How to Start a Candle & Wax Melt Business in 2025: Oils, Safety & Success Tips

September 24, 2025

Introduction

Thinking about turning your love for candles and wax melts into a business? You’re not alone. In 2025, the UK market for home fragrance is thriving, with more people looking for handmade, sustainable, and unique scents to bring warmth to their homes. Whether it’s cozy wax melts for autumn nights or elegant candles for gifts, there’s never been a better time to start.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know – from choosing the right oils and supplies to understanding safety rules, branding your products, and getting your creations into customers’ hands. Along the way, we’ll highlight practical tips and resources (like where to find high-quality fragrance oils and essential oils) to help you start strong.

Step 1: Research Your Market & Make a Simple Plan

Before pouring your first candle to sell, it helps to step back and understand the market. The candle and wax melt industry in the UK is competitive, but demand is growing. Shoppers are looking for products that feel personal, eco-friendly, and gift-worthy — a big opportunity for small makers.

Find your niche. Do you want to offer luxury soy candles in frosted glass, quirky wax melts in fun shapes, or wellness-inspired aromatherapy blends? Choosing a clear direction will make your products stand out and guide your branding later.

Look at what’s trending in 2025.

Comfort scents like vanilla, cinnamon, and gourmand bakery notes remain best-sellers.
Fresh and clean profiles (linen, citrus, spa-like blends) are gaining popularity with younger audiences.
Sustainable packaging and minimalist jars are more appealing than over-decorated designs.

Plan your first steps. Write down a simple plan that covers:

What products you’ll start with (candles, melts, or both).
Rough budget for materials and equipment.
Who your ideal customer is (eco-conscious, gift-buyers, luxury shoppers, etc.).
Where you might sell (Etsy, markets, online shop).

A short, focused plan helps keep you on track as you buy your first candle-making supplies and test your recipes.

popular fragrance oils for wax and candle making in autumn season

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies & Equipment

You don’t need an industrial setup to start a candle or wax melt business – many makers begin at the kitchen table. The key is to get the right basics and learn how to use them well.

Wax

Soy wax: eco-friendly, clean-burning, and popular with handmade brands.
Paraffin wax: strong scent throw, but less eco-appeal.
Blends like coconut or rapeseed wax are also trending in 2025.

Wicks

Choose cotton or wooden wicks depending on your container. Wick size matters: too small and the candle tunnels, too large and it smokes.

Containers & Moulds

Heat-resistant glass jars, tins, or silicone moulds for wax melts. Simple, neutral designs are on-trend and versatile.

Fragrance & essential oils

For bold, consistent aromas, use fragrance oils.
For a natural angle, experiment with essential oils.
If you’re planning to produce in larger batches, consider sourcing wholesale fragrance oils to keep costs down while maintaining quality.

Tools & extras

A double boiler or melting pot.
Digital thermometer and scales.
Wick holders, stirrers, and protective gloves.
Labels for testing and safety information.

Starting small with the right equipment lets you perfect your craft before investing further.

Step 3: Develop & Test Your Recipes

The heart of your business will be the quality of your candles and wax melts. This is where testing comes in.

Start small

Begin with just a few fragrances and containers. Focus on perfecting one recipe at a time rather than trying to launch dozens of scents at once.

Test burn and cure

For candles: pour, let them cure for at least 48 hours (often 1–2 weeks for soy), then do a test burn. Does the flame stay steady? Does the wax melt evenly to the jar edges?
For wax melts: allow them to cure for 7–14 days, then test in a warmer. Check strength and longevity of the scent.

Adjust as you go

Keep detailed notes on wick size, wax type, fragrance percentage, and pour temperature. If the scent is too weak, try increasing the load slightly (within safe limits, usually 6–10%). If there’s tunnelling, go up a wick size.

Starter fragrance testing

If you’re unsure which scents to begin with, consider a ready-made sampler like the Candle Making Popular Scents Set. It gives you a versatile mix of customer favourites to experiment with before committing to larger bottles.

aroma energy full range of fragrance oils

Step 4: Choosing Fragrances – Essential Oils vs. Fragrance Oils

One of the biggest decisions for new makers is which type of oil to use. Both have their strengths, and many small businesses use a mix of the two.

Fragrance Oils

Stronger scent throw and designed for candles and melts.
Huge variety: from gourmand bakery scents to fresh linens.
Cost-effective for scaling production.
Explore Aroma Energy’s full range of fragrance oils to find versatile options for your core collection.

Essential Oils

100% natural and plant-derived.
Appeal to eco-conscious or wellness-focused customers.
Softer scent throw, but perfect for aromatherapy-inspired blends.
Browse the essential oils collection for classics like lavender, orange, and eucalyptus.

Blending Both

Many makers use fragrance oils as a base, then enhance with essential oils for a natural twist.
Example: Vanilla FO + Orange EO = sweet citrus comfort.
Example: Cinnamon FO + Clove EO = warm and spicy seasonal blend.

👉 Tip for scaling: once you know your bestsellers, you can move from smaller bottles to wholesale fragrance oils to keep costs manageable.

aroma energy range of popular essential oils

Step 5: Safety & Legal Compliance in the UK

Even the smallest candle or wax melt business must take safety and legal standards seriously. It’s not just about following the rules – it’s about showing customers they can trust your products.

CLP labelling

Under UK law, any product containing fragrance or essential oils must be sold with a CLP-compliant label. This includes:

Hazard pictograms (if required).
Signal word: “Warning” or “Danger.”
Hazard and precautionary statements.
Product identifier (e.g. “Soy Candle – Vanilla”).
Supplier details (your business name and contact info).

Suppliers provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS), which contain all the info you need for labels. If you’re not confident designing them, there are free CLP label templates online.

Candle safety labels

Alongside CLP, always include general candle safety warnings:

Burn within sight.
Keep away from children and pets.
Do not burn near flammable objects.

These can be small pictograms or text, usually on the bottom of jars or packaging.

Testing & standards

Perform burn tests to ensure your candles burn safely and evenly.
Check flame height, container temperature, and that the wick self-extinguishes at the end of life.
Document your tests – this shows due diligence if ever questioned.

Insurance

Public and product liability insurance is strongly recommended. It protects you if a customer makes a claim (e.g. damage from a candle fire). Many markets and fairs won’t let you sell without it.

Other legal considerations

Register as self-employed with HMRC once you’re selling regularly.
Provide a trading address on labels or invoices.
Avoid making claims that fall under other regulations (e.g. “insect repellent candle” would require additional approvals).

By covering these basics early, you’ll build a foundation of professionalism and avoid costly mistakes later.

Step 6: Branding, Packaging & Presentation

In a crowded market, strong branding and packaging can set your candles apart. Customers aren’t just buying a scent – they’re buying an experience.

Develop your brand identity

Decide how you want customers to see your business:

Minimalist & modern – clean jars, neutral colours, simple labels.
Eco-conscious – recycled packaging, natural inks, refill schemes.
Luxury & gift-ready – embossed boxes, metallic accents, elegant typography.

Consistency across your logo, labels, and social media builds trust.

Label design

Your labels need to carry practical info (CLP, safety warnings, scent name), but they also express your brand personality. A simple monochrome design feels high-end, while bold colours give a playful vibe.

Packaging trends for 2025

Sustainable choices – recyclable or biodegradable materials are increasingly expected.
Multi-use containers – jars that can be reused for storage or décor.
Gift-ready presentation – kraft boxes, tissue paper, or wax paper wraps for melts.

Finishing touches

Small extras go a long way:

Thank-you notes or care cards.
Decorative lids, dust covers, or ribbons.
Seasonal gift sets or bundles.

Step 7: Marketing & Selling Your Candles

Once your products are tested and beautifully packaged, it’s time to get them into customers’ hands.

Pricing with profit in mind

Add up your costs: wax, oils, containers, packaging, and labels.
Multiply by 3–5 to set your retail price – this ensures profit even after fees.
Example: If a candle costs £4 to make, aim for £12–£15 retail.

Don’t undervalue your time or product quality. Handmade candles can command a premium when presented well.

Where to sell

Online: Etsy is popular for beginners, while a Shopify store gives you full control.
In-person: craft fairs, farmers’ markets, and seasonal events help customers smell before buying.
Wholesale: once established, approach gift shops or boutiques with your line sheet.

Marketing channels

Social media: Instagram and TikTok are great for behind-the-scenes videos and styled product shots.
Email newsletters: keep customers updated on launches, seasonal blends, and offers.
Word of mouth: encourage reviews and referrals with small incentives.

Reinvest to grow

Profits from your first sales are best spent on:

Buying in bulk (consider wholesale fragrance oils once you know your bestsellers).
Upgrading equipment (larger melting pots, scales, packaging tools).
Professional branding or photography.

With consistent effort, even a kitchen-table hobby can grow into a recognised small brand.

autumn essential oils and blends from aroma energy

Step 8: Keep Up with Trends & Innovate (2025 and Beyond)

The candle and wax melt industry evolves every year. Staying on top of trends keeps your products fresh and your customers engaged.

Scent trends for 2025

Gourmand “bakery” aromas – vanilla, cinnamon, and caramel are timeless crowd-pleasers.
Cocktail-inspired blends – espresso martini, peach prosecco, and mojito notes are growing in popularity.
Wellness-inspired scents – lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus essential oils for calming, spa-like experiences.
Earthy & woody notes – sandalwood, cedar, and amber for unisex appeal.

Style & packaging trends

Minimalist designs – clean jars with understated labels that double as décor.
Eco-conscious packaging – recyclable boxes, biodegradable wraps, and refillable concepts.
Sculptural candles – statement shapes that are as decorative as they are fragrant.

Innovating beyond candles

Once your core line is established, consider expanding into:

Wax melts (if you started with candles).
Reed diffusers or room sprays using your favourite fragrance oils.
Seasonal gift sets with bundled scents.

Customer-led growth

Listen to your buyers: if they ask for bigger jars, a refill option, or a new scent, that feedback is gold. Many successful makers build their next best-seller based on repeat customer requests.

Staying flexible means you can adapt quickly when trends shift — one of the biggest advantages small businesses have over large brands.

FAQs: Beginner Candle Business Questions

Q: Do I need a license to sell candles or wax melts in the UK?
No special license is required, but you must follow safety laws such as CLP labelling and provide contact details on your products. Insurance is also strongly recommended.

Q: How much does it cost to start a candle or wax melt business?
Many makers begin with £300–£500 in supplies — enough for wax, oils, wicks, jars, labels, and basic equipment. You can start smaller if you focus on a limited range of scents.

Q: How should I price my products?
Work out your total cost (materials, packaging, fees) and apply a markup of 3–5x. For example, a candle costing £4 to make could retail at £12–£15. This leaves room for profit and reinvestment.

Q: Where is the best place to sell?
Popular channels include Etsy, your own Shopify site, local craft markets, and eventually wholesale to gift shops. A mix of online and in-person selling works best for beginners.

Q: What are the most popular scents?
Vanilla, lavender, and citrus blends are timeless bestsellers. In 2025, gourmand bakery scents (like cinnamon and caramel) and cocktail-inspired blends (like espresso martini) are also trending.

Q: What if my products don’t sell right away?
Don’t panic — it’s common. Revisit your photos, descriptions, and marketing. Engage more on social media, run a small promotion, or ask for honest customer feedback. Many small businesses grow gradually through word of mouth.

Conclusion

Starting a candle or wax melt business in 2025 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right planning, safe practices, and a touch of creativity, you can turn a hobby into a rewarding side-hustle — or even something bigger.

Focus on quality over quantity, keep your branding consistent, and stay curious about trends. Most importantly, enjoy the process — every test batch, market stall, and customer review is part of your growth journey.

And remember, your scents will define your business. Whether you lean toward bold fragrance oils, calming essential oils, or a mix of both, choosing high-quality oils will set your creations apart.

Here’s to lighting up 2025 with your own unique candle and wax melt creations.

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