What it is
Unlike decorative candles and wax play candles, massage candles turn into liquid oil rather than setting into hard wax. Many have a pouring spout and are scented, though unscented versions exist. People enjoy the ritual of lighting the candle, the gentle warmth on the skin and the closeness of a slow massage.
A massage candle is made from plant oils and butters, such as soy, coconut or shea, that melt at low temperatures into a warm, skin-softening oil. Once the candle has burned for a while, the melted oil is poured into the hand or onto the skin and used for massage. It offers mild warmth and slow, sensual touch, which makes it a calm introduction to sensation play.
What it involves
- The candle is lit and allowed to burn until a pool of melted oil forms, then it is blown out.
- The giver tests the temperature and pours a small amount into the palm or onto the skin.
- The warm oil is spread with massage strokes over the back, shoulders, legs or other agreed areas.
- The warmth fades quickly, leaving the skin soft and lightly oiled.
How to start
Blow out the flame before pouring, and test a few drops on the inside of your own wrist first.
Pour into your own palm at first, which lets you feel the temperature before it reaches your partner.
Choose an unscented or lightly scented candle for the first try to reduce the chance of irritation.
Lay down an old towel, since oil can stain sheets and fabrics.
Going further
- Once you know the temperature, pour a thin stream directly onto the skin from a low height.
- Combine the warm oil with contrasting touch such as a cool hand, a feather or a fur mitt.
- Add a blindfold so the receiving partner cannot anticipate where the next drop lands.
- Build a longer massage scene with music, slow pacing and agreed areas for more intimate touch.
Safety
- Use only candles labeled for massage, since ordinary and wax play candles are not meant to be spread on skin.
- Extinguish the flame before pouring and keep it away from hair, fabric and oiled skin.
- Keep the oil away from the eyes and do not use it inside the body or on mucous membranes.
- Patch test on a small area of skin if either of you has sensitive skin or allergies to nuts, fragrance or plant oils.
- Clean the floor or bathtub promptly after use, since oiled surfaces become slippery.
Consent
- Ask which body areas are welcome for massage and which are off limits.
- Check that the receiving partner is comfortable with scents and with the feeling of oil on their skin.
- Agree on how intimate the massage may become, and check in before moving to new areas.
- Let the receiving partner feel a test drop on their hand before the first pour on their body.
Warnings
- Oil that has been heated by a flame for a long time can become hot enough to burn, so always test first.
- Oils can damage latex condoms and some toys, so wash hands or switch to compatible products before safer sex.
- Stop if redness, itching or a rash appears, and rinse the area with mild soap and water.
- Never leave a lit candle unattended or near curtains, bedding or pets.
Good to know
- Massage candles usually burn for a limited time before enough oil has pooled, so light them a little in advance.
- Store candles in a cool, dark place, and close the lid to keep dust out of the oil.
- Wash towels and sheets used during massage separately, as oil can transfer to other fabrics.
- Warming a bottle of massage oil in a bowl of warm water is a flame-free alternative.