Keep bugs at bay with these DIY insect repellent lotion bars, made with natural ingredients and bug-repelling essential oils!
Lotion bars are an excellent option for those looking for an all-natural, non-liquid moisturizer.
This recipe for bug-repellent lotion bars combines four powerful essential oils that keep bugs away so you can enjoy time outdoors without worrying about getting bitten.
How To Make Insect Repellent Lotion Bars
For this recipe, you will need coconut oil, shea butter, beeswax, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, and cedarwood essential oils.
Add the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter to a double boiler. Heat until the beeswax melts and the solid oils have liquified. Remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes.
Add the essential oils to the mixture and mix well to incorporate.
Then, pour the melted beeswax into clean silicon molds.
Let the insect repellent lotion bars set for 2-4 hours or until they have hardened. You may place them in the refrigerator to speed up the process.
Once set, remove the bars from the mold and store them in a container in a cool, dry place. These bars can be stored for several months, up to a year.
How To Use Insect Repellent Lotion Bars
To use lotion bars, you will rub the bar between the palms of your hand to warm and melt the beeswax and oils. Once the bar is warm, you can apply the oils to your skin in the desired areas.
Ingredient Substitutes & Tips
- Shea Butter: You may substitute mango butter, beef tallow, or cocoa butter for shea butter in this recipe. If you use cocoa butter the lotion bars will be harder and more heat resistant than shea butter.
- Beeswax: Wax is essential for keeping these bars solid. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, you may use Carnauba Wax, which is a palm-based wax that works like beeswax but is harder and needs a higher heat to melt.
- Essential Oils: You may use all or some of the oils listed in this recipe or add your favorite bug-repelling essential oils.
Watch The Video Tutorial
FAQ
How do I use the lotion bars?
Rub the lotion bar between your palms to warm and melt the beeswax and oils. Once the bar is warm, apply the oils to your skin in the desired areas.
How long can I store the lotion bars?
These insect repellent lotion bars can be stored for several months, up to a year, if kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Are these lotion bars safe for sensitive skin?
The ingredients used are generally safe for most skin types. However, doing a patch test on a small area of your skin is always recommended to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions to the essential oils or other ingredients. If you have particularly sensitive skin or allergies, consult with a healthcare professional before use.
Can I make these lotion bars with vegan ingredients?
Yes, you can use carnauba wax, a vegetable-based wax, in place of the beeswax in this recipe. Note that carnauba wax works slightly differently than beeswax; it will need to be heated to a higher temperature to melt and will harden more than beeswax.
Related Recipes:
Print
DIY Insect Repellent Lotion Bars
Keep bugs at bay with these homemade insect-repellent lotion bars made with natural ingredients and essential oils!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes + 4 hours cool time
- Yield: 4–8 bars, depending on the size of the mold 1x
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Coconut Oil
- 1/4 cup Shea Butter
- 1/4 cup Beeswax
- 4 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil
- 4 drops of Lemongrass Essential Oil
- 4 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
- 4 drops of Cedarwood Essential Oil
Instructions
- Melt the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter in a double boiler.
- Once the wax has melted, remove the pot from the heat and allow the oils to cool for 3-5 minutes.
- Add the essential oils and mix with a silicone spoon or spatula.
- Pour the melted beeswax mixture into clean molds.
- Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for 2-4 hours.
- Once the lotion bars are set, remove them from the molds and store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
How To Use: Rub the lotion bar between the palms of your hand to warm the oils and wax. Rub the lotion on your skin and apply it where bugs may bite you.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1
