DIY Non-Toxic Lavender Wax Melts

These Non-Toxic Lavender Wax Melts are easy to make at home with just a few simple items, and are wonderful to give as gifts for family and friends!

Everyone has likely seen those little wax melts that always seem to pop up in the fall. Especially when the weather cools down or when the holidays are close. They come in a myriad of scents – apple pie, cinnamon, outdoor leaves, you name it.. they make it.

In fact, if you go to any grocery store you may see people putting them to their nose, putting them back down and then putting them in their cart. I see these wax melts all over… and I also have friends that love them so much that they represent companies (like Scentsy) that sell them for a living, too. 

Do you know the real ingredients in these melts? Probably not – because if you did, you probably wouldn’t be buying them for your home and you would probably look for a better DIY to help you make a non-toxic version – right?  

A non-toxic version would make an incredible gift for family and friends around the holiday.

What’s so Toxic about Wax Melts?

Wax melts (unless a DIY non-toxic variety) are typically a secret combination of food grade petroleum based wax along with a myriad of other ingredients that although should be disclosed to you, aren’t… and are really very harmful for our health.  Wax melts contain a petroleum by-product we know as paraffin wax – that wax is created when refined crude oil is turned into gasoline.

That paraffin wax is a by-product – when it is heated, it releases chemicals/toxins into the air (formaldehyde, benzene, etc) – and while wax cubes may not be the same as candles, they are still released into the air and breathable by your body.

It’s More than Just Petroleum

The worry with these wax melts is much more than just petroleum by-products though – it’s also fragrance.   For as long as you can remember, you have probably been purchasing items with fragrance – from lotion to shampoo, deodorant, perhaps even sunscreen. Many of these items you purchase automatically. They smell good & the packaging looks great, so they get tossed in the cart.

Under U.S. regulations, fragrance and flavor ingredients can simply be listed as “fragrance” or “flavor”.  And since this cocktail of synthetic chemical ingredients is considered to be trade secrets, companies are not required to disclose the ingredients.

These toxic synthetic chemicals can build up in your bloodstream and lead to everything from cancer to nervous system disorders, allergies and more.

DIY Soy Wax Melts

These DIY Soy Wax Melts are a wonderful [non-toxic] alternative to the more toxic wax melts. You can make these melts at home and share with family and friends.   Feel free to use your own blend of essential oils (maybe Christmas Spirit or a fall blend) or, just sticks with plain Lavender. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of Soy Wax Flakes or Soy Wax Bars, shredded
• Non-stick pot
• Spatula
• Lavender essential oil
• Wax melt molds

Soy Alone or Beeswax and Soy?

These wax melts are very simple to make, and using soy alone (without beeswax) makes them come out just a tad bit softer than if you were to use a combination of beeswax and soy.  They hold a scent very well. So pick your favorite or switch up the scents depending on the person you are making the melts for.

Soy wax may also sweat as they melt (so don’t be alarmed if you see beads of sweat). It’s completely normal as soy is very sensitive to temperature changes.

You’ll want to make sure you have everything out and ready to start DIY’ing these wax melts. The wax melts very quickly so you’ll want to make sure you keep little ones busy you don’t get distracted.  I usually try to give them color books or turn on some music so they can have a dance party while mom is busy in the kitchen.

When you are done, let them cool completely and then wrap them up to gift – I love using canning jars.

To make:

1. In a medium sized non stick pan, heat two cups of soy wax flakes or soy shredded wax bars on low heat. Be sure you keep the heat low and do not rush the melting process. If you don’t have a non-stick pan, you can spray a regular pan with cooking spray.
2. The wax will melt quickly, so gently stir as it dissolves. Continue stirring until the wax is completely liquified and smooth. You spatula will help keep the mixture moving.
3. Remove the wax from the heat once liquified. Add in 30-40 drops of lavender essential oil. Stir well.
4. Now pour the wax mixture into the wax molds. Pour slowly, filling each mold ¾ of the way full as they will expand a bit as they harden.
5. Place the wax molds in a cool place so they can harden. If you notice air bubbles, poke them with a toothpick prior to setting.

6. Allow the wax a full 24 hours to harden before removing for use.

These are great to make at the holidays – you can gift them by adding a batch or two to a canning jar and tying with a pretty ribbon.  I LOVE to change up the scents – fall scents are perfect for cooler weather!

Looking for more DIY’s to do for holiday gifts? You can find 25 DIY’s with essential oils that you may want to try.