Beeswax And Fragrance: A Natural Scent Solution?

Beeswax candles are a great natural alternative to traditional candles, which can release toxins into the air. However, beeswax candles do not hold fragrance as well as other types of candles. To increase the scent retention of beeswax candles, some candle makers add coconut oil to the mix.

Beeswax candles can be scented with essential oils

When making beeswax candles, it's important to use the right type of wick and container. The larger the diameter of the candle, the larger the wick will need to be. It's also important to test different wick sizes to find the one that works best.

Step 1: Prepare the wicks and jars

Place a wick sticker at the centre base of each jar. Then, adhere the wick tab.

Step 2: Melt the beeswax

Place the beeswax in a candle-melting pitcher or double boiler and heat until it reaches a temperature of 144 degrees F. Stir often with a heat-resistant spatula or whisk.

Step 3: Add coconut oil and essential oils

Once the beeswax has melted, remove it from the heat and add coconut oil. Stir until blended. Allow the temperature of the mixture to cool to between 125°F and 155°F, then add the desired amount of essential oils. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes to incorporate the scent.

Step 4: Pour the scented beeswax into the jars

Carefully pour the scented beeswax into the glass jars. Place an optional centering device over each wick to help keep them in place while the candles cure.

Step 5: Let the candles cool and cure

Before trimming the wicks, allow the candles to cool and the wax to harden for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Trim the wicks to about 1/4 inch. Do not light the candles until they have cured for at least 3 days.

Tips:

• It is recommended to use glass, ceramic, or tin containers for beeswax candles, as plastic is not heat-safe.
• When adding fragrance to beeswax candles, use 6-10% fragrance oil. Do not exceed 10% as it can cause safety issues.
• Beeswax candles tend to work best with strong scents such as peppermint, lemongrass, and vetiver.
• It is important to test different wick sizes to find the one that works best for your candle container.
• The best temperature for pouring beeswax is between 155-160°F.
• Beeswax can be difficult to clean up, so it is recommended to have a separate candle-melting pitcher or pot specifically for making beeswax candles.

Coconut oil can be added to beeswax candles to help the scent last longer

Beeswax candles are a beloved candle-making material due to their long burn time, natural air-purifying properties, and beautiful golden colour. However, beeswax candles can be more difficult to scent than other commonly used waxes. This is where coconut oil comes in. Coconut oil has a great ability to hold and throw fragrance, which means that when it is added to beeswax, it can give off more scent and do so quicker than if beeswax was used alone. Coconut oil also has a lower melting point than beeswax, which slightly softens the wax and lowers the melting point. This may decrease the burn time slightly, but since beeswax is already the longest-burning wax, even softened candles will last longer than most competitors.

Coconut oil is also a completely renewable high-yield crop, making it a sustainable and efficient option for farming. Beeswax and coconut wax are the two most sustainable waxes available, so adding coconut oil does not affect the sustainability or environmental impact of beeswax candles.

When making beeswax candles, it is important to prepare your workspace and gather all the necessary materials and tools. This includes containers for the candles, a double boiler setup, and wicks. If using coconut oil, it can be combined with the beeswax in the double boiler or heat-safe container. Beeswax melts fully at 180 degrees Fahrenheit, so heat the mixture gradually over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Once the beeswax and coconut oil are melted, you can let it cool before adding fragrance oil. The general rule of thumb is about 0.5 oz of fragrance or essential oil per pound of wax.

When adding fragrance to your candles, it is important to do so at the right temperature. Aim for around 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit before adding fragrance oils or essential oils. This ensures that the scent blends evenly with the wax without getting overheated. Once the fragrance has been added, carefully pour the wax into your prepared containers, filling each to the desired level and leaving some space at the top. Beeswax has a lower melting point than many other waxes, so it is essential to work quickly but carefully to avoid spills.

Allow the beeswax candles to cool and set completely before trimming the wicks to the desired length, typically around 1/4 inch. This process may take several hours, depending on the size of the candles and the ambient temperature. Once cooled, your beeswax candles are ready to light and enjoy!

The best temperature to pour beeswax candles is 155-160°F

The best temperature to pour beeswax candles is between 155°F and 160°F (68°C to 71°C). Pouring at this temperature helps to prevent sinkholes and bubbles in the candles. If the wax is poured at too high a temperature, it will cause discolouration, and if it is too cool, it will have solid bits when poured, leading to splashes.

It is also important to consider the temperature of the moulds or containers and the room temperature when making beeswax candles. The moulds should not be too cold when the hot wax is poured into them, as this will cause lines on the candles. The ideal room temperature for candle-making is around 20–22 °C (68–72 °F).

The best wicks for beeswax candles are pre-waxed and all-natural

Square braided cotton wicks are considered the best option for beeswax candles. These wicks have a flat, braided shape that promotes a more even burn and reduces mushrooming. They can handle a large amount of wax and work well in containers and pillars. However, they can be challenging to light and may not produce the cleanest burn compared to other wick types.

Another option is round braided cotton wicks, which have a traditional round shape and are known for their ease of lighting and low soot production. While they may not be ideal for thicker candles, they generally work well in most candle sizes.

For an eco-friendly alternative, square braided hemp wicks are a good choice. These wicks offer a clean burn, bright flame, and reduced soot. They are well-suited for thick candles and pillars, but they can be difficult to light and may not perform as well in containers.

Ultimately, the best wick for beeswax candles will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Conducting test burns with different wick sizes and types will help you determine the optimal choice for your beeswax candles.

Beeswax candles can be made in containers, pillars, votives, and wax melts

Beeswax has a beautiful natural scent, but it can also be used as a base to carry other fragrances. Its unique properties make it a little different to work with than other waxes, but it can be used to make a variety of candles, including containers, pillars, votives, and wax melts.

Containers

Beeswax candles can be made in containers, such as small, recycled jars. To make these, you will need:

• 3 or 4 4-ounce mason jars
• Cotton wicks (size #2)
• A pint-size glass mason jar
• A wooden clothespin or bamboo skewer
• Beeswax
• Coconut oil (optional)

First, create a double boiler by placing a canning jar ring in a pot of water and setting the pint-size mason jar on top. Add beeswax to the jar and bring the water to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat. Once the beeswax is melted, remove from the heat and stir in the coconut oil, if using. Secure a wick to the bottom of each 4-ounce mason jar with a small amount of glue, then thread the top of the wick through the clothespin. Set the clothespin on top of the jar, centring the wick. Fill the jar with the melted wax and oil, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Let the wax harden for 1-2 hours, then remove the clothespin and trim the wick.

Pillars

To make pillar candles, you will need:

• Thick, square-braided wicking
• Something to seal the wick hole at the bottom of the mould (such as putty or Play-Doh)
• A pouring pot or dipping vat
• A large pot to create a double boiler
• An aluminium pillar candle mould
• Stearic acid

Prepare your wicks by cutting them to the desired length. Weight each end with a small, cheap metal object to keep the wick straight. Set up your double boiler and melt the wax. Once melted, remove from the heat and add stearic acid at a rate of 3-6 tbsp per pound of wax. Prepare your mould by threading the wick through the hole at the base. Secure the top of the wick by tying it to a pencil or skewer on top of the mould. Seal the wick hole with your chosen material. Once the wax and stearic acid mixture has cooled, pour it into the mould. Allow it to cool completely, then remove the mould sealer and the knot at the base of the candle. Turn the mould upside down and remove the candle. Trim the wick to the desired length.

Votives

Beeswax votives are meant to be burned in a snug-fitting votive holder. To make these, you will need:

• Small, 3-4" waxed wicks
• Glass votive holders
• Beeswax

Follow the same process as for container candles, securing the wick in the votive holder with a small amount of glue before filling with wax.

Wax Melts

Beeswax wax melts can be made with:

• Beeswax pastilles
• Extra virgin coconut oil
• Pure-grade essential oil
• A glass measuring cup
• A double boiler
• Silicone moulds

Prepare your double boiler and add the coconut oil, beeswax, and 20-30 drops of essential oil. Melt until golden amber and no solids remain. Carefully add the mixture to your silicone moulds and allow to harden for a few hours. Cure the melts for a few days inside a sealed mason jar before use, if desired. Store in an airtight container.

Frequently asked questions