Starting your own candle business is exciting — not only because candles are beautiful and soothing, but also because the market for handmade, eco-friendly candles is booming. Whether you’re crafting candles for home use or building a brand, success begins with the right raw materials.
This guide covers all the essential candle-making supplies you’ll need, plus a few pro tips to help you get started.
🕯️ 1. Candle Wax – The Foundation
Every candle begins with wax. The type of wax you choose will influence the burn time, scent throw, and even how eco-friendly your candles are.
Popular Types of Wax:
Soy Wax: Natural, biodegradable, clean-burning — a top choice for eco-conscious brands.
Paraffin Wax: Affordable with excellent scent throw, but less eco-friendly.
Beeswax: Luxurious, with a natural honey aroma and long burn time.
Gel Wax: Transparent, perfect for decorative or novelty candles.
✨ Pro Tip: If you’re just starting out, soy wax is the best balance of affordability, sustainability, and performance.
🔥 2. Candle Wicks – The Flame Keeper
Your wick controls how your candle burns. Choosing the right wick ensures an even flame and safe burning.
Types of Wicks:
Cotton Wicks: The most common and versatile option.
Wooden Wicks: Create a cozy crackling sound, perfect for jar candles.
Wick Sustainers: Small metal bases that keep your wick upright.
💡 Test different wick sizes to avoid tunneling or excess soot.
🌸 3. Fragrance Oils & Essential Oils – The Scent Makers
Scent is what makes candles irresistible. Your choice of fragrance sets your product apart.
Fragrance Oils: Wide variety of scents — fruity, floral, woody, or gourmand.
Essential Oils: 100% natural with aromatherapy benefits (lavender for relaxation, peppermint for energy).
👉 Keep fragrance load between 6–10% of wax weight for the perfect scent throw.
🏺 4. Containers & Molds – The Shape Givers
How your candle looks is just as important as how it smells.
Glass Jars & Tins: Affordable, trendy, and safe.
Ceramic Pots: Premium and eco-friendly, great for gifting.
Silicone Molds: Perfect for pillars and shaped candles.
⚠️ Always use heat-resistant containers for safety.
🎨 5. Colors & Dyes – Adding Personality
Candle color sets the mood and theme.
Liquid Dyes: Blend easily for vibrant shades.
Chips/Pellets: Easy to measure and consistent.
Natural Powders (Mica, Turmeric): Great for organic branding.
⚙️ 6. Additives – Enhancing Performance
Want your candles to last longer, hold fragrance better, or resist color fading? Additives can help.
Stearic Acid: Hardens candles, boosts color.
Vybar: Helps retain fragrance.
UV Inhibitors: Prevents fading from sunlight.
🛠️ 7. Tools & Equipment – The Workshop Essentials
Besides raw materials, you’ll need a few tools:
Pouring Pitchers – For melted wax.
Thermometers – To monitor wax temp.
Double Boiler/Heater – For controlled melting.
Stirring Utensils – Stainless steel or silicone.
Labels & Packaging – Because branding matters!
🌟 Final Thoughts
Starting a candle-making business is all about preparation. With the right wax, wicks, oils, containers, dyes, and tools, you’ll be ready to create candles that look stunning, smell divine, and burn beautifully.
At Happynol, we make it easy — from soy wax and cotton wicks to premium fragrance oils and DIY kits, you’ll find everything you need to ignite your candle business.