I love burning candles, but I want to make sure they are toxic-free and clean burning. Learning How to Make Natural Non-Toxic Candles with soy wax, no lead wicks and essential oils was much easier than I thought.
How to Make Natural Non-Toxic Candles
Making toxic-free candles is becoming my new hobby! I used to make candles all the time when I was younger, but I haven’t made any since my crockpot candles a few years ago.
I’m excited to try a few new methods and scents, maybe even colors. I remember my aunt showing me how to pour the hot wax over ice for a modeled wax look that was so popular in the 70s. I need to try it again!
DIY Candle Making Supplies 
- Jars, cans, cups, vases etc.. Look around your home for items that would make a good vessel for a candle. You can even use old candle jars from candles you’ve already used. Just pop the jar in the freezer to easily remove old wax. Or try citrus peel candles.
- Lead-Free Wicks
- Wick Centering Tool, or a pencil
- Wick Stickers
- Pouring Pot – Mine is a 4-pound pot
- Soy Wax or Bees Wax
- Essential Oils
- Or start with a candle making kit to save money.
How to Make Toxic-Free Soy Candles
Easy to make candles with non-toxic materials.
Materials
- Lead Free Wicks
- Wick Sticker
- Wax Pouring Pot - an old pot will do
- Soy Wax
- Essential Oils
- Candle form - glass jar, a can, tea cup.
Tools
- Centering Tool or Pencil
Instructions
- Fill a large soup pot halfway. Place the soy flakes inside the pouring pot and then inside the water pot. It will lean to the side, with the handle on the outside of the soup pot.
- Over Med/High heat, melt the wax completely. Do not bring the water to a boil.
- While the wax is melting (it will take 10 to 15 minutes) prepare your jars by sticking the wick sticker on the bottom and in the center and then press the bottom of the wick to the sticker.
- Thread the wick through the wick centering tool. Or tie the wick around a pencil.
- After it’s completely melted, remove the pot from the water and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Add about 20 drops of your chosen essential oil, and stir with a wooden spoon you don't plan on using in the kitchen.
- Slowly pour into the jars to the top. Straighten or align the wick if needed.
- Let them sit and cool for about 12 hours.
Notes
You can substitute beeswax for soy for another toxic-free option.
Are Candles Toxic?
Not all candles are toxic, but many are. Many candles are made using paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct which can release carcinogenic toxins. Emissions from paraffin candles contain many of the same toxins produced by burning diesel fuel.
The wick of a candle can also be very toxic by containing lead. If you see a small silver center to any candlewick, it has lead. The good news is that lead core wicks were banned in 2003.
Everyone loves a nice smelling home from burning candles. Sadly, many candles have a synthetic fragrance. 95% of the chemicals in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum, which includes benzene derivatives, aldehydes, toluene and many other known toxic chemicals linked to cancer.
Here’s a report from the EPA about indoor pollution related to candles and incense.
Look for candles made with soy wax or beeswax, along with cotton wick and natural fragrance. 
If you can’t make your own, try these below.
- Mrs. Meyers Soy Wax Candles – I love the Honeysuckle scent.
- Pet Household Candles – great for pet odors.
- Waxly Soy Candles – Vegan in Ocean Mist
- Vegan Soy Wax Tea Votives
When learning how to make natural non-toxic candles, you’ll be able to make all the toxin-free scented DIY candles you desire!
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Alina says
How does beeswax compare to soy wax healthwise? Thank you.
Kim says
I’m not sure, I’ve never looked into the difference. Have you tried googling?
Renee Paj says
Looks easy enough! Thanks for the post! I think I’m going to try my hand at making these.
Kim says
So much easier than I was remembering!
Taylor says
Love this! Perfect easy and thoughtful DIY gift idea!
Kim says
Thank you! They were fun to make!
Kara says
I love making my house smell good, but hate the toxic chemicals. I need to make these!
Kim says
Exactly! I love using my diffusers too!
Julie Blanner says
This would be great gifts! Thanks for sharing.
Kim says
Yes! So many options, Thanks Julie!
lauren kelly says
This looks like a fun weekend project! I am saving this!
Kim says
I was shocked how easy!