Essential Oil Cooling Spray for Summer

Katie Wells Avatar

Reading Time: 3 minutes

This post contains affiliate links.

Read my affiliate policy.

DIY Cooling Spray
Wellness Mama » Blog » Natural Remedies » Essential Oil Cooling Spray for Summer

It might just be that I’m spending a lot of time outdoors with my kids, but this summer has seemed unusually hot to me.

Not only has it been hot, but the humidity and heat index seem to be competing to see which can break the most records. While some days I’d rather just camp out inside (maybe in an ice bath), summer is the time for backyard shenanigans, sprinkler-running, slip-and-slides, hiking, and ziplines… so outside it is!

This DIY cooling spray feels amazing on the skin on a hot summer day and is my secret weapon for staying cool outside. Bonus: it uses only 3 ingredients I almost always have around!

Natural Cooling Spray for Skin

The idea for this spray came about when taking a break from working outside to reapply homemade bug spray and drink a gallon of water. I noticed that the bug spray left a cooling sensation on the skin and helped it seem not so hot.

Surprised at how refreshing it was, I realized that the natural properties of the witch hazel and peppermint essential oil in the spray created the cooling sensation.

I decided to make a spray for times when I wanted to cool off without smelling like a citronella candle. The result was this cooling spray which I now keep on hand during yard work, beach time, or backyard BBQs.

I’ve also found that this cooling spray works really well for helping take the “itch” out of bug bites and the burn out of sunburn.

How to Make Anti-Itch DIY Cooling Spray

This spray uses only three natural ingredients that benefit the skin:

  1. Aloe Vera Aloe is naturally anti-inflammatory and great for skin. It is moisturizing without being oily and is perfect for those with normal or slightly oily skin. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, it is often used in anti-aging skin products as well.
  2. Witch Hazel – Though I was first introduced to witch hazel after the birth of my first child, when I was given a container of round cloths soaked in witch hazel and told to use them on hemorrhoids (which I didn’t even have). Though we didn’t get off to the best start, I’ve grown to love witch hazel for its benefits in skin care and natural remedies. It is slightly antiseptic, which makes it cooling and great for skin. In fact, it is often used to remove excess oil and fight blemishes and blackheads. Its ability to shrink blood vessels and reduce inflammation makes it beneficial for hemorrhoids and also for cooling the body.
  3. Peppermint Essential Oil – Most aromatherapists would say that in this small concentration, peppermint is generally considered safe. It never hurts though to check with an aromatherapist or qualified practitioner before using this or any essential oil while pregnant/nursing or on small children. Omit it if in doubt. You could also infuse dried or fresh peppermint leaf into the witch hazel for a week or so before making this spray for a less concentrated version. To do this, add 3 tablespoons of dried mint to a glass jar and cover with 1/2 cup of witch hazel. Cap tightly and stir daily for 1-6 weeks. Strain and use the witch hazel.
DIY Cooling Spray
Print
4.73 from 11 votes

DIY Cooling Spray Recipe

A quick spritz of this super-simple cooling spray on the skin feels amazing on a hot day and makes great after-sun care as well.
Course: Remedy
Author: Katie Wells

Materials

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle.
  • Shake or stir until well mixed and blended.
  • Spray as needed to help cool off in the summer or on bug bites or sunburn.

Notes

Keep this spray in the fridge for extra cooling power! Ahhh…
If you’re using unpreserved aloe then be sure to keep it in the fridge for the best shelf life. 

Goal: Embrace Summer While It Lasts!

I may complain about the heat from time to time (especially when it gets muggy), but don’t get me wrong… I love this season! There are so many health benefits to being outdoors, and I never regret it when I resist the urge to stay in the air conditioning and cross off some more summer bucket list items!

This article was medically reviewed by Jessica Meyers, MPAP, PA-C, RH(AHG), who specializes in herbal protocols and functional medicine. You can also find Jessica on Instagram. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Has it been hot where you live? If you live on the other side of the world, can you send us some cool weather soon?

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

39 responses to “Essential Oil Cooling Spray for Summer”

  1. Leah Avatar

    My son gets overheated very easily playing summer sports. I’ve been trying to find something to help him. Would this be something he could spray on before or during practice to keep cool?

  2. Rachel Winker Avatar
    Rachel Winker

    This sounds amazing! Due to dysautonomia, I overheat extremely easily, so I can’t cover up to block the sun. I don’t usually have a problem where I live now (foothills of the Rockies), but visiting family in the Midwest in the summer can be really brutal for me due to the humidity making it extremely difficult to cool off. I also discovered last summer that my bug spray had a cooling effect, so I’ve been thinking about figuring out something to use on other occasions. I will definitely try this.

  3. Jeanne Saalfrank Avatar
    Jeanne Saalfrank

    I just want to let you know that since I found your recipe during this past summer, I have made it multiple times for us and also for friends. Love it! Thank-you so much

  4. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    Hello…..i was wondering if you need to use any preservative with your cooling spray recipe. I noticed you didn’t use any, so i was wondering if you would have to keep this in the fridge to keep it lasting longer.

    Also if i just wanted to use plain water with essential oils, would i need a preservative then? Thanks for your help!

  5. Trysh Avatar

    great post on essential oils. this summer is so hot i need to start doing this immediately.

  6. Andal Avatar

    Hi Katie, I love your blogs! I’ve made so many of your skin care recipes an they ARE better than store brought products! Do you any blogs on winter skin care? I suffer from chilblains and am looking for natural remedies to soothe my skin and reduce the swelling. Could you please write a blog about the remedies? I’m pretty desperate right now ? thank you!

  7. Kellie Avatar

    Hi, love your site and have followed many of your recipes. However, I did want to highlight that there is a lot of evidence that lavender is dangerous, especially for boys. Tea tree oil as well. I have stopped using both. I recommend your readers study and decide on their own if they want to take those risks. Just because it is an essential oil it is not necessarily safe. It could be unfounded hype, but best to be informed and safe. Thanks.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating