Have a Massage At Your Fingertips With DIY Massage Candles (2024)

For the price of a massage at the spa, you could instead invest in quite a few high-quality essential oils. You'll then be ready to use this recipe to make tranquil, soothing, yummy-smelling DIY massage candles to have at your fingertips whenever you want a relaxing massage.

A combination of soy wax and other skin-soothing oils, massage candles melt easily, and the wax is cool enough to pour right on your skin for a soothing, spa-like treatment.

Benefits of a Candle Massage

Unlike some other massages, using a candle incorporates heat into the massage process. This helps to:

• soothe muscles
• relax the nervous system
• ease tension and pain
• release the aromatherapy benefits of your essential oils

And while you might be thinking that candle wax is too hot to apply directly to skin, soy wax melts at a lower temperature than others, so it never really gets hot enough to do serious damage.

With soy wax, you can let it cool until it reaches a comfortable temperature (this usually takes just a couple of minutes). And then apply it to skin just like you would a lotion, to lock in moisture and nourish dry skin.

Massage Candle Supplies

The process of making massage candles is similar to that of other types of homemade candles. Just make sure to choose skin-safe essential oils and, if you're sensitive to heat, allow plenty of time for the wax to cool before applying.

Here's how we made ours:

• 3 ounces soy wax
• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil
• 2 ounces almond, jojoba, or avocado oil
• 50 drops of essential oil per ounce of oil/wax
• candle wicks
• 4-ounce heat-safe jar or container (I used these mini Weck canning jars.)
• Microwave-safe jar or measuring cup

A common ratio is around 1 part soy wax to 1 part carrier oil.

How to Make DIY Massage Candles

Step 1 | Melt wax

Measure out 1–2 cups of soy wax flakes and melt in a microwave-safe glass. My wax took about 90 seconds to melt completely, but your time may vary.

Step 2 | Attach wick

While the wax is melting, place the wick in your candle jar. Keep the wick straight by placing popsicle sticks on each side of the wick.

Step 3 | Add carrier oil

Once the soy wax is fully melted, let it cool slightly and add your chosen carrier oil. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine the wax and oil. The ratio of wax to oil can be adjusted based on your preference for a softer or firmer massage oil.

Step 4 | Add essential oil

Add your chosen essential oils for fragrance and potential therapeutic benefits. Add 30-50 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil and wax. Stir well to evenly distribute the scent.

Step 5 | Pour and harden

Carefully pour your mixture into the jar and let it set up for an hour or two. (If your wick moves while you're pouring the wax, simply re-center it before the wax hardens.)

Let the candle cool completely then trim the wick.

Step 6 | Use for massage

Light your massage candle and let burn for 15–20 minutes, allowing a small pool of wax to form around the wick. Blow out flame and let cool for several minutes.

Pour the wax into your hand, or dip the tips of your fingers in the wax, and massage it into the skin.

See Also

A DIY Guide – Candle Making FunMassage Candle Recipe How to Make Massage Candles for a Spa-Worthy ExperienceHow to Make Massage Candles at Home

Essential Oil Blends for Massage Candles

Customize your DIY massage candles by adding your favorite combinations of essential oils. I love using woodsy oils like cedarwood as a base and adding in a few drops of citrus oil, like clementine, just to keep things interesting.

For calming candles:

Use oils such as ylang ylang, chamomile, lavender, clary sage, cedarwood.

For stress-relieving candles:

Use oils such as frankincense, rose, nutmeg, and chamomile.

How to Use Massage Candles

Light the Candle: Light your massage candle and let burn for 15–20 minutes, allowing a small pool of wax to form around the wick.

Extinguish Flame: Blow out the flame and let the wax cool for several minutes.

Pour Warm Oil: Once the oil is warm but not too hot, use a spoon or pour a small amount onto the skin. You can also pour the wax into your hand, or dip the tips of your fingers in the wax.

Massage Warm Oil: Massage the skin, as usual, working the wax into skin like you would with massage oil or lotion.

FAQ

Want to skip the candles but keep the massage?

Try making your own massage oil with these 10 essential oil blends.

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified physician who has been practicing for more than 20 years. Learn more about Hello Glow's medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Photos by Stephanie Pollard

Want to make even more candles for your home? Try these tutorials for homemade candles:

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