Ever since I discovered how to make my original lotion bars, I’ve been experimenting with different variations including sunscreen bars, Vapo-Rub bars, and others. Today’s favorite: bug repellent lotion bars!
They are 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 are easy to take along and the kids can apply it themselves.
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Instead of being filled with chemicals and toxins like conventional bug sprays, this recipe actually nourishes and moisturizes the skin while protecting it.
Items Needed
- coconut oil
- shea butter, cocoa butter or mango butter (or a mix of all three)
- beeswax
- dried rosemary leaves
- dried whole cloves
- dried thyme
- cinnamon powder
- dried catnip leaf
- dried mint leaf
- Vitamin E oil
- Insect Shield Blend essential oils or lavender and lemon (10+ drops of each)
I also use silicone molds to set the bars. These are the molds I used but I also love these sunflower ones and these heart ones, which would both be great for gifts. There are also simple flower molds and actual bar shaped ones.
Bug Repellant Lotion Bar Recipe
Yield
Notes
Don’t Want to Make Them?
If you want to use lotion bars but don’t have the time/ingredients to make them yourself, I found a great small business, Made On, that makes all kinds of lotion bars, soaps, natural baby products and hair products that are up to my standards. Their website is HardLotion.com and they have agreed to give Wellness Mama readers a 15% discount on all orders with the code “wellnessmama” at this link. (Note: Affiliate link… the price is discounted for you and I get a small commission to support my blog!)
How do you keep the bugs away? Share below!
Hi, I love this recipe and have tried before but want to make again this summer. I was wondering, if I make this without the vitamin E how long do you think it will keep?
Many thanks
Sophie
The shelf life of virgin coconut oil and shea butter are 1-2 years so the bars should last about that long without the vitamin E, as long as they’re stored away from direct light and heat.
I have solid beeswax, not pellets. How does the tablespoon of pellets convert to the solid?
hi! i have everything except catnip leaf.. would it work if i leave it out?
Looked and looked see if this question was already asked and could not find it so….if there is not enough scent to the bar can I melt it down and add more essential oils without compromising the benefits of the bar?
Looked and looked see if this question was already asked and could not find it so….if there is not enough sent to the bar can I melt it down and add more essential oils without compromising the benefits of the bar?
If I already have all the oils could you tell me how many drops of each??
Hi Katie,
Thank you for all of your great recipes! I want to make the Moisturizing Bug & Tick Repellent Lotion Bars but it calls for fresh or dry ingredients, do you have a conversion of the recipe calculated using Essential Oils?
I love your recipes! They’re a simple and will start making some of them. I’m especially interested in trying the solid bars to start with. Do you wrap your lotion bars? What wrapper or packaging do you use and where do you get them? I’m planning to make favors for a friend’s birthday celebration.
Thank you.
What essential oils (and how much of each) would you use if you chose not to infuse your own coconut oil?
Hi!
I’m going to try making these later this week, but I am wondering if I can add lavender to the list of herbs in the infused oil rather than as an essential oil as I don’t have it…and if so what amount would you suggest?
Thanks!