What Are Wax Melts? A Guide to Making Your Own with Essential Oils

by Lizzy Bell

Hello everyone,

As we edge closer to the festive season, I find myself thinking about considered gifting—whether that’s supporting small makers, giving unique experiences, or creating something by hand. (And yes, my Cedar Apothecary workshops tick a few of those boxes if you’re on the hunt for an experience gift!)

This year, I wanted to share a little inspiration for creating something yourself: a recipe for wax melts. For those unfamiliar, wax melts are a wick-free way to fill your space with comforting scents. Pop one into an oil burner, light a tealight underneath, and let the wax gently release its fragrance as it warms. If you're after the perfect pairing, my collaboration with Manchester ceramicist Daniel Smyth has resulted in some beautiful oil/wax melt burners—a thoughtful companion for your homemade creations.

In the spirit of making something personal, these Spiced Orange & Clove Wax Melts are perfect for cosy nights in or as a heartfelt, handmade gift.

Let’s dive into the essentials, from selecting the right wax to adding fragrance and finishing touches.

Choosing Your Wax

For Cedar products, I use a blend of rapeseed and coconut wax, which I love for its sustainability, smooth texture, and excellent scent throw. This blend comes in two versions—one for candles and one for wax melts. Both are made from rapeseed and coconut, but the wax melt version is slightly harder, designed to hold its shape in moulds and release fragrance gradually.

If you’re using a more general wax that isn’t specifically designed for melts, that’s perfectly fine too—it might just be a little softer. Always check the melting instructions for your specific wax to get the best results.

Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils

When making wax melts, you have two main options for scent: essential oils or fragrance oils. I personally favour essential oils because they’re natural and bring a subtle, grounding aroma with added therapeutic benefits.

Fragrance oils, however, can be a great choice if you’re after sweeter or more complex scents that aren’t always available naturally. They’re versatile and fun to experiment with. If you’re curious about the differences between the two, I’ve written a post about it  here.

The Perfect Timing: Adding Fragrance and Curing

One thing I’ve learned from my workshops is how important timing is when it comes to fragrance. Many people don’t realise how much temperature can affect the scent’s strength and staying power.

For essential oils, I recommend adding them when the wax has cooled to around 50-55 degrees Celsius. This helps the oils retain their aromatherapeutic qualities and ensures a balanced, lasting scent. For fragrance oils, check the supplier’s recommendations—they’re often added at a slightly higher temperature.

Once your wax melts are made, they’ll need time to cure. Curing allows the scent to settle and strengthen. Every wax is different, so check the instructions for your blend, but a cure time of 2-10 days is usually ideal.

Recipe: Spiced Orange & Clove Wax Melts

Ingredients:

  • 70g rapeseed and coconut wax blend (or wax melt-specific wax)
  • 6g essential oils in total, such as:
    • 4g sweet orange essential oil
    • 1g clove essential oil
    • 1g cinnamon essential oil
  • A sprinkle of dried orange peel (optional, for a festive touch)
  • Small silicone moulds

Instructions:

  1. Melt the Wax: Start by melting 70g of wax slowly over a double boiler, stirring gently until fully melted.
  2. Cool, Then Add Essential Oils: Remove the wax from heat and let it cool to around 50-55 degrees Celsius. Add 6g of essential oils and stir gently to combine.
  3. Pour into Moulds: Carefully pour the wax into your moulds. If you’d like, sprinkle a little dried orange peel into each mould for a festive touch.
  4. Let Them Set and Cure: Allow the wax melts to harden for a few hours, then pop them out of the moulds. Let them cure for 2-10 days before using or gifting for the best fragrance.

Customising Your Scent

The beauty of making your own wax melts is how easy it is to tailor the scent to your mood or the season. While Spiced Orange & Clove is warm and festive, here are a few essential oils I love working with during winter:

  • Fir: Crisp and refreshing, perfect for an evergreen vibe.
  • Cedarwood: Warm and grounding, ideal for cosy evenings.
  • Eucalyptus: Fresh and invigorating, bringing a touch of cool winter air.
  • Vetiver: Smoky and earthy, great for creating a fireside feel.
  • Peppermint: Bright and cool, adding a seasonal freshness.
  • Rosemary: Herbal and piney, lovely for a natural blend.
  • Bergamot: Citrusy with a hint of spice, refreshing and uplifting.
  • Frankincense: Warm and resinous, perfect for a festive, calming note.

To adjust the scent strength, use between 8-10% essential oils relative to the wax weight. For this 70g recipe, that would be between 5.6g and 7g.

Finishing Touches with Botanicals and Colour

When it comes to finishing touches, I like to keep things simple. A small sprinkle of dried orange peel or a single dried flower adds a lovely seasonal detail, but feel free to get creative and make it your own.

If you’d like to add a hint of colour, a little natural colourant or wax dye works well. Personally, I prefer soft, neutral shades that complement the natural scent—but that’s the beauty of making your own; you can customise them to your style.

I hope this guide inspires you to give wax melts a try! If you’d like to explore candle making and scent creation even further, my Cedar Apothecary workshops are the perfect place to start. They’re hands-on, creative, and a wonderful gift for yourself or someone special.

If you give these wax melts a go, tag me on Instagram or send a message—I’d love to see your creations!

Lizzy x



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