How to Make Massage Candles

Learning how to make massage candles can take some trial and error, but once you get your recipe down pat, you'll have a wonderful and useful candle that does double duty as a body lotion! Massage candles are burned, then the warm pool of wax is poured directly onto the skin to provide moisturizing elements that are perfect for massages.

Massage candles are unique in that they aren't simply candles, they are a solid form of massage oil that is melted with a burning wick. The wax melts at a temperature only slightly higher than your own body temperature, and is poured off the candle directly onto the skin.

The wax is loaded with skin-loving ingredients like oils and butters. Massage candles are also called lotion candles or body candles, and can be used anywhere on the body. Learning how to make massage candles isn't difficult, but it can take some practice to find the perfect combination of ingredients for your skin type.

Massage candles are basically soy candles, as soy wax is safe to use on the skin and quite soft, so it doesn't require high temperatures for melting and pooling. For massage candles, the wax must be a high-quality one that won't irritate your skin.

The soy wax is melted down and combined with oils and butters to allow it to be absorbed. Without these additions, the wax would cool and harden as it was being massaged into the skin.

Many different skin-soothing ingredients can be added to a massage candle, including:

• Apricot kernel oil
• Olive oil
• Sunflower oil
• Sweet almond oil
• Jojoba oil
• Beeswax
• Vitamin E
• Shea butter
• Cocoa butter

Essential oils or cosmetic grade fragrance oils are also added for fragrance, and to create a soothing atmosphere. Make sure that the fragrance you choose is safe for both candle making and use on the body. All soap-making fragrances that are also soy candle safe are perfect choices for scenting your massage candles.

Making massage candles is almost the same as making any other type of container candle. To start off with, here's what you'll need:

• Good quality soy wax
• Liquid oils or vitamin E
• Essential oil or cosmetic grade fragrance oil
• Small containers or tins
• Candle wicking

For every three ounces of wax, you'll add one ounce of liquid oil (sweet almond oil, olive oil, etc.), and one-quarter ounce of fragrance. You can try making an even softer bar by substituting one ounce of the wax with one ounce of shea or cocoa butter. Generally speaking, colors and dyes aren't added to massage candles as they can transfer to the skin quite easily, especially when heated.

Melt the soy wax and oil (and butter, if using) in a double boiler over simmering water, or in short 30-second intervals in the microwave in a heat-safe, non-metallic container. Add the fragrance and stir gently. Stirring too vigorously will create air bubbles, so take your time here.

Once the wax has cooled somewhat but is still liquid enough to pour, transfer the wax mixture to your containers. Place the wicks and allow several hours for the candles to harden. Trim the wicks to one quarter of an inch above the top of the candle, and they're ready to burn.

To use your homemade massage candle, light the candle and allow some of the wax to pool inside. Blow out the flame and allow the candle to sit for a minute or two. You don't want the wax to be too hot!

Pour or scoop some of the warm wax into your hand and apply directly to your skin, or use the mixture as part of a massage. You can burn as much or as little of the candle as you'd like. Whatever pooled wax you don't use on your skin will re-harden so you can melt it again when you need it.

If you decide that you want to sell your handmade massage candles, always include a list of the ingredients on the labels so that customers can gauge if they will have any allergic reactions. This is especially important if you'll be using any nut-based products, like shea butter, in your candles. It's also wise to add safety precautions and instructions for use on your candle labels.

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