How to Make a Massage Candle

There’s nothing quite like a candle massage to soothe tired and sore muscles, and the beautiful scent they throw is an added bonus.

It’s not uncommon to pay in to the hundreds for a candle massage at beauty and health spas, so we thought why not save the pocket money and enlist a willing significant other and make our own candle to do the trick!

Because of its low melt point, soy wax is most commonly used for massage candle making and it’s super easy.

Being a natural vegetable wax it is also safer on the skin, which is great news for those with allergies or sensitivities.

Once you’ve got a handle on the basic massage candle, you can experiment with additional ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, and luxurious body oils.

I’ve included this as an option below for those a little more experienced. Try adding jojoba, apricot kernel or avocado oil for beautiful moisturising effects.

*Please test all recipes on yourself before selling to ensure allergy safeness and correct consistency of the massage oil. If you plan to sell your candles, they will also need to be correctly labeled according to Australian standards.

What You’ll Need:

• 30g GW 464 soy wax (this has the lowest melting point of 46-49°C)
• 10ml sweet almond oil
• 2ml skin-safe essential oils or fragrance oils
• 1 double boiler
• Suitable container for pouring (e.g. spouted tin, for the purpose of this recipe we are using a 120gm tin)
• 1 stainless steel stirring spoon
• Wick (it is not too important what wick you use as you are not burning the candle for long. Start with the wick you would normally use for the container you choose and see how it performs. You don’t need a huge melt pool – just enough for this particular use)
• Wick holder 

*For a more soft, luxurious candle, substitute one part of the soy wax for shea or cocoa butter. Alternative ingredients as below:

• 20g GW 464 soy wax
• 10g shea or cocoa butter
• 10ml sweet almond oil
• 2ml skin-safe essential oils or fragrance oils

Instructions:

1. Place the wax and oil (and butter, if using) in to your double boiler. Melt down, stirring gently with the spoon. Alternatively, you can melt in the microwave – just use short bursts of 30 seconds to prevent burning and overheating. 
   
2. Once melted, add your fragrance and gently stir until well combined. 
3. While the wax is cooling, set up your container with the wick and wick holder. 
4. Once the wax has cooled (but still melted), pour in to your container and leave overnight. Once set, trim the wick so that it sits approximately 1cm above your candle. 

Instructions for use:

1. Light the candle and allow a small melt pool to form – just enough for your use.
2. Extinguish the flame and allow the melt pool to cool a little so that it is not too hot on the skin.
3. Pour the desired amount on to your hands or directly on to the skin.
4. Massage and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What wax is best for a massage candle?

A low melt point wax such as soy is most commonly used, because it melts at a temperature that is gentle enough to be safe on skin. Being a natural vegetable wax, it is also a kinder choice for those with allergies or sensitivities.

Is the melted wax hot on the skin?

It should be warm, not hot. Light the candle just long enough to form a small melt pool, then extinguish the flame and let the pool cool a little before pouring. Always test the temperature on yourself first so it is comfortable on the skin.

Can I add butters or extra oils to the recipe?

Yes. Once comfortable with the basic recipe you can substitute part of the wax for shea or cocoa butter, or add nourishing oils like jojoba, apricot kernel or avocado for extra moisturising effects. Introduce new ingredients gradually and test the consistency.

What wick should I use?

Wick choice is not critical, since the candle is only burned briefly to create a small melt pool rather than a full burn. Start with the wick you would normally use for that container size and adjust if needed.

Do I need to do anything special before selling massage candles?

Yes. Always test your recipe on yourself first to check for skin safety and the right consistency, and only ever use skin safe fragrance or essential oils. If selling, your products must also be labelled correctly according to Australian standards.