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Are you finally ready to dive into the world of handmade candles, not just as a hobby, but as a growing business? Are you imagining your products lighting up someone’s nightstand or becoming part of their daily wind-down ritual? If so, we’re right there with you.
Starting a candle business can feel like both a thrilling adventure and an overwhelming checklist. But don't worry, we’ve walked this path and know what it takes to start strong.
In fact, one of the biggest game-changers in this journey is having the right candle making supplies from the start. Preparation prevents frustration, saves money, and keeps your creative momentum going.
So, whether you’re making candles for the first time or transitioning from casual crafter to small business owner, here’s your full, strategic guide to every supply you'll need, plus where to find them, how to choose the best ones, and why each matters.
Why Candle Making Is Booming in 2025
Candle making is more than just trending, it’s evolving into a lifestyle business category. Consumers are seeking connection and self-care in tangible, scent-based experiences. They’re buying products that reflect personal values: eco-friendliness, handcrafted quality, and thoughtful design.
According to Shopify’s data on handmade business trends, home fragrance products, especially candles, are exploding on platforms like Etsy and Instagram, thanks to personalization and sustainability appeal.
The low start-up cost, growing demand for unique scents, and flexibility of work-from-home setups make candle making one of the most accessible side hustles in 2025.
Candle Making Supply Checklist: Everything You Need to Begin Today
We all want that moment where you line up your finished candles, snap a photo, and think “Wow, I really made that.” But to get there smoothly, you’ll want your supplies dialed in from day one.
Image from Freepik by Anna Shvets
Here’s a complete, scannable supply list adapted from trusted sources like Armatage Candle Company and our own candle-making experience:
Full Candle Making Supply List (Beginner Business Starter Kit)
1. Wax (Your base)
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Soy wax (eco-friendly, clean-burning)
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Paraffin wax (affordable, strong scent throw)
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Beeswax (natural, long burn, luxury feel)
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Coconut wax or blends (premium, creamy texture)
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Palm wax (crystalline texture, firm)
2. Wicks
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Cotton wicks (universal, easy to use)
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Wooden wicks (crackling sound, rustic style)
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Hemp wicks (natural, sustainable)
3. Containers
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Amber glass jars (vintage and apothecary style)
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Clear or frosted jars (modern/minimalist)
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Tins (lightweight, portable)
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Lids (tin, bamboo, cork, or metal)
4. Fragrance Oils / Essential Oils
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Choose body-safe, candle-approved oils
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Develop core scents + seasonal blends
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Use 6–10% fragrance load per wax weight
5. Dye (Optional)
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Liquid dyes
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Wax color blocks
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Natural colorants (mica powder, herbs)
6. Equipment
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Double boiler or melting pitcher
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Thermometer (crucial for wax temp control)
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Digital scale (accurate measurements)
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Stirring utensil (silicone or stainless steel)
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Pouring pitcher (with spout)
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Wick centering tools or chopsticks
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Heat gun (for topping off or fixing imperfections)
7. Safety & Compliance
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Warning labels
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Burn instructions
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CLP/IFRA safety documents (if required by your region)
8. Workspace Tools
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Newspaper or silicone mat (for easy cleanup)
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Gloves & apron
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Storage bins for raw materials
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Shelving or curing area for finished candles
Optional but helpful extras:
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Molds (for pillars or tealights)
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Labels & branding materials
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Packaging boxes & fillers
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Sample/tester containers
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Business planning notebook
The Essentials Explained: What Each Candle Making Product Does for You
Let’s break down what each of these candle making products brings to the table.
Your wax determines the burn, feel, and vibe of your brand. Soy wax, as noted by Kerax, is leading the market in 2025 due to its eco-appeal and cleaner burn. Meanwhile, beeswax suits premium markets where longevity and natural appeal matter most.
Wicks ensure your candle burns safely and evenly. Cotton wicks are beginner-friendly, while wooden wicks offer visual and audio ambiance.
Your containers help shape your product story. Amber glass is great for apothecary-style branding, while frosted jars add a luxurious touch. Be consistent in your visual identity and test how your jars perform with your chosen wax.
Choosing the Right Wax for Your Market
Not all waxes are created equal, and not all customers are the same.
According to The Spruce, soy wax is perfect for eco-conscious customers.
Paraffin may work for mass-market appeal due to its cost and scent throw.
Beeswax is for purity-focused or high-end luxury segments.
Match your wax to your mission.
Your Scent is Your Brand: Build a Signature Fragrance Line
This is where your brand's personality shines. Your scent choices should appeal to emotion and memory, lavender for calm, citrus for energy, vanilla for comfort.
We recommend testing fragrance throw both cold and hot. And always document what combinations work.
As Bramble Berry suggests, blending essential oils with fragrance oils can give you uniqueness without sacrificing performance.
Why Your Jar and Label Matter More Than You Think
Your candle might smell heavenly, but the first thing customers see is your jar and packaging. Tins feel presentable, amber jars feel cozy, and frosted glass feels high-end.
Image from Pexels by Yan Krukau
Labels must include safety info, ingredients (if applicable), and your brand name. Bonus: consider a QR code for burn instructions or your shop.
According to Shopify, packaging is a huge factor in repeat customer retention.
Tools That Make You Look Like a Pro (Even If You're Not Yet)
While a beginner can start with kitchen tools, we highly recommend a thermometer, digital scale, and wick holders as soon as possible. They improve your consistency and reduce wasted materials.
Want perfect candle tops? A heat gun smooths things out beautifully.
Budget Tips and Where to Shop Smart
If you're just starting out, it’s easy to overspend or get overwhelmed with choices. The smart move? Keep your sourcing streamlined and reliable.
Instead of hopping between shops or Googling “candle making supplies near me”, save yourself time and frustration by getting everything in one place. Create and Launch Co. offers all the candle making products you need, whether you're looking for beginner-friendly starter kits or high-quality materials to scale your business.
From waxes and wicks to jars, fragrances, and tools, we’ve curated every essential candle making supply under one roof, tested and trusted by real makers. No guesswork, no quality doubts. Just professional-grade supplies at prices that make sense whether you're pouring your first batch or prepping for your next market day.
And when you shop with Create and Launch Co., you’re not just buying products, you’re joining a community of makers with access to insider tips, seasonal scent trends, and business-building resources.
Want to get started faster and smarter? Check out our full supply collection today and build your dream candle line with confidence.
Branding & Selling: What to Know Before You Launch
Once you have your supplies and scent line in place, you’re ready to batch, brand, and sell. Be sure to label legally, test every batch, and start collecting feedback from testers. Consider platforms like Etsy, craft fairs, or subscription boxes for your launch.
Starting small and smart is better than rushing. Track your expenses, gather testimonials, and reinvest profits into supplies and marketing.
Your Journey from Idea to Candlepreneur Starts Here
If you’ve made it this far, you’re already ahead of most people who only dream. You now have the blueprint, and the candle making supplies list, to turn your spark of interest into a growing business.
Starting your candle brand doesn’t require perfection, just passion and preparation. With the right candle making products, a few key tools, and a clear sense of what your customers will love, you’re already building something beautiful.
And don’t forget, join our email list for supply restock alerts, scent guides, and new tutorials tailored to beginner candle makers turning their passion into a product line.
You're not just pouring wax. You're crafting mood, memory, and meaning, one work at a time.
