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 candle 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, we’ll show you how to make candles with coconut oil 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. 

These DIY coconut oil scented candles will also be perfect as gifts!

What you’ll need

The two key ingredients you need here are beeswax or coconut oil. Using coconut oil for candles cuts beeswax to make this project even more economical, and it 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.

The best wicks for coconut wax

When it comes to DIY scented candles, coconut wax is a must-have.  

Unlike some other waxes, it’s made without pesticides or chemicals [1]. The best wicks for DIY coconut oil candles 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 especially great to use with coconut wax candles and even coconut wax blends.

Coconut Oil Candle Recipe: Ingredients and Materials

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

Step 1: Melt the wax

Melt the 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 it from the 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 dry for one to two days. Once completely dry, cut the wick to ½ inch, and voilà! Told you it was easy!

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

Other Scented Coconut Oil Candle Recipes

Serenity

This citrus-floral blend will evoke a sense of peace.

15 drops of orange essential oil
25 drops of ylang ylang
10 drops of patchouli

Fresh Air

A deodorizing scent that will freshen the bathroom or kitchen.

5 drops of citronella
5 drops of lemongrass
5 drops of lavender
15 drops of rosemary
15 drops of tea tree oil

Joyful

Want to experience euphoria in a whiff? Try this tantalizing combo. Your DIY coconut oil candles will blow minds, one nostril at a time!

5 drops of lemon essential oil
5 drops of tangerine
5 drops of ylang ylang
5 drops of geranium
5 drops of jasmine
5 drops of Roman chamomile
5 drops of palmarosa
5 drops of rose

Lavender Woods

This alluring scent can transport you to a seaside cabin surrounded by California redwoods.

25 drops of lavender essential oil
25 drops of pine

These DIY coconut oil candle recipes are easy to make, and the results are incredible. You can use these candles at home, and they also make excellent presents. Learning how to create unique scent combinations is the best way to start creating personalized gifts!

Photo credit: Paul Delmont