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Unwind and relax with a beautiful, Homemade Massage Candle! Explore this easy-to-follow recipe and create a candle and massage oil in one!
I adore massage candles! They’re unique in combining the cozy ambiance of candles with the incredible skin benefits of massage oil.
Isn’t that amazing!? Such a simple yet enjoyable thing to do.
If you’re excited to learn more about massage candles and excited to try one out yourself, this post has the exact recipe you need. Follow along with me!
Table of Contents
Massage Candle Recipe
We use coconut wax in this recipe, as I feel it’s the best combination of massage oil and candle wax in one. It’s a safe, non-toxic wax that glides well on the skin and smells lovely too.
Alternative waxes you could try are soy wax and beeswax, though these definitely feel different from other massage oils on the skin. That is why I use coconut wax (I find the consistency much nicer).
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You will need:
- 12 oz of coconut wax
- 7 oz of shea butter
- 3 oz of jojoba oil
- 30 drops of lavender essential oil
- 25 drops of Roman chamomile
- 20 drops of patchouli essential oil
Suggest equipment:
- Double Boiler or saucepan:To melt the ingredients together safely
- Thermometer:To monitor the temperature
- Stirring spoon:A spoon or spatula for mixing
- Container:For the finished candle (heat-proof)
- Wick:Suitable for use in massage candles
- Wick Holder:To keep the wick in place while the wax sets
Instructions:
This recipe makes 3 x 7-ounce candle jars.
Step 1: Melt the coconut wax, shea butter, and jojoba oil in a double boiler or in a small saucepan on low heat.
Step 2: Remove the melted wax from the heat to cool to 140°F. While the wax is cooling, you can glue the wick in the bottom of the jars.
Step 3: Once the wax has cooled down enough, stir in the fragrance oils.
Step 4: Now you can pour the melted candle wax into the jars. I use a pitcher to make it easier to pour into the candle jars.
Pro tip: Every dish and utensil that the wax touches will have to be wiped clean before washing to prevent any wax from going down your drains!
Step 5: Center the wicks before the wax hardens. I used candle wick holders, but you can also use two bamboo skewers or even pencils to hold it in place.
Step 6: Wait at least 24 hours to light the candle to ensure the wax has set properly.
How to use massage candles
The idea of massage candles is twofold.
First, you get a wonderful candle experience, with theenjoymentof the flame, the calming effects when looking at it, and the wonderful fragrance of essential oils as it burns.
After the candle has burned for some time, you can use the warm wax directly on your skin as a homemade massage oil.
I let my massage candles burn for around 20 minutes each time (while I enjoy a cozy bath!), then I blow the candle out, wait a few minutes for the wax to cool slightly, and then pour that warm wax directly onto my hands, ready for massage.
Is it safe to use candle wax on your skin?
The wax in this recipe is safe to use on your skin. It’s made from coconut wax, which is wonderfully moisturizing and soothing for all skin types.
It’s not safe, however, to use every candle wax on the skin. Paraffin wax, for example, which is used to make many commercial candles, is not meant to be applied to the skin.
My advice? Follow recipes like this one, which are for massage candles – then you’ll know that the wax is also designed to be used as massage oil.
Will the wax burn my skin?
You should always stay safe when working with massage candles, as the wax does get hot depending on howlongthe candle burns.
I advise you to always check the temperature of the wax before using it on your skin.
This is exactly why I wait a few minutes after blowing the candle out – to give the wax time to cool to a nice warm temperature.
Are massage candles the same as regular candles?
They’re not quite the same, no. Let me explain.
Massage candles are softer candles in terms of physical texture and flame brightness, which adds to that lovely, low-lit, spa-like glow.
They also burn quicker than homemade beeswax candles and homemade soy candles – which is why they make great massage candles!
If you ask me, you should ideally use massage candles for massage purposes only and keep regular candles for lighting.
Benefits of massage candles
Unlike your typical candle, like my DIY coffee candles, massage candles are made with a blend of skin-safe oils and waxes that melt at a lower temperature, making them 100% suitable for use on the body, just like a massage oil or DIY body oil.
Further benefits include:
- Skin softening:Massage candles’ oils are often rich with skin hydrating properties, providing nourishment for the skin.
- Aromatherapy:Most massage candles include natural essential oils, offering aromatherapy benefits during the massage.
- Ambiance:The flicker of the candlelight creates a relaxing atmosphere like a spa, enhancing the massage experience.
- Warmth:The melted wax provides a warm lotion, which can be particularly soothing on tired muscles.
Using your massage candle
Before Use:Always place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from drafts, kids, pets, and flammable things like clothes or curtains.
While Burning:
- Never leave candles unattended!
- Keep the lit candle out of reach of children and pets.
Before Application:
- Always perform a patch test (on your wrist is best) before use.
- Verify the temperature of the melted wax to prevent burns. I wait a few minutes after blowing the candle out to allow the wax to cool to a warm (not hot) temperature.
Post Use:
- After using, I ensure the candle is completely extinguished and store it in a cool, dry place to preserve its quality, saving it for next time.
Summary
I hope you enjoy making and using these massage candles in your home. They are really special and make wonderful gifts, too!
If you have any questions or feedback, please drop them in the comments section below.
And if you are looking for more great candle recipes, check out one of these next!
- How to make mason jar candles
- Candle dipping recipe
- Honey vanilla candle recipe
- DIY Christmas candles
Massage Candle Recipe
Laura Ascher
Elevate your self-care routine with a homemade Massage Candle! It's a candle and massage oil in one!
5 from 8 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe
Project Type Candles
Category Living
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Active Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Yield 3 candles
Equipment
Double Boiler
Stirring spoon
Candle jars
Wick: Suitable for use in massage candles
Ingredients
- 12 oz of coconut wax
- 7 oz of shea butter
- 3 oz of jojoba oil
- 30 drops lavender essential oil
- 25 drops Roman chamomile
- 20 drops patchouli essential oil
Instructions
Melt the coconut wax, shea butter, and jojoba oil in a double boiler. (If you don't have a double boil, you can melt it in a saucepan on low heat)
Remove the melted wax from the heat to cool to 140°F.
Stir in the fragrance oils.
Glue the wick in the bottom of the jars.
Once it has cooled to 120°F, pour the wax into the jars. Note I transfer the wax to a pitcher to prevent it from spilling everywhere.
Center the wicks while the wax hardens. I used candle wick holders, but you can also use two bamboo skewers or even pencils to hold it in place.
Wait at least 24 hours to light the candle to ensure the wax has set properly.
Notes
This recipe makes 3 x 7-ounce candle jars.
Scroll up for step-by-step pictures!
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This recipe is for your own viewing pleasure and is not meant for healing purposes. Readers must perform their own research and tests before making any recipe.
