What must be on a candle label by law?

In the US, candles must include CPSC fire safety warnings per ASTM F2058: burn within sight, keep away from flammable materials, keep away from children and pets. Container candles also need burn-time limits.

What size label fits candle jars?

For the front of 8-16 oz jars, use 2" x 3" or 2.5" x 3.5" rectangles. For the bottom (safety warnings), use 2" x 2". For lids, use 2" round labels.

Do I need waterproof labels for candles?

Yes. Candle containers get warm and may produce condensation. Use vinyl or BOPP label stock that resists heat, moisture, and oils. Standard paper labels will curl or peel.

What fonts look best on candle labels?

A serif or script font for the candle name (Playfair Display, Cormorant Garamond) paired with a clean sans-serif (Inter, DM Sans) for details. Keep it minimal and elegant.

Can I print candle labels at home?

Yes. For batches under 200 candles, home printing on vinyl label stock is cost-effective. Use an inkjet printer for color designs or a laser printer for sharper text.

How do I make wrap-around candle labels?

Measure the circumference of your container, subtract 0.25" for overlap. Set that as the label width in printshi. Design your label and print on adhesive stock.

How to Make Candle Labels

Last updated: April 12, 2026

A beautiful candle deserves a label to match. Whether you're launching a candle business, crafting gifts, or selling at a local market, your label is the first thing customers notice : and it needs to look professional while meeting safety requirements. This guide covers everything from mandatory warning text to design trends that sell.

Required Information on Candle Labels

Candle labels aren't just decorative : they have legal requirements. In the US, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires candles to include fire safety warnings based on ASTM F2058 standards. Here's what must appear on your label:

Mandatory Warning Label Text

Every candle sold in the US must include the following fire safety warnings (or equivalent wording):

"WARNING: To prevent fire and serious injury" (or "CAUTION")
Burn candle within sight. Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Keep away from things that can catch fire.
Keep away from children and pets.

Additional warnings depend on your candle type:

Container candles: "Burn on a heat-resistant surface" and "Do not burn for more than [X] hours at a time."
Pillar candles: "Use a suitable candleholder" and "Place on a heat-resistant surface."
Votive candles: "Burn in a suitable votive holder."

Other Recommended Information

Candle name/scent : "Lavender Fields," "Vanilla Bean," "Fireside Cedar."
Net weight : Usually in ounces (e.g., "8 oz / 227 g").
Wax type : Soy, beeswax, coconut, paraffin. Customers increasingly care about wax type.
Burn time : "Approximate burn time: 45 hours."
Your brand name and location : Required for commercial sale. "Handmade in Portland, OR."

Choosing the Right Label Size

Most candle makers need two labels: a front label for branding and a bottom label for safety warnings.

Front label (2″ × 3″ or 2.5″ × 3.5″) : For the candle name, scent, and your brand. This is the showcase label that catches the customer's eye.
Bottom/back label (2″ × 2″ or 2″ × 2.5″) : For safety warnings, weight, ingredients, and your business info. Keep the font small but still legible (minimum 6pt).
Wrap-around label : For a seamless, high-end look. Measure the circumference of your container and subtract 0.25″ for overlap. Common for tins and straight-sided jars.
Lid label (round 2″ or 2.5″) : Optional, but useful when candles are displayed lid-up. Shows the scent name at a glance.

Design Tips for Candle Labels

The candle market is competitive, and your label needs to convey the mood of the scent before the customer ever lights the wick.

Match the label aesthetic to the scent. A citrus candle label should feel bright and fresh (white background, warm yellow accents). A woodsy candle should feel earthy and dark (kraft paper tones, deep greens, matte finishes).
Use a minimal layout. The trend in candle labels is clean, simple, and modern. One or two fonts, plenty of whitespace, and restrained color palettes. Think boutique, not busy.
Choose heat-resistant label stock. Candle containers get warm. Standard paper labels may peel, curl, or discolor. Use vinyl, BOPP, or waterproof matte label stock that can handle mild heat.
Typography pairing: A serif or script font for the candle name + a clean sans-serif for the details. For example, "Playfair Display" for the name and "Inter" for the weight and warnings.
Consider your container color. A clear label (transparent stock) looks stunning on dark glass containers. White labels work best on light-colored or opaque containers.

Printing Candle Labels at Home

For small-batch candle making (under 200 candles), home printing is practical and cost-effective:

Matte vinyl label stock : The best all-around choice. Resistant to heat, moisture, and oils. Gives a soft, premium feel.
Glossy BOPP : For a high-shine, commercial look. Colors pop more on glossy stock. Works well for vibrant, colorful designs.
Kraft paper labels : For a rustic, handmade aesthetic. Pair with simple black text for a farmhouse market vibe. Note: kraft labels are less durable than vinyl.
Clear/transparent labels : For a "no-label" look where the text appears to float directly on the glass. Requires a careful design with strong contrast since there's no white background.

Create Your Candle Labels

Our free label maker supports custom sizes for candle front labels, bottom labels, and lid stickers. Add your scent name, safety warnings, and branding : then print at home. No subscriptions, no watermarks, and perfect for small-batch production.

Start Making Labels >

Frequently Asked Questions

What must be on a candle label by law?: In the US, candles must include CPSC fire safety warnings per ASTM F2058: burn within sight, keep away from flammable materials, keep away from children and pets. Container candles also need burn-time limits.
What size label fits candle jars?: For the front of 8-16 oz jars, use 2" x 3" or 2.5" x 3.5" rectangles. For the bottom (safety warnings), use 2" x 2". For lids, use 2" round labels.
Do I need waterproof labels for candles?: Yes. Candle containers get warm and may produce condensation. Use vinyl or BOPP label stock that resists heat, moisture, and oils. Standard paper labels will curl or peel.
What fonts look best on candle labels?: A serif or script font for the candle name (Playfair Display, Cormorant Garamond) paired with a clean sans-serif (Inter, DM Sans) for details. Keep it minimal and elegant.
Can I print candle labels at home?: Yes. For batches under 200 candles, home printing on vinyl label stock is cost-effective. Use an inkjet printer for color designs or a laser printer for sharper text.
How do I make wrap-around candle labels?: Measure the circumference of your container, subtract 0.25" for overlap. Set that as the label width in printshi. Design your label and print on adhesive stock.