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Make your own candles at home

Which wax, wick and fragrance oil to use, step-by-step tutorials and the top-rated supplies in stock on Amazon today.

Start with:

Scented jar candles Soy candles Wax melts Massage candles Beeswax candles

Real dataTemperatures and fragrance loads for every wax
CalculatorsExact wick, wax and fragrance amounts
Stock checkedReviewed on Amazon twice a week
Step by stepTutorials for every type of candle

Three lit pillar candles glowing warmly in a dark room

Handmade

Your first candle, in one afternoon

Photo: Photos public domain.com · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Candle making supplies

🧈 Waxes Soy, rapeseed, coconut, beeswax, paraffin…

🧵 Wicks Cotton, wood, ECO, CD, HTP

🌸 Fragrance oils Fragrance and essential oils

🎨 Dyes Dye chips, liquid dyes and mica

🧁 Molds Silicone molds for pillars and wax melts

🫙 Containers Glass jars, tins, concrete vessels

🌡️ Tools Pouring pitcher, thermometer, scale… 🎁 Kits Everything in one box to get started

Most popular projects

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Scented jar candles A homemade candle with real scent throw comes down to three things: the right wax, the right fragrance load and a proper cure. Here's the complete method for your first batch. Easy ⏱ 60 min ⏳ 14-day cure

Soy candles Soy wax is the go-to for beginners: it's plant-based, cleans up with hot soapy water and throws scent well. It does have its quirks, though. Here's how to get the temperatures right for smooth, good-looking soy candles. Easy ⏱ 60 min ⏳ 14-day cure

Wax melts Wax melts are the most rewarding first project: no wick, a higher fragrance load than a candle and a full tray ready in about half an hour. All you need to enjoy them is a wax warmer. Easy ⏱ 45 min ⏳ 7-day cure Massage candles A massage candle burns for a few minutes and its wax turns into a warm oil for the skin. The recipe is simple, but it calls for cosmetic-grade ingredients and close attention to temperature. Intermediate ⏱ 45 min ⏳ 2-day cure

Beeswax candles Beeswax smells like honey on its own, burns with a warm glow and lasts a long time. It's fussier than soy, but with the right blend and the right wick you'll get gorgeous candles. Intermediate ⏱ 60 min ⏳ 3-day cure

Rolled beeswax candles Rolled candles are the fastest, safest project in candle making: no melting wax, no thermometers. All you need are beeswax sheets, a wick and your hands. Easy ⏱ 20 min

Calculators to get it right

Wick, wax and fragrance: work out the exact amounts for your jars before you start.

Wick calculator Which wick to use based on diameter and wax. Wax calculator How much wax and fragrance oil you need for your jars. Fragrance calculator How much fragrance oil to add for your wax.

🔥 Best-selling supplies

🌸 Fragrance oils

P&J Fragrance Oil Halloween Set | Autumn Wreath, Pumpkin…

8.8

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🎨 Candle dye chips

Candle Dye for Soy Wax - 16 Colors Candle Wax Dye Chips…

8.9

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🕯️ Silicone candle molds

RESINWORLD Set of Large + Medium + Small 3D Skull Resin…

9.0

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🫙 Glass candle jars

SUPMIND 15P Glass Candle Jars with Bamboo Lids, 7oz Clear…

8.7

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🫕 Candle pouring pitcher

DINGPAI Candle Making Kit, Candle Make Pouring Pot and…

8.6

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🌡️ Candle thermometer

Yacumama Digital Water Thermometer for Liquids, Long Probe

8.6

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🎁 Complete candle making kit

Complete Candle Making Kits for Adults Beginners, DIY…

9.0

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🫘 Soy wax

American Soy Organics Freedom Soy Wax Beads, All-Natural…

9.4

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⚖️ Candle wax comparisons

See all comparisons →

Soy wax vs Coconut wax Soy wax vs Beeswax Soy wax vs Paraffin wax Soy wax vs Wax melt wax Coconut wax vs Beeswax Coconut wax vs Paraffin wax

Guides to learn from

Candle Fragrance Load: How Much Fragrance Oil to Add How much fragrance oil each candle wax holds, how to calculate the amount in grams or ounces, when to add it, and why flash point is not what you think it is. How to Color Candles: Dyes, Amounts and Tips Dye chips, liquid dye or mica: which to use, how much to add, at what temperature, and how to get pastel or bold shades, layers and ombré effects. How to Make Candles at Home: A Complete Beginner's Guide Supplies, wax, wicks, fragrance oil, temperatures and step-by-step instructions: everything you need to make your first container candle at home, safely. How Long to Cure Candles: Cure Times by Wax Type What candle curing is, why it boosts scent throw, how long to cure soy, paraffin, coconut or beeswax candles, the best conditions, and when to test burn. How to Choose a Candle Wick: Series, Size and Test Burns ECO, CD, HTP, LX and wood wicks, jar diameter, wax type, fragrance load and double wicks: how to pick the right candle wick and run a proper test burn. Candle Troubleshooting: Common Problems and How to Fix Them Tunneling, sinkholes, frosting, wet spots, cracks, soot, weak scent throw or a flickering flame: why it happens to your homemade candles and how to fix them. Best Wax for Candle Making: Soy, Coconut, Beeswax, Paraffin Soy, rapeseed, coconut, beeswax, paraffin, palm or gel? Compare melt point, scent throw, price and ease of use to pick the right wax for your next candles. How to Recycle Candles: Leftover Wax, Jars and Wicks How to recycle old candles: getting wax out of jars, sorting by wax type, melting and straining, adding new wicks and turning leftovers into wax melts. Candle Making Safety: Melting, Burning and Fire Prevention How to melt wax safely, what flash point means, what to do if wax catches fire (never water) and the burning rules every homemade candle should follow. Eco-Friendly Candles: Natural Waxes, Wicks and Scents How to make truly eco-friendly candles: plant waxes and beeswax, cotton or wood wicks, phthalate-free fragrance, reusable jars, and which claims are just hype. Homemade Candle Gift Ideas for Every Occasion Handmade candle gift ideas: what to make for each occasion and season, scent pairings people love, pretty vessels, gift wrap and labels with safety warnings. How to Sell Handmade Candles: A Practical Starter Guide Start selling handmade candles the right way: a repeatable recipe, burn testing, pricing, packaging, ASTM warning labels, where to sell and liability insurance.

How to make candles at home

Making candles is easier than it looks: all you need is wax, a properly sized wick, a container or mold and, if you like, fragrance oil and dye. With a pouring pitcher for a double boiler, a thermometer and a scale, you have the basic equipment.

It all comes down to three choices: the wax (soy, rapeseed, coconut, beeswax or paraffin), the wick size for your diameter and the fragrance load. At CeraVelas you’ll find a guide to every supply, step-by-step tutorials for every type of candle and calculators to nail the amounts.

Next to each supply we show you the best-reviewed products in stock on Amazon today, so you buy what actually works.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to make candles at home?+

Wax, pre-tabbed wicks, a container or mold, a pouring pitcher for a double boiler, a thermometer and a scale. Fragrance oil and dye are optional.

What’s the best wax for beginners?+

Soy wax for jar candles: it’s easy to work with, plant-based and cleans up with hot soapy water.

How much fragrance oil goes in a candle?+

6% to 10% of the wax weight, without exceeding the maximum stated by your wax manufacturer.

How long should I wait before lighting a homemade candle?+

With soy, at least 48 hours, but the scent improves a lot with a 1–2 week cure. With paraffin, 1–3 days is enough.