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What Great Grandma Ate / Lifestyle / How to Make Beeswax Candles + Why I Don’t Buy Scented Candles

How to Make Beeswax Candles + Why I Don’t Buy Scented Candles

Last Updated on July 25, 2021 by Jean Choi 12 Comments

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How to Make Beeswax Candles + Why I Don't Buy Scented Candles

Store bought scented candles are often harmful for our environment and our health. Find out why I don’t buy scented candles, and how to make beeswax candles at home!

How to Make Beeswax Candles

I’ve been making my own candles for several years now and I love this therapeutic process, as well as being able to control the ingredients that go into each one. I have always loved scented candles as much as any basic gal and the pleasant smells they can fill the house with. However, it was just a few years ago when I learned about how harmful they can be.

It’s important to realize that when we burn candles, the materials that make them are released into the air and we breathe in that air. If there are harmful ingredients in the candle or even the wick, there’s no doubt that we inhale the toxins which can negatively impact our health and the environment. Here are a few reasons why I don’t buy scented candles and how to make beeswax candles at home:

How to Make Beeswax Candles

Why I Don’t Buy Scented Candles

Wicks containing heavy metals. You would think that candle wicks are just cotton, but especially with older candles, heavy metals like lead are added to firm up and make the wicks burn longer. It’s crazy to me that they would allow us to burn lead in our homes, which is a huge contributor to indoor air pollution and health problems. Adding heavy metals to candles have been banned in 2003, but there are still many candles out there with toxic wicks, especially when you see metal wires in them.

Candles made with paraffin. Most scented candles are made with paraffin wax, which is a petroleum byproduct and a known carcinogen when burned. Benzene and toluene are the two main chemicals that are released from burning paraffin wax, and these are known to cause respiratory problems, lung cancer, and even cause damage to the central nervous systems.

Use of synthetic oils, dyes, and scents. Various chemicals and additives are added to candles to make them slow burning, give them a bright color, and add a strong scent. These also release toxic fumes that are also found in varnish removers, paint, and lacquer. I would rather avoid them altogether instead of risking the damages they can cause, especially if you have small children or pets around.

Soot particles cause further damage. Not only are standard chemicals harmful to our health while burning, they also leave behind black soot particles on furniture, walls, floors, or any other nearby surfaces. These small particles can get trapped in our lungs when we breathe them in and be a major cause of respiratory problems, much like smoking cigarettes.

Making candles at home is easy! While it may seem complicated, the process is actually quite simple and fun, and it’s a much healthier and cheaper way to enjoy burning candles at home.

How to Make Beeswax Candles

Making Candles At Home

While you can make soy candles, I like to avoid them because soy is genetically modified most of the time. My first choice when it comes to wax is beeswax because it’s slow-burning naturally and completely safe.

Beeswax is also known as nature’s air purifier because it releases negative ions when burned. Any kind of air contaminants like dirt, pollen, and pollutants carry positive ions. When negative ions from the beeswax meet the positive ions in the air contaminants, they are neutralized and this purifies the air naturally. Such a cool process!

How to Make Beeswax Candles

When making beeswax candles, make sure the beeswax pellets you buy states “100% Pure Beeswax” on the label. Otherwise, if the word “pure” is used without the percentage, they are most likely mixed with paraffin wax.

Also, since beeswax is naturally slow-burning, it’s important to buy medium candle wicks which are sturdier and slower to burn out. Make sure to buy wicks that are 100% cotton to avoid burning any metals into the air.

Once you have the equipments, the process is a breeze. Here’s how you can make beeswax candles at home that are safe, healthy, and smell like heaven!

How to Make Beeswax Candles
How to Make Beeswax Candles

How to Make Beeswax Candles

Store bought scented candles are often harmful for our environment and our health. Find out why I don’t buy scented candles, and how to make beeswax candles at home!
5 from 5 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Wax Cooling/Hardening Time: 12 hours
Total Time: 12 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 12-oz jars OR 3 8-oz glass jars OR 6 4oz jars Use glass or ceramic jars
  • Medium cotton candle wicks with tabs attached
  • Wick stickers
  • Masking tape
  • 1 lb beeswax pellets
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil
  • 2 oz essential oils for scented

Instructions

  • Before you begin, stick one side of the wick sticker on the bottom of the tab of the wick. Stick the other side of the sticker to the bottom center of the jars.
  • Cut a small hole or slit in the center of a strip of masking tape that’s longer than the width of the jars. Thread the wick through the hole and stick the tape across the opening of the jar, so the wick is centered in the middle of the jar. Repeat this with the remaining jars.
  • In a double boiler, or a heat-safe bowl nestled on top of a pot of simmering water over low heat, combine beeswax pellets and coconut oil.
  • Heat until completely melted, about 30 minutes.
  • Turn off heat and add essential oils, if using. Stir together to combine (I used a popsicle stick so I can throw it out afterwards).
  • Pour the wax into the prepared jars.
  • Let cool for at least 12 hours.
  • Cut the wicks to about 1/2 inch and remove the masking tapes.
  • Light and enjoy!
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Regarding other affiliate links and affiliate relationships: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Thank you for your support and understanding.


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By Jean Choi | October 2, 2017

Comments

  1. Tina says

    October 9, 2017 at 9:28 am

    That’s funny, I was just reading about the dangers of store bought scented candles last night! It’s scary to think there’s lead in them! Thanks for sharing your safe candle recipe!

    Reply
  2. Melissa Schollaert says

    October 9, 2017 at 3:44 pm

    Such important information and I am so excited to try making my own candles!

    Reply
  3. Renee says

    October 9, 2017 at 4:00 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for the brand recs – I have been buying beeswax candles but wanting to make my own, but have been unsure about how to get started!Thank you!

    Reply
  4. Jessica DeMay says

    October 10, 2017 at 4:57 pm

    5 stars
    I love this idea! I stopped buying candles a few years ago when I realized how toxic they are. I miss burning them though. I have everything- I think I need to make them!

    Reply
  5. Donna says

    October 11, 2017 at 7:17 am

    I had no idea they that easy to make, thanks for this great post!

    Reply
  6. Kari - Get Inspired Everyday! says

    October 12, 2017 at 4:06 pm

    5 stars
    I burn beeswax candles too, and I love their natural scent!

    Reply
  7. Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says

    October 12, 2017 at 10:43 pm

    5 stars
    This is so cool! I’ve never made them before but I know my kids would love to do this. I think I’m going to make this a project for them over the holidays to put on our dinner table.

    Reply
  8. Irena Macri says

    October 15, 2017 at 6:13 pm

    I was so tempted to buy some seasonal candles at the store this past week, but I had to stop myself because I just know how sensitive I can be to scents. This is a great tutorial, and I need to get on board with making my own. You do a beautiful job!

    Reply
  9. ChihYu says

    October 16, 2017 at 4:51 am

    You are amazing ! I love candles now I know how to make it at home by myself. Thank you !!

    Reply
  10. Darryl Edwards says

    October 16, 2017 at 11:11 am

    5 stars
    I usually only buy scented candles using essential oils but this seems like an even better way – at least you know what’s in it!

    Reply
  11. Katja says

    October 16, 2017 at 1:15 pm

    Candles are so fun to make. And perfect for the upcoming holiday season. I LOVE the way beeswax smells. Thanks for this easy tutorial.

    Reply
  12. Becky Winkler says

    October 23, 2017 at 7:47 am

    I love this! My mom and I used to make candles together when I was a kid. This post is inspiring me to get back into it!!

    Reply

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headshot of Jean Choi - blogger of What Great Grandma Ate I’m Jean and I’m a Nutritional Therapist (NTP) living in Southern California with my husband and 2 dog babies. On WGGA, you’ll find simple and easy gluten-, dairy-, and processed sugar-free recipes that focus on quality nutrients, and of course, never sacrifice on taste. I believe that the food you love should love you back, making you feel amazing inside and out. I apologize in advance for my inappropriate jokes and misunderstood sarcasm! More About Jean

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