Massage Candle Recipe
Use this skincare recipe to make two massage candles for romantic gifts. Massage candles are lit like ordinary candles, but you use the melted wax directly on the skin as a warm massage oil. The melted oil is not hot like ordinary candle wax—it's warm and relaxing, and the combination of ingredients in this recipe is wonderful for your skin.
Servings 2 3.4 oz (100ml) candles
Cost $20
Equipment
- hot glue gun or wick stickers
- 2 sets of wooden chopsticks not broken apart
Ingredients
- 45 g shea butter (refined) 1.6 oz
- 40 g cocoa butter 1.4 oz
- 40 g soy wax 1.4 oz (see notes for making a soy-free version)
- 40 g sweet almond oil 1.4 oz / or jojoba oil
- 1/8 tsp rose geranium essential oil 0.6 ml / 0.56 g / optional
- 1/4 tsp ylang ylang essential oil 1.2 ml / 1.1 g / optional
- 2 candle containers 3.4 oz (100 ml)*
- 2 raw cotton wicks ensure they're unwaxed and for the diameter and height of your chosen container
- 2 candle sustainers metal bits for the end of the wick
Instructions
Assemble the Wicks
- Cut lengths of wick that, when measured from the bottom of your candle container, will stick out by half an inch (1.25 cm).
- After the lengths are cut, feed the wick through the hole of a metal sustainer using a wooden skewer. The sustainer helps hold the wick in place, so you should choose a standard or slightly larger size for this project.
- Slide it all the way down to the end of the wick so that no wick is sticking out of its bottom. Using pliers, squeeze the metal feed at the top of the sustainer over the wick to hold it in place.
Melt the Oils
- Place the butters, sweet almond oil, and soy wax in a saucepan. Place the pan into another larger pan half-filled with simmering water. Float it on top and melt the oils on low heat until they're completely melted. Melting this way, using a double boiler, helps keep the oils from overheating and oxidizing.
- Place the prepared wicks into the oil as they melt. It's important that they absorb some of it before you pour the candles. They'll absorb some of the oil, which primes the wicks and helps them to burn cleaner.
- When the oils are fully melted, take the pan off the heat and set it aside to cool.
- Using the skewer, fish the wicks out of the oil and leave them on a piece of greaseproof paper to cool. Straighten them out as best you can on the paper and leave them there for about five minutes.
- Let the oils cool to about 130°F (54°C).
- While the oils are cooling, center the wicks inside the containers using a dab of hot glue or a wick sticker to secure them to the bottom. Use the unbroken chopsticks to hold the wick centered at the top. For easier cleanup, set the containers on a sheet of greaseproof paper.
Add the Essential Oil
- When the oils have cooled, add in the essential oils and stir well. The blend of rose-geranium and ylang-ylang is beautifully floral and relaxing.
- Gently pour the melted oil into the containers, using the spatula to scrape out every last drop. Fill the oil to 1/4" (6 mm) from the top of the container. Leave the candles to sit for at least 12 hours to harden and cool. The oils will solidify to a creamy tone.
Finishing up
- Trim the wick when the containers are no longer warm to the touch and the oils have hardened. Remove the chopsticks and use a pair of scissors or sharp nail clippers to cut the wick to about 1/4" (5-6 mm) from the candle surface.
- Clean the outside of the containers with a dry cloth, then seal the containers or cover them securely. Massage candles are skincare products, and you should protect the contents from contaminants. You can decorate it simply with a ribbon or use labels or tags of your choice.
- Once poured, use the massage candles within a year, or the closest best-by date of the ingredients you used. Once you begin lighting and using the candle, make sure to finish it within six months.
Video
Notes
In the original recipe (seen in the video), I included 1/4 tsp of vitamin E oil. If you wish to use it, feel free to add it.
*If you would like to make this massage candle recipe without the soy wax, simply increase the amounts of the other solid oils. For a single batch, use 65 g of shea butter and 60 g of cocoa butter.
*Choose melt-proof containers that are glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. Containers created specifically for candles are best.