DIY Scented Candles, Your New Favorite Use For Coconut Oil

If you’re the type who tends to reserve your candles for special occasions, then this DIY scented candles recipe is for you. Autumn’s shorter days and cooler temperatures are a great excuse to set a cozy scene in your home with delicate, naturally-scented tea lights.

With this guide for how to make organic candles, we’ll show you how to dive into the world of sustainable candle-making by incorporating natural ingredients and eco-friendly materials. Making your own is a project anyone can master—and all it takes is a few relatively affordable items to learn how to make scented candles at home. Your DIY scented candles are the perfect gift!

The two key ingredients: beeswax and coconut oil. Using coconut oil for candles cuts beeswax to make this project even more economical, and also adds a natural fragrance. The rest of the materials are just a trip to the craft store away, and you may even already have some of them at home.

Best Wicks for Coconut Wax

When it comes to DIY scented candle making, coconut wax is a must have.  

Unlike some other waxes, it’s made without pesticides or chemicals. The best wicks for coconut wax will depend on variables like candle size, burn rate, and time.

Wicks made from 100% organic hemp and beeswax tend to be the top choices for candlemakers working with coconut wax. These wicks are free of lead and harsh chemicals. They work with most waxes, but they’re great to use with coconut wax candles and even coconut wax blends.

Ingredients and Materials

8 ounces beeswax
1/3 to 1/2 cup of coconut oil
50 to 75 drops essential oil
Thermometer
Wick
Heat-resistant glass jar (12-ounce)
Pencil or chopstick

Step 1: Melt Wax

Melt wax in a double boiler over medium heat until fully melted.

Step 2: Monitor the wax’s temperature

Monitor the temperature with the thermometer until it reaches about 145 to 150 degrees, then remove from heat (the temperature will continue to rise to about 170 degrees).

Step 3: Blend in coconut oil

Blend in coconut oil until fully melted, it doesn’t matter whether the coconut oil is refined or unrefined. Add essential oils to reach desired scent, starting with about 50 drops. Stir to incorporate. Cool wax to 160 degrees.

Step 4: Incorporate the wicks

Meanwhile, tie one end of the wick onto a pencil or chopstick, and cut it to a length long enough to hang straight and taut and ending just ¼ inch above the bottom of the jar when you lay the pencil down across the rim.

Step 5: Pour into the jar

Once wax has cooled to 160 degrees, slowly pour it into the jar, readjusting the wick to stay centered as needed. Fill jar to one inch below opening.

Step 6: Let the wax dry

Let the wax to dry for one to two days. Once completely dry, cut the wick to ½ inch, and voila! Told you it was easy!

A word on scents: Lavender and coconut are totally a dynamic duo, so lavender essential oil is a pretty foolproof way to go. Wanna take it a step further into real aromatherapy territory? Try incorporating these exquisite essential oil blends into your DIY candle project.

Serenity

This citrus-floral blend will evoke a sense of peace.
15 drops orange
25 drops ylang ylang
10 drops patchouli

Fresh Air

A deodorizing scent that will freshen the bathroom or kitchen.
5 drops citronella
5 drops lemongrass
5 drops lavandin
15 drops rosemary
15 drops tea tree

Joyful

Want to experience euphoria in a whiff? Try this tantalizing combo. Your  DIY scented candle will blow minds, one nostril at a time!
5 drops bergamot
5 drops lemon
5 drops tangerine
5 drops ylang ylang
5 drops geranium
5 drops jasmine
5 drops Roman chamomile
5 drops palmarosa
5 drops rose

Lavender Woods

This alluring scent can transport you to a seaside cabin surrounded by California redwoods.
25 drops lavender
25 drops pine

Photo credit: Paul Delmont

This coconut oil candle recipe is easy to make, and the results are incredible. You can use these candles at home and they also make excellent presents! Learning how to scent candles is the best way to start creating personal gifts!