Recipes & Formulas

Candle-making recipe

  • Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

    • Wax, soy wax is easiest for beginners
    • Candle wick
    • Wick holder or pencil
    • Essential oils
    • Heat-safe container or mould
    • Double boiler or heatproof bowl over a pan
    • Thermometer

  • Step 2: Melt the wax

    • Fill a saucepan with a little water and bring to a gentle simmer.
    • Place wax in a heatproof bowl on top.
    • Heat slowly until fully melted.
    • Ideal melting temperature for soy wax is around 70 to 80°C.

  • Step 3: Add Essential Oils

    • Remove from heat.
    • Let the wax cool slightly to around 60 to 65°C.
    • Add essential oils, usually 6 to 10 percent of wax weight.
    • Stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes.

  • Step 4: Prepare the Wick

    • Fix the wick to the centre of your container using melted wax or a wick sticker.
    • Use a pencil or wick holder to keep it upright.

  • Step 5: Pour the Wax and let it set

    • Slowly pour the wax into the container.
    • Leave a little space at the top.
    • Ensure the wick stays centred.
    • Allow the candle to cool and harden at room temperature for 24 hours.
    • Trim the wick to about 5 mm before lighting.

    Bonus tip: For soy candles, let them cure for 7 to 14 days for better scent throw.

Soap making recipe

  • Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

    • Work in a well-ventilated area.
    • Wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing.
    • Cover work surfaces.

  • Step 2: Make the Lye Solution

    • Weigh the distilled water into a heatproof container.
    • Carefully add the sodium hydroxide to the water.
    • Never add water to lye.
      Stir until completely dissolved.
    • Leave to cool to approximately 35-45°C.

  • Step 3: Prepare the Oils

    • Melt any solid oils or butters gently.
    • Add the liquid oils.
    • Allow the oils to cool to approximately 35-45°C.

  • Step 4: Combine Oils and Lye

    • Slowly pour the lye solution into the oils.
    • Use a stick blender in short bursts, alternating with hand stirring.

  • Step 5: Blend to Trace

    • Continue blending until the mixture reaches "trace".
    • Trace is achieved when the soap batter thickens slightly and leaves a visible trail on the surface when drizzled.

  • Step 6: Add Essential Oils and Colour

    • Add essential oils and any colourants.
    • Stir thoroughly to distribute evenly.

  • Step 7: Pour into Mould

    • Pour the soap batter into the mould.
    • Tap the mould gently to release air bubbles.
    • Smooth the surface if desired.

  • Step 8: Insulate and Saponify

    • Cover the mould with a lid or cardboard.
    • Wrap with a towel to retain heat.
    • Leave undisturbed for 24-48 hours.

  • Step 9: Unmould and Cut

    • Remove the soap from the mould once firm.
    • Cut into bars using a soap cutter or knife.

  • Step 10: Cure

    • Place bars on a rack with good airflow.
    • Cure for 4-6 weeks.
    • Turn occasionally during curing.
    • The longer cure improves hardness and mildness.