DIY Bug Repellent Lotion Bars

[ad_1] Ever since I found methods to make lotion bars, I’ve experimented with totally different variations together with sunscreen bars, Vapo-Rub bars, and others. Right this moment’s favourite: bug repellent lotion bars!

They’re as simple to make as the unique bars, and so they appear much more efficient at holding 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 simple to take alongside and the children can apply it themselves.

What’s the Drawback With Bug Spray?

Whereas I’m definitely not a fan of mosquitos or tick bites, I’m not a giant fan of standard bug spray both. These normally comprise DEET, a chemical that research have linked to an entire host of potential well being points.

Among the reported negative effects embrace wheezing, muscle cramping, pores and skin rashes and blisters, dizziness, disorientation, and issue concentrating. There are additionally reviews of elevated most cancers threat, aggressive behaviors, and uncontrollable physique actions. Consultants guarantee us the danger seems to be low although…

Bug Repellent Lotion Bar Substances

As a substitute of being stuffed with toxins like standard 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 popular for a barely tougher bar.

I’ve additionally included a wide range 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 have 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. 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-compulsory but it surely helps prolong the shelf life and forestall the oils from oxidizing as rapidly. I additionally add some additional safety with important oils. These are extra concentrated than the herbs and assist increase the bar’s effectivity. I like this kidsafe mix from Plant Remedy.

Lotion Bar Molds

I take advantage of 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 case you don’t have a silicone mould, then a lined cupcake pan may 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 Time 15 minutes minutes

Lively Time 30 minutes minutes

Cool Time 4 hours hrs

Whole Time 4 hours hrs 45 minutes minutes

Yield: 5 bars

Writer: 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 not less than half-hour or till the oil has adopted a darker coloration and smells strongly of rosemary. You may as well fill a sluggish 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 good 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 may have diminished by virtually half and it is best to have about ½ cup of the infused oil. 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 fully set (in a single day is finest). Or you'll be able to 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 take advantage of cupcake-size molds for my lotion bars. In case you use a distinct measurement, your yield can be totally 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 a fantastic 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!