Wax melts come in a variety of colors and scents. Flavors like sea salt, passion fruit, honeysuckle, and fruity cranberry may seem natural, but they are not. Not to mention that most wax melt cubes and tarts are usually made from paraffin or soy wax.
Most companies don’t publish their wax melt ingredient lists. The ones I could find were definitely ones I wouldn’t want floating around in my home’s air! Here’s what you’ll find in Febreze, one of the few brands that publishes its full ingredient list:
Wax Blend, Fragrance, Synthetic Wax, Benzophenone-12, Octrizole, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Phenol, 2.4-Bis(1.1-Dimethylethyl)-, 1.1′.1”-Phosphite, Colorant
If you're looking for a healthy alternative, making your own isn't difficult!
DIY wax melt
Instead of a laundry list of synthetic chemicals, this wax melt uses a few simple ingredients. Beeswax provides the base and has a light, honey-like aroma. Coconut oil has a higher burn temperature than many oils and a lower melting point than beeswax. The two combine to create a wax melt that melts like soy wax without the drawbacks.
I also added essential oils for a subtle and appealing scent. These are not as strong as synthetic fragrance oils, but they do not cause headaches or neurological problems! The fragrance oils come in just about every scent known to man, from fireplace to vanilla bean to apple cider snickerdoodle. The options for essential oils are a little more limited, but they are worth it!
purchase: Do you already know you don't want to make them? My favorite candle company sells beeswax melts made with pure essential oils, which you can buy here. You can also buy them on Amazon.
Natural scented wax melts
There are so many different essential oil options out there now. You can use a single oil, like pure lavender, or mix several oils to create your own blend. One of my favorite essential oil businesses, Plant Therapy, sells a lot of pre-made blends that smell delicious. Essential oils also provide antibacterial properties that help purify the air. Many oils, like citrus oils, affect the limbic system to help maintain a positive mood.
Here are some ideas for things you can use with your wax melts:
- fir night – Helps with coughing and supports respiratory system. Purifies the air and makes you smell like a Christmas tree.
- sandalwood – It has a warm, earthy scent that helps to relax and calm. I love using it in my sandalwood tanning oil. It is more expensive, but still works well when mixed with less expensive oils like lavender, sweet orange, or patchouli.
- Citrus Oil – Grapefruit, sweet orange, lemon, and lime are my favorite scents. These “top notes” don’t linger in the air for long and can be better blended with base notes. Examples include cedarwood, frankincense, and vetiver.
- Eucalyptus – Supports healthy breathing and lung function. Blends well with a variety of oils, including peppermint, lavender or geranium.
- Pumpkin spice – Make your own fall-scented blend with cinnamon, clove, and cardamom essential oils. These oils have antibacterial properties that are perfect for fall colds and flu.
Safety Notes
Using essential oils in wax melts or candles provides a subtle scent that won’t overwhelm a large room. However, it’s a good idea to keep safety in mind when burning around children or pets. Do your research and only use child-friendly or pet-safe oils when burning around these groups.
This KidSafe blend from Plant Therapy helps take the guesswork out, and you can read about which essential oils are safe for your pets here.
Although wax melts do not contain a candle flame, it is best to store melt warmers away from pets or small children where they could tip over or burn themselves.
Color Melt
Beeswax has a yellow, honey-colored tint that I like for my candles. However, if you want a different color, there are a few natural colorant options. One is indigo for a dark blue tint. I have never tried it personally, so I am not sure if it will stain the wax warmer tray.
Another option is alkanet root. When infused with oil, alkanet imparts a rich, ruby red color. It is often used in natural tinted lip balms.
Homemade wax melts
These wax melts contain just a few simple ingredients and can be customized with your favorite scent. You can even add alkanet for a colored version.
Place the oil and wax in a double boiler or glass bowl. Heat over medium-high heat until completely melted, stirring occasionally.
Once melted, turn off the heat, add essential oil and stir.
Pour into desired silicone mold and let cool completely.
To use, place a few wax melts in a wax warmer and melt them.
Where to buy a wax warmer
The wax warmer burns at 150 to 200 degrees F. You can also use a double boiler on the stove with wax melts. However, the downside to this method is that the scent will be released into the kitchen.
There are many different types of wax warmers, but electric ones (not tealight ones) work better. Many wax warmers are ceramic, which has lead in the glaze. There are also glass options that don't have this problem. You can also buy glass plates to place in your wax warmer.
If you liked this tutorial, check out how to make your own beeswax candles here.
What's your favorite scent for candles and wax melts? Let us know by leaving a comment!
