use either glue or wick stickers to attach the wick to the center of the mason jars.
Pour
- Once the wax is fully melted, carefully pour it into the candle jars. I prefer to use a metal funnel for this as it can be messy.
- Hold the wicks up nice and straight, then press two wooden skewers on either side of the wick to hold it in place.
- Allow the candles to firm up completely without moving them at all.
- If you notice any tunneling or cracking, add a small amount of extra melted wax on top to cap it.
- Once the candles are fully set, either light one up or close up the jars for storage.
Notes
For more tips and troubleshooting, visit the beeswax candle guide on Milk Glass Home.
- Use real beeswax. You'd be shocked to know how many common ingredients available online aren't real. I try to only use real beeswax from the US to avoid Chinese beeswax specifically. I've purchased this brand several times and find it very easy to work with. Make sure your beeswax smells like honey!
- Get the right size wick. Beeswax melts at a higher temperature than other candle waxes, so you need a wick that's made for beeswax candles. Most wick brands will say that on their listing. I use this brand of organic hemp wicks and have been happy with how well the candles melt.
- Avoid direct heat. Beeswax burns at 400 degrees F. It can be extremely dangerous to melt heat directly on the stove or in the oven. I always recommend using the double boiler method to stay safe.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. We all know this, but it's a good reminder. I always make sure I light my candles far out of the reach of anything that could catch fire and I blow them out if I'm leaving the room for more than just a second. Be extra mindful of critters and kids (my cat has come dangerously close to candles before).
- Use heat-safe containers. Although it's tempting to make candles in whatever cute jars or containers you can find, that's not safe. You need a heat-safe container that will not shatter or break. Since mason jars are made to be heated at a high temperature, they're a pretty reliable option. You can also find jars made specifically for candle making online or in some craft stores.