Ever since I discovered how to make lotion bars, I’ve experimented with different variations including sunscreen bars, Vapo-Rub bars, and others. Today’s favorite: bug repellent lotion bars!
They’re as easy to make as the original bars, and they seem even more effective at keeping bugs away than regular homemade bug spray. Probably because they actually coat the skin with a protective layer. They’re easy to take along and the kids can apply it themselves.
What’s the Problem With Bug Spray?
While I’m certainly not a fan of mosquitos or tick bites, I’m not a big fan of conventional bug spray either. These usually contain DEET, a chemical that studies have linked to a whole host of potential health issues.
Some of the reported side effects include wheezing, muscle cramping, skin rashes and blisters, dizziness, disorientation, and difficulty concentrating. There are also reports of increased cancer risk, aggressive behaviors, and uncontrollable body movements. Experts assure us the risk appears to be low though…
Bug Repellent Lotion Bar Ingredients
Instead of being filled with toxins like conventional bug sprays, this recipe nourishes and moisturizes the skin while protecting it. It uses a base of coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax. You can also use cocoa butter or mango butter if preferred for a slightly harder bar.
I’ve also included a variety of herbs that are great at repelling unwanted insects. You don’t have to use all of them if you don’t have them on hand, but I do think it works better. If you need to substitute an herb, just add some more of the others instead.
Dried herbs work best in this recipe since fresh herbs can cause the infused oil to mold. If you have fresh herbs from your garden you’d like to use, simply dehydrate them some first. Here’s a guide on drying herbs.
The vitamin E is optional but it helps extend the shelf life and prevent the oils from oxidizing as quickly. I also add some extra protection with essential oils. These are more concentrated than the herbs and help boost the bar’s efficiency. I like this kidsafe blend from Plant Therapy.
Lotion Bar Molds
I use silicone molds to set the bars. These are the cupcake molds I used but I also love these heart ones or simple flower molds which would both be great for gifts. There are also actual bar shaped ones. If you don’t have a silicone mold, then a lined cupcake pan can also work.
On to the recipe!
Bug Repellant Lotion Bar Recipe
Materials
- 1 cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup rosemary leaves
- 2 TBSP thyme
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup catnip
- 1 TBSP mint leaf (optional, but adds great scent)
- ½ cup shea butter (or cocoa butter or mango butter)
- 10 TBSP beeswax pellets
- 1 tsp vitamin E oil (optional, to extend the shelf life)
- 10 drops Shield Me essential oil blend (optional, or 10 drops each lavender and/or lemon)
Instructions
Infuse the Oil
- Using a double boiler or glass bowl on top of a small saucepan, heat some water in the bottom of the pan to boiling.
- Place the coconut oil in the top part of the double boiler and add the dried rosemary, cloves, thyme, cinnamon, catnip, and mint.
- Cover the bowl or top part of the double boiler and keep the water at a medium temperature for at least 30 minutes or until the oil has adopted a darker color and smells strongly of rosemary. You can also fill a slow cooker about half full with water, put the coconut oil and herbs in a glass mason jar with a tight lid, cover and keep on the lowest setting for several days to make an even stronger infused oil.
- Strain the herbs out of the oil using a small mesh strainer or cheesecloth and pour the oil back into the double boiler. The oil will have reduced by almost half and you should have about ½ cup of the infused oil. If you have more, save it for next time!
Make the Lotion Bars
- Add the butter(s) and beeswax to the double boiler with the infused coconut oil and stir until all have melted.
- Remove from the heat and add the vitamin E oil and essential oils (if using).
- Pour the liquid into the molds.
- Leave in the molds until completely set (overnight is best). Or you can speed up the process by placing them in the fridge.
Notes
- To use, rub the bars on exposed areas of DRY skin to protect against mosquitoes.
- I use cupcake-size molds for my lotion bars. If you use a different size, your yield will be different.
Don’t Want to Make Them?
If you want to use lotion bars but don’t have the time or ingredients to make them yourself, I found a great alternative. Made On is a small business that makes all kinds of lotion bars, soaps, natural baby products and hair products that are up to my standards. You can browse all of their non-toxic products here and use the code wellnessmama for a discount!
How do you keep the bugs away? Share below!
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