What’s a Massage Candle? It is NOT pouring burning hot wax all over your body. Taking a wild guess, this probably doesn’t sound relaxing to most of us. A massage candle is a blend of skin safe waxes, oils and a bit of fragrance that melts at a very low temperature, making it an enjoyable alternative to cold massage oils.
Massage Candles started growing in popularity in 2006 with the rise of soy wax as a mainstream paraffin wax alternative. The Massage Candle pictured at the right is one of the more economical brands on the market, selling for $10. Pricing for these unique candles goes up to $40 depending on the claims made and essential oils used. Alternate names in use for these burning amusements are Lotion Candles, Body Wax and Body Candles. Other uses for Massage Candles are a cuticle oil or an all-purpose heavy duty lotion for elbows, knees and feet.
The wax for making Massage Candles needs to be all-natural soy wax. The secret to making a Massage Melt Candle work is the low melt point of this wax.
What is a melt point? It’s the temperature at which the solid wax becomes liquid when exposed to a heat source (normally a flame).
Soy wax melts at a lower temperature than paraffin wax, making it a fit for this romantic gift. The instructions are simple: light the candle, wait 30 to 45 minutes so there is a wax pool to draw from, blow out the candle, pour the warm wax in your hand and, begin the massage.
This week on the Soap Queen blog will discuss over massage candles. We’ll make them, design some recipes and also give hints for designing your own recipes.
Hi Robert –
The wax for making Massage Candles needs to be all-natural soy wax – so no traditional paraffin wax which DOES melt at a high, skin burning temp. The secret to making a Massage Melt Candle work is the low melt point of this wax.
What is a melt point? It’s the temperature at which the solid wax becomes liquid when exposed to a heat source (normally a flame).
Soy wax melts at a lower temperature than paraffin wax so you NEED, need, need to use a container soy wax with a low melt point.
I know that the Naturewax C-3 blend is safe for this but can’t vouch for other container soy brands. In theory, they should work well also.
Plus, you’re adding really low melt point oils to the mix, bringing down the melt point of the entire recipe.
I hope this answers your question. =)
We have customers that ask about these. I have been concerned about the melt pool temperature. Most candles are upwards of 145 to 175 degrees. Water temps over 110 degrees can scald the skin, so how is this made safe?
Curious,
Robert
Kansas Soaper –
It’s not really hot – it’s like a paraffin hand dip in terms of temperature – so it’s more like a liquid warmed oil. But I hear ya’! Candles are hard to insure at any rate and in my experience, it’s a matter of calling, calling and calling some more.
Imagine trying to insure Bramble Berry. =) It *is* possible to find an insurance coverage that works for you and your unique business but it does take more legwork.
I am so glad that you found insurance for your product. I suspect if you talk about the low melt point or just insure yourself for body products as well as candles that you should get covered.
I am also thrilled and very proud that you are getting insurance. So many small crafters skip this very important step in their business and you should be commended for thinking about it *before* adding a product.
The fact that there are companies selling this (both small and large). They’ve gotten insurance (and Bramble Berry gets insurance despite the intricacies in our business). This means that YOU can get insurance too.
It just might take some legwork.
I think these sound great! One question I have though… do the liability insurance companies go insane when they hear that we’re telling our customers to pour “hot” wax into their hand? I have finally located liability insurance for my products (that will cover candles when I decide to add that to the product line) – no easy task, and most of the companies that considered offering me coverage said, “if you’re doing candles… NO WAY” Would love to hear some opinions about that, cuz I’d love to offer these as a lotion candle.
I can’t believe I’ve never heard of these…must order supplies and try them…well, I should probably wait for the tutorial first 🙂
I tried this the other day. Not bad. Kinda strange. I would like to try a batch someday, but I’ll wait for your post, so you can do the first batch.
I buy these all the time. I’m thinking I’ll make a few if I ever get moved into the new house. I love my massage candles (get them from my friends salon). I like blowing out the candle after a hot bath and using the warm oil. Really really nice and very popular.
I have read a lot about these, can not wait.
That sounds like fun! I can’t wait.
I had never heard of any of this…. I can’t wait to see your version!