Ever since I found methods to make lotion bars, I’ve experimented with completely different variations together with sunscreen bars, Vapo-Rub bars, and others. At the moment’s favourite: bug repellent lotion bars!
They’re as straightforward to make as the unique bars, they usually appear much more efficient at maintaining bugs away than common home made bug spray. In all probability as a result of they really coat the pores and skin with a protecting layer. They’re straightforward to take alongside and the youngsters can apply it themselves.
What’s the Downside With Bug Spray?
Whereas I’m actually not a fan of mosquitos or tick bites, I’m not an enormous fan of typical bug spray both. These often include DEET, a chemical that research have linked to a complete host of potential well being points.
A number of the reported uncomfortable side effects embrace wheezing, muscle cramping, pores and skin rashes and blisters, dizziness, disorientation, and problem concentrating. There are additionally studies of elevated most cancers threat, aggressive behaviors, and uncontrollable physique actions. Consultants guarantee us the chance seems to be low although…
Bug Repellent Lotion Bar Components
As a substitute of being full of toxins like typical bug sprays, this recipe nourishes and moisturizes the pores and skin whereas defending it. It makes use of a base of coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax. You may as well use cocoa butter or mango butter if most well-liked for a barely more durable bar.
I’ve additionally included quite a lot of herbs which can be nice at repelling undesirable bugs. You don’t have to make use of all of them in the event you don’t have them available, however I do assume it really works higher. If you want to substitute an herb, simply add some extra of the others as a substitute.
Dried herbs work finest on this recipe since recent herbs could cause the infused oil to mould. If in case you have recent herbs out of your backyard you’d like to make use of, merely dehydrate them some first. Right here’s a information on drying herbs.
The vitamin E is non-obligatory nevertheless it helps prolong the shelf life and stop the oils from oxidizing as rapidly. I additionally add some additional safety with important oils. These are extra concentrated than the herbs and assist enhance the bar’s effectivity. I like this kidsafe mix from Plant Remedy.
Lotion Bar Molds
I exploit silicone molds to set the bars. These are the cupcake molds I used however I additionally love these coronary heart ones or easy flower molds which might each be nice for presents. There are additionally precise bar formed ones. In the event you don’t have a silicone mould, then a lined cupcake pan can even work.
On to the recipe!
Bug Repellant Lotion Bar Recipe
Hold away bugs with out chemical compounds utilizing herbs and important oils in a nourishing lotion bar.
Prep Time15 minutes minutes
Energetic Time30 minutes minutes
Cool Time4 hours hrs
Complete Time4 hours hrs 45 minutes minutes
Yield: 5 bars
Creator: Katie Wells
Infuse the Oil
Utilizing a double boiler or glass bowl on prime of a small saucepan, warmth some water within the backside of the pan to boiling.
Place the coconut oil within the prime a part of the double boiler and add the dried rosemary, cloves, thyme, cinnamon, catnip, and mint.
Cowl the bowl or prime a part of the double boiler and preserve the water at a medium temperature for a minimum of half-hour or till the oil has adopted a darker coloration and smells strongly of rosemary. You may as well fill a gradual cooker about half full with water, put the coconut oil and herbs in a glass mason jar with a good lid, cowl and carry on the lowest setting for a number of days to make a fair stronger infused oil.
Pressure the herbs out of the oil utilizing a small mesh strainer or cheesecloth and pour the oil again into the double boiler. The oil could have lowered by virtually half and you must have about ½ cup of the infused oil. If in case you have extra, put it aside for subsequent time!
Make the Lotion Bars
Add the butter(s) and beeswax to the double boiler with the infused coconut oil and stir till all have melted.
Take away from the warmth and add the vitamin E oil and important oils (if utilizing).
Pour the liquid into the molds.
Go away within the molds till utterly set (in a single day is finest). Or you may velocity up the method by putting them within the fridge.
To make use of, rub the bars on uncovered areas of DRY pores and skin to guard towards mosquitoes.
I exploit cupcake-size molds for my lotion bars. In the event you use a special measurement, your yield shall be completely different.
Don’t Wish to Make Them?
If you wish to use lotion bars however don’t have the time or substances to make them your self, I discovered an amazing different. Made On is a small enterprise that makes all types of lotion bars, soaps, pure child merchandise and hair merchandise which can be as much as my requirements. You’ll be able to browse all of their non-toxic merchandise right here and use the code wellnessmama for a reduction!
How do you retain the bugs away? Share beneath!
