Making massage candles at home is a simple and satisfying process when using  high-quality candle making supplies that are safe for topical use.

A good massage candle should melt easily, but not too quickly, and contain ingredients that nourish the skin. Choosing the right ingredients for your massage candle can be tricky, but here are a few tips to help you decide.

What is a Massage Candle?

Massage candles are used by professional massage therapists and by couples interested in adding a little extra warmth to their romance.

They are oil-based candles that melt more easily than traditional wax candles. You can use the melting oil and wax with or instead of traditional massage oil products.

Choose Your Candle Making Supplies:

The most important step in making a massage candle is choosing the right candle making supplies. Massage candle ingredients should not only be skin-safe, but also benefit the skin.

Cocoa Butter:

Cocoa butter is a vegetable fat that is derived from cocoa beans. It has a natural chocolate scent that works well as a background with other fragrances. You can also use deodorized cocoa butter if you prefer a more neutral scent. Both forms are popular moisturizers used in many skin and beauty products.

Shea Butter:

Shea butter is rich in essential fatty acids and nutrients that help keep skin healthy and moisturized. It is a fat that is processed from the seeds of the African shea tree. Shea is a soft and oily butter that absorbs easily. It has a light natural scent and is available in refined and unrefined forms.

Mango Butter:

Mango butter is pressed from the large mango seed, and is especially popular in  products for dry or aging skin. The texture of mango butter can be harder than other types of cosmetic butters, so it is best when combined with other skin-friendly butters and oils.

Soy or Coca Soy Wax:

Massage candles are softer than traditional candles because they are intended to melt quickly, but some wax is still necessary to provide structure. Soy or coca soy wax is recommended because it has been clinically tested as a skin-safe product.

Fragrance:

Though they aren’t typically recommended for hard wax candles, essential oils are the best option for massage candles. Avoid essential oils that irritate sensitive skin, including citrus, cinnamon, and clove.

Fragrance oils listed as safe for lotions, soaps, and other body-care products will also be safe for massage candles.

Colorants:

Most massage candles do not include a colorant because while liquid personal care dyes and soap color blocks are skin safe, they are not formulated for use in a candle. Because colorants could stain skin, linens, and other massage equipment, leaving your candle a natural color is best.

Other Ingredients:

You will also need candle tins with lids, wicks, a thermometer, measuring tools, and a dedicated microwavable container for melting the ingredients together to complete your candle.

How To Make Massage Candles in 4 Steps:

You can find many different massage candle recipes online. The basic formula is one part soy wax to two parts oil or butter. Combining different kinds of butters and oils is recommended as long as the total amount equals the amount of wax.

Step One: Measure and place wax, butters, and oils in a microwave-safe container. Melt by heating in short 30-second bursts. Work slowly and do not overheat. Try to maintain a temperature between 120 and 180 degrees F. Allow the mixture to sit between bursts if needed. Stirring will help the ingredients blend together and melt faster.

Step Two: Prepare the containers while the wax and butters are melting. Wipe out any residue and prepare wicks.

Step Three: Once the wax has cooled to below 130 F, add the essential or fragrance oils. Stir well with a plastic spatula. Let the mixture cool to between 90 and 100 degrees F. before completing the next step.

Step Four: Carefully pour the mixture into the containers. Place the wick into position. Allow the candle to cool completely, about three or four hours, and trim the wick to size.

How to Use Your Massage Candle:

To enjoy a massage candle, light the wick about ten minutes before you want to use it. As it warms, the scents you have chosen for your candle will fill the room and set the mood for a relaxing massage.

Extinguish the flame once there is an adequate puddle of melted wax and oil in the candle container. You can pour the melted portion into your hand first or drip it directly onto the recipient’s skin.

Always follow safety guidelines when using a massage candle. Never pick up the candle container when the wick is lit, and always check the temperature of the oil before pouring it directly on another person’s skin. Do not use a massage candle on sensitive areas of the body.