Few things are better than a romantic night in followed by a sensual massage—an indulgent back massage with a massage candle, however? Now that’s something that sparks our fire. Sure, edible lubes and sex games can turn things on, but if you’re looking to really fan the flames of your relationship, the very best massage candles are sure to bring the heat.

The best massage candles, at a glance

• Best overall: Maude, Burn No. 1, $30
• Best mood-boosting scent: Summary by FP Movement, Candle to Body Oil, $28
• Best sultry scent: Jimmyjane, Afterglow Massage Oil Candle in Santal, $25
• Best scent selection: Good Clean Love, Caribbean Rose Candle, $30
• Best edible: Melony, Edible Massage Candle, $19
• Best for relaxation: Lucky Thirteen Candle Co., Peaceful Sleep Massage Oil, $25
• Best nourishing: Neom, Real Luxury Intensive Skin Treatment Candle, $47
• Best budget: Drip, Massage Candle, $13
• Best decorative: Lelo, Flickering Touch Massage Candle, $35
• Best splurge: Dedcool, 01 “Taunt” Massage Candle, $55
• Best expert-approved: Dame, Wild Lust Massage Oil Candle, $39
• Best with a massage tool: The Oh Collective, Turn Me On Massage Candle & Gua Sha, $43

What are massage candles?

Sure, massage candles might look like any other votive, but they are body-safe candles that are made to use on the skin, says Casey Murphy, certified sex educator and owner of pleasure-product company The Pleasure Parlor. According to Murphy, many are formulated with soy wax or shea butter (“Both have a low melting point [so as not to burn the skin],” she says) and ingredients that you might find in a massage oil—like oils to soften and hydrate the skin and aromatic essential oils—for slow and sensual rubdowns. Unlike standard massage oils, however, massage candles have the added element of heat to compound the pleasure.

“Massage candles are multipurpose accessories that can delight multiple senses: sight, smell, touch—and, in some cases, taste,” says Murphy. “They can be utilized for each purpose individually or simultaneously for an erotic or relaxing experience.” According to Violet C., pleasure coach and sex educator at sex-positive community Hacienda in a previous interview with Well+Good, one could use also massage oil candles during wax play, a risk-aware consensual kink in which hot wax, typically from a candle, is dripped or poured onto you or a partner.

Massage candles vs. wax play candles

Keep in mind that massage oil candles and wax play candles aren’t one in the same. “Massage candles focus on pure sensory pleasure [and] no pain, whereas wax play candles, also known as bondage or BDSM candles, incorporate some pain and require more experience during use,” says Murphy. She explains that it’s because they burn at a lower melting point than wax play and household candles. In other words, massage candles are hot enough to excite, but not so hot it hurts (so good).

Moreover, the melted oil of a massage candle absorbs into the skin, while the drippings of a wax play candle must often be peeled off the skin, which adds another element of sensory stimulation during kinky wax play, says Murphy. Even so, you can opt to use them as a gentle introduction to wax play.“Beginning with massage candles is a great way to ease into this type of play,” C. said.

In any case, “the sensual versatility of massage candles for connection and intimacy is something to be appreciated,” says Murphy. “They offer a touch of romance, playfulness, or light kink at any stage of a relationship for those who might identify as conventional, kinky, or anywhere in between. It really depends on the desired experience.”

What to look for in a massage candle

If you’re interested in using massage oil candles, it’s important to choose an option that specifically indicates it is a “massage candle” (like one of the options listed below). Resist the urge to use one of those fragrant fall candles you have lying around the house—a standard candle won’t work to the same effect, and not to mention, can pose potential safety risks for you and your partner. “It’ll typically burn your skin immediately,” says Murphy, as many are formulated primarily with beeswax, which burns at a higher temperature compared to other waxes like soy.

What’s more, she says that standard candles aren’t made with ingredients that are safe or intended to use on the skin—and therefore, they shouldn’t be used as such. Speaking of ingredients, you’ll also want to make sure the formula is appropriate for your skin type and is free of any ingredients that you’re sensitive or allergic to. “Check the ingredients before you buy,” says Murphy. To prevent unwanted reactions, it might be a good idea to do a patch test before using a new massage candle.

As you shop, You’ll also want to consider your massage candle’s scent, which is ultimately a matter of personal preference. “Shop around and explore scents that match the mood or ambiance you’d like to create,” says Murphy. Typically, though, she says, “bright, citrusy scents are energizing, whereas [scents like] lavender are relaxing and perfect for nighttime.”

Another feature you might want to look for when shopping for massage candles is a pour spout, which Murphy high recommends. Not only can a pour ensure less mess, it can also make it easier to use. “A pour spout helps the wax drip where you want it without the risk of it spilling out of the sides [of the container] during the process,” she says.

How to use massage candles

When it comes to using massage candles, safety is a top priority—You are playing with fire, after all. Below, Murphy shares an easy step-by-step guide using massage candles. (Just keep in mind that instructions will differ from product to product, so be sure to read the instructions before you spark up your candle and put it to use.)

1. Trim the wick.

2. Light the candle and let it burn until an even layer of liquid oil accumulates on the surface.

3. Blow out the flame and wait up to 60 seconds to let the oil cool.

4. When the candle is cool enough to pick up, test the liquid oil by pouring as mall amount onto your skin.

5. If the temperature is just right, pour the oil into your hands or straight onto you or your partner’s body.

6. Distribute the oil onto the shoulders, arms, legs, and back, and stomach, avoiding the genitals and nipples.

7. After use, trim the wick again.

When in use, you’ll also want to keep the candle away from flammable items and surfaces, as well as never leave it unattended while it’s burning.

Once you learn how to safely use a massage candle, make it a fun experience. “There are tons of different ways you can elevate the experience,” says Murphy. She recommends using massage tools like gua sha stones or massage rollers, and for those who want to intensify the heat, a blindfold. “When you put on a blindfold, you’re removing one sense, and that essentially heightens your other senses,” she says. “When you smell the massage candle [and] when you feel the [melted oil] on your body, those senses will be even more intensified.”

With all this in mind, below are 12 of the best massage candles that are ready to bring the heat. Burn, baby burn!

Note: Massage candles should not be a substitute for lubricant, and should not be used on genitals and nipples.

Best massage candles

Best overall: Maude, Burn No. 1 — $30.00

Key ingredients: jojoba oil, soybean oil

W+G editors love Maude for its simple-yet-sensual line of products to spice up the bedroom—andits line of massage candles are no exception. Burn No. 1 (and No. 0, No. 2, No. 3) are made with soy wax andwithout chemicals, like parabens and phthalates, thatmight irritate your skin. Light the candle, let it melt, and pour the melted wax onto your (or your lover’s) body and simultaneously swoon over its silky-smooth consistency. Thanks to the inclusion of moisturizing jojoba and soybean oils, skin is left softer long after playtime ends. 

Scent: amber, cedar leaf, clove, lemongrass, medjool date, tonka bean

Size: 4 oz.

Burn time: 30 hours

Pros:

• Made without parabens and phthalates
• Comes in four scents

Con:

• Pricey

Best mood-boosting scent: Summary by FP Movement, Candle to Body Oil — $28.00

Key ingredients: arnica extract

Fragrant with the scent of citrusy grapefruit and tangerine and grounding ho wood, Summary’s massage candle is sure to uplift your mood at first sniff. Within 15 minutes of lighting the soy candle, theliquidoil poolsat the surface forimmediate use onthe skin. The oil formula contains arnica extract, aningredient with soothing properties. It relievesmuscle tension while its cheerful scent helps melt away your stress. Its natural combination of oils and waxes will also leave skin moisturized where it’s applied, making it all the more delightful.

Scent: grapefruit, tangerine, ho wood

Size: 4 oz.

Burn time: 30 hours

Pros:

• Made with soothing arnica extract
• Uplifting scent

Con:

• Only one scent available

Best sultry scent: Jimmyjane, Afterglow Massage Oil Candle in Santal — $25.00

Key ingredients: aloe vera, shea butter, jojoba oil, palmarosa oil, vitamin E

Enjoy the afterglow of this indulgent massage candle from Jimmyjane. Apply and soak in ingredients like aloe, shea butter, jojoba oil, and vitamin E, which will alleviate sore muscles and leave the skin smooth to the touch. As for the scent, it’s a warm escape that seduces your senses. Once the candle melts into a liquid and after you extinguish the flame, you can pour it immediately onto the skin using its pour spout, so you can enjoy the warmth it brings.

Scent: smokey leather, sandalwood, lemon, cardamom

Size: not specified

Burn time: 32 hours

Pros:

• Made with shea butter, vitamin E, and combination of moisturizing oils
• Comes with a pour spout

Con:

• Size is unspecified

Best scent selection: Good Clean Love, Caribbean Rose Candle — $30.00

Key ingredients: soybean oil, apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, vitamin E

Good Clean Love is allabout organic body-safe sexual wellness and hygiene products that elevate your bedroomexperiences. The brand offerslube, condoms, vaginal wipes, moisturizers, andyes, massage candles. This rose-scented candle is just one of their options—and it will light you up in the best way possible. Plus, the vegan and cruelty-free formula skips out on chemical additives and artificial fragrances and dyes. Just spark it up, let it melt, and enjoy the sensation of its organic jojoba and coconut oil on the skin. 

Scent: frankincense, vetiver, Moroccan rose

Size: 4.72 oz.

Burn time: Not specified

Pros:

• Vegan and cruelty-free formula
• Comes in a variety of scents

Con:

• Coconut oil can be comedogenic for some skin types

Best edible: Melony, Edible Massage Candle — $19.00

Key ingredients: shea butter, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, soybean oil

A candle you can pour and lick off willing flesh? Yes, please. Melony’s massage candle is made from 100 percent natural ingredients, like shea butter and coconut, grapeseed, jojoba, and soybean oils. This means it’s not only nourishing for the skin, but also safe to eat, taking your wax play to a whole other level. The candle also features a spout for easy pouring, and it comes in seven scents, including coconut (featured above), blueberry vanilla, and coffee and whiskey.

Scent: coconut

Size: 2.82 oz.

Burn time: not specified

Pros:

• Edible
• Comes with a pour spout

Con:

• Coconut oil can be comedogenic for some skin types

Best for relaxation: Lucky Thirteen Candle Co., Peaceful Sleep Massage Oil Candle — $25.00

Key ingredients: shea butter, cocoa butter, sweet almond oil

Lucky Thirteen Candle Co.’s massage candle has the relaxing properties of many of our favorite candles for sleep. It has a lovely lavender scent to help you unwind and more likely to drop off after a long day, and you’ll rest easy knowing that it’s made with a simple ingredients list. It contains just five ingredients, including soy wax and the moisturizing combination of shea butter, cocoa butter, and sweet almond oil, and it’s available in four other scents, too.

Scent: lavender

Size: 4 oz.

Burn time: not specified

Pros:

• Contains just five ingredients
• Comes in five scents

Con:

• Cocoa butter can be comedogenic for some skin types

Best nourishing: Neom, Real Luxury Intensive Skin Treatment Candle — $47.00

Key ingredients: rapeseed oil, soybean oil, sweet almond oil, cocoa seed butter, baobab oil, jojoba oil

Neom’s massage candle feels like luxury. It’s formulated with a combination of five oils and cocoa seed butter to leavelimbs soft and smooth, and its scent is just as wonderful. It’s scented with lavender, jasmine, and sandalwood, which can instantly transport you fromyour bedroom to a massage bed at a day spa. When it comes time to use, thepour spout provides excellent control for you or your partner to pour the liquid oil precisely where you want it. 

Scent: lavender, jasmine, sandalwood

Size: 4.93 oz.

Burn time: not specified

Pros:

• Formulated with cocoa seed butter and five oils
• Comes with a pour spout

Con:

• Cocoa seed butter can be comedogenic for some skin types

Best budget: Drip, Massage Candle — $13.00

Key ingredients: coconut oil, shea butter

If you’re looking for an inexpensive massage candle, this option from Drip will set you back under $13. Itcomes in a smokey vanilla fragrance thatis equal parts sweet and sultry, and it is formulated with soy and coconut wax as well as coconut oil and shea butter, making it incredibly moisturizing when usedon the skin. What’s more, it will last you a long time. It has a burn time of 60 hours, making it not only the cheapest option, butalso the longest burning candle featured on this list.

Scent: smokey vanilla

Size: 4 oz.

Burn time: 60 hours

Pros:

• Long burn time
• Inexpensive

Con:

• Coconut oil can be comedogenic for some skin types

Best decorative: Lelo, Flickering Touch Massage Candle — $35.00

Key ingredients: shea butter, apricot kernel oil

This is one sexy massagecandle. Just look at it: Between the sultry black votive andshiny chrome packaging, it’s alluring solely for aesthetics. The soy candle is made with shea butter and apricot kernel oil to enhance skin-on-skin contact, and as for its decadent scent? Prepare to never want to leavethe bedroom again. Ifyou aren’t keen on the vanilla scent, it also comes intwo other scent options—snowpear and cedarwood and spicy black pepper and pomegranate. 

Scent: vanilla and crème de cacao

Size: 5.3 oz.

Burn time: not specified

Pros:

• Made with moisturizing shea butter
• Attractive container

Con:

• Expensive

Best splurge: Dedcool, 01 “Taunt” Massage Candle — $55.00

Key ingredients: soybean oil, apricot kernel oil, coconut oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, shea butter, jojoba oil

True to its name, this massage candle will “taunt” your senses. Dedcool isbeloved by W+G editors for its effortlessly cool line of genderless fragrances that are vegan, nontoxic, and of course, smell oh-so-heavenly. This massage candle is just as nice—if not for its ingredients list, which includes shea butter and oils such as apricot kernel, coconut, and jojoba oil, than for its scent, which combines bergamot with sweet vanilla and spicy amber. C’mon baby, light my fire.

Scent: bergamot, vanilla, amber

Size: 9 oz.

Burn time: Not specified

Pros:

• Vegan and nontoxic
• Moisturizing formula

Con:

• Expensive

Best expert-approved: Dame, Wild Lust Massage Oil Candle — $39.00

Key ingredients: coconut oil, sweet almond oil, vitamin E

Dame’s massage oil candle comes with Murphy’s approval. “I tend to prefer massage candles that incorporate unconventional scents, ‘bonus’ ingredients for the skin, and come in large reusable containers,” she says. “Dame’s massage oil candles beautifully execute all three  of these things, including a high-quality formula with melatonin and kava kava root extract. When used topically, these combined ingredients can promote further muscle relaxation and skin rejuvenation.” You can shop it in three scents (Wild Lust is Murphy’s favorite one).

Scent: lime leaves, ambrette, white peach 

Size: 5 oz. 

Burn time: not specified

Pros:

• Sexpert-approved
• Comes with pour spout

Con:

• 20-minute wait time for candle to melt into oil

Best with a massage tool: The Oh Collective, Turn Me On Massage Candle & Gua Sha — $43.00

Key ingredients: soy and coconut wax

Murphy highly recommends that you use a massage candle with massage tools to make the experience all the more exciting.The Oh Collective bundles a massage candle anda gua sha stone, so youget both items for the price of one. (The set will cost you under $43). The massage is scented with citrusy bergamot and vetiver, and it’s formulated with a combination of soy and coconut wax which is easy to distribute onto the skin using the pour spout. For twice the pleasure, use the gua stone to massage the melted oil into the skin. 

Scent: vetiver, bergamot

Size: 5.3 oz.

Burn time: not specified

Pros:

• Comes with pour spout
• Includes gua sha stone

Con:

• 20-minute wait time for candle to melt into oil

Frequently asked questions

What makes massage candles unique?

Massage candles are unique because they’re made of body-safe ingredients that, when melted, transform into a massage-like oil that you can pour and rub onto your—or a willing partner’s—skin.

Are massage candles the same as standard candles?

Massage candles are not the same as standard candles in that massage candles are made to use on the skin. Unlike most standard candles, massage candles are made from waxes with a lower melting point (it won’t burn when poured onto the skin) and body-safe ingredients (so long as you aren’t allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients).

Can you use massage candles as lubricant?

Massage candles are meant for external use only. Avoid using massage candles as a lubricant, and on the genitals and nipples. According to Murphy, you’ll also want to avoid applying it on areas with open cuts or abrasions. “Limit application to areas that you would normally massage—around the shoulders, arms, legs, back, and stomach,” she says.