Homemade Anti-Itch Cream (Like Calamine Lotion)

With kids, skin irritations are a fact of life… especially during the summer when things like mosquito bites, poison ivy, and other insect bites can cause skin problems.

Don’t let the lack of pink fool you… this homemade natural anti-itch cream is an excellent DIY replacement for calamine lotion and works in a similar way to relieve skin irritations and itching. It contains all natural ingredients and can be mixed as needed for a soothing and effective remedy.

How to Make Your Own Anti-Itch Cream

If you already make some of your own natural remedies, you probably have bentonite clay, witch hazel, essential oils, and baking soda on hand. If not, I encourage you to build up a small stash of these items because you can make so many money-saving remedies that are just as effective as the ones you find in the store.

To take this anti-itch cream to the next level (and maybe make your own sunscreen while you’re at it!), you can add non-nano zinc oxide powder to this recipe. This isn’t something everyone has around, so feel free to skip it if needed. You’ll still get a great itch-soothing effect courtesy of the bentonite clay.

Longer-Lasting Option:

If you’d prefer not to have to make a small amount that must be used within two weeks, you can make a larger batch by mixing double or triple quantities of the dry ingredients and adding to the wet ingredients as needed for use. (Of course, if you’re using it for the dreaded poison ivy rash, you may want to make the large batch all at once!)

I store the pre-mixed powder in an empty spice container or small tin. When needed, I simply shake the powder out into a small bowl and mix it with witch hazel right before I need to use it.

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Anti-Itch Cream Recipe

Make an all-natural anti-itch cream for rashes and bug bites with ingredients like baking soda, bentonite clay, witch hazel, and peppermint essential oil.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Author: Katie Wells

Equipment

• Small air-tight jar

Materials

• 1 tsp non-nano zinc oxide powder (optional)
• 1 tsp sea salt (fine ground)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp bentonite clay
• 1 TBSP witch hazel (or water if using within a week)
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil (optional, cooling)
• 33 drops Leucidal Complete natural preservative optional

Instructions

• In a small bowl or jar, mix together the zinc oxide, sea salt, baking soda, and bentonite clay.
• Slowly stir in the witch hazel (or water) until it reaches a creamy consistency.
• Mix in the essential oil and preservative if using.

Notes

Store in an air-tight jar in the fridge and use within two weeks (one week if using water in place of witch hazel).

The recommended preservative is broad-spectrum, all natural, and used at a 4% rate. It’s only necessary if you’re not mixing up the dry powder with liquid right before use. 

Other Useful Soothing Skin Remedies

• Keratosis Pilaris Exfoliating Cream (DIY Recipe)
• Eczema Relief Lotion Bars
• Bug Repellent Lotion Bars
• Itch-Stopping Natural Remedies for Poison Ivy
• My Natural First Aid Kit & Remedy Cabinet

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.

Ever have skin irritation? What has helped you? Share below!