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Small white soy candle in jar with lavender sprigs, a photo frame, and a glass vase around it

Homemade Soy Candles Recipe

Learn how to make easy, non-toxic soy candles at home with just a few ingredients. This beginner-friendly DIY candle recipe uses natural soy wax and essential oils for a clean burn and a light, cozy scent. Perfect for gifts, relaxation, or adding a homemade touch to your space.
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Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Cooling Time:2 hours
Total Time:2 hours 30 minutes
Keyword: homemade soy candles, how to make soy candles, natural candles, non-toxic

Equipment

  • Soy Wax pellets
  • Wicks (cotton or wood)
  • Wick Stickers (or glue down with a hot glue gun)
  • Wick Holders (or clothespins)
  • Pouring Pot (or heat-safe container)
  • Large Pot
  • Mason Jars (or cleaned recycled candle jars)
  • Kitchen Thermometer
  • Kitchen Scale (optional but helpful)
  • Large Wood Spoon
  • Oven Mitts
  • Labels (optional)

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Soy Wax Pellets
  • 100-200 drops Essential Oils (optional: or natural candle fragrance oils)

Instructions

  • Prep jars: Glue or stick the wick to the bottom center of each jar. Use wick holders to keep them upright.
  • Measure wax: Using a kitchen scale, weigh out 2 lbs of soy wax pellets.
  • Melt wax: Add the wax to the pouring pot and place it in a large pot with 1–2 inches of water. Heat on medium, stirring gently.
  • Monitor temperature: Heat until wax reaches 180°F (82°C). Then remove from heat.
  • Cool slightly: Let wax cool to around 130°F (54°C) before adding scent.
  • Add essential oils: Stir in 100–200 drops of your favorite essential oils.
  • Pour wax: Carefully pour wax into jars, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.
  • Let set: Allow candles to cool and harden for several hours or overnight.
  • Trim wicks: Cut wicks down to ¼ or ½ inch before lighting.
  • Label & enjoy (optional): Add labels or gift tags, then light and enjoy your homemade candles!

Notes

Favorite Essential Oil Candle Blends

  • Lavender + Vanilla – calming & floral
  • Lemon + Peppermint – fresh and energizing
  • Lemongrass + Eucalyptus – clean and spa-like
  • Citronella – natural bug repellent for outdoor candles
  • Grapefruit + Rosemary – bright and herbal
  • Fall/Winter blends – cinnamon, clove, orange, fir, pine, nutmeg
  • Coffee Beans – drop a few into the wax right after pouring for a fun twist!
 

Candle Use & Care Tips

  • Trim wick to ¼–½ inch before lighting.
  • Let it burn for at least 1 hour the first time to prevent tunneling.
  • Don’t burn for more than 3–4 hours at a time.
  • Store away from heat and sunlight to preserve scent.
 
Homemade candles have a lighter scent than commercial candles. For stronger scents, use natural fragrance oils made for candle use.