By now, most of us know the familiar, sticky smell of bug spray—and the chemical cocktail that comes with it. For those who prefer to keep things natural, safe, and still effective, there’s a game-changing DIY alternative: Bug Repellent Lotion Bars. These clever little creations aren’t just effective at deterring insects; they’re also nourishing for the skin, compact for travel, and fun to make.
Let’s walk through what makes these bars such a smart swap, and how you can create your own right at home.
Why Say Goodbye to Conventional Bug Spray?
Traditional bug sprays often rely on DEET, a potent chemical designed to repel insects. While effective, DEET has been linked to a laundry list of potential side effects—from skin irritation and dizziness to more serious concerns like disorientation, behavioral changes, and even long-term neurological risks with prolonged exposure. While many experts insist the risks are minimal when used correctly, there’s growing demand for gentler, nature-based options.
Enter these lotion bars: protective, moisturizing, and made from plant-based ingredients that bugs hate and your skin will love.
What’s Inside These Bars?
These bars work by infusing natural ingredients that have a proven track record of repelling bugs—like rosemary, thyme, cloves, catnip, mint, and cinnamon—into a rich, skin-loving base of coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax.
Each component plays a role:
- Coconut Oil: Naturally antibacterial and deeply moisturizing.
- Shea Butter (or cocoa/mango butter): Adds a creamy consistency and boosts hydration.
- Beeswax: Helps form a protective, long-lasting barrier on the skin.
- Essential Oils: Boost the bug-repelling power. Lavender, lemon, and specialized blends (like “Shield Me” from Plant Therapy) work wonders.
And yes—if you’re a fan of extra shelf-life, a touch of vitamin E oil helps preserve the bar naturally, while also adding skin benefits.
The Herbal Magic: Infusing Your Oils
To get the most out of your herbs, you’ll want to infuse them into your coconut oil. Here’s how:
- Use a double boiler (or a makeshift one with a bowl over a pot).
- Add coconut oil and your dried herbs: rosemary, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, catnip, and mint.
- Gently simmer for 30+ minutes, covered, until the oil darkens and smells aromatic.
- Strain through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth. You’ll end up with around ½ cup of infused oil.
Pro tip: If you’re a planner, using a slow cooker over several days makes a more concentrated oil.
Turning It into Lotion Bars
Once your infused oil is ready, it’s time to transform it into bug-fighting skin bars:
You’ll Need:
- ½ cup infused coconut oil
- ½ cup shea butter (or your preferred butter)
- 10 tablespoons beeswax pellets
- 1 tsp vitamin E oil (optional)
- Essential oils (10 drops of your preferred mix)
Instructions:
- Melt everything (except vitamin E and essential oils) in your double boiler.
- Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the vitamin E and essential oils.
- Pour into silicone molds—cupcake molds, heart shapes, flowers, or bar molds work well.
- Let them cool completely—either overnight or pop them in the fridge to speed things up.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
To use, just rub onto dry, exposed skin before heading outdoors. It creates a gentle yet effective layer that bugs really don’t like.
A Few Notes & Tips
- Shelf life: Without vitamin E, the bars can still last 1–2 years if stored in a cool, dark place.
- Custom scent: Want a stronger scent? You can remelt and add more essential oils without damaging the ingredients.
- No catnip? Just substitute with more rosemary or mint.
- Have pre-made oils? You can skip the infusion step and just add essential oils directly to the melted base.
Want the Benefits Without the DIY?
Don’t have the time or ingredients to DIY? You can purchase pre-made, all-natural lotion bars from trusted small businesses like Made On. These bars follow clean beauty standards, and they even offer products for babies, hair care, and more.
The Takeaway
Making your own bug repellent lotion bars is an empowering way to protect your family from bites and chemical exposure. With simple ingredients and a little prep, you can create a product that’s effective, safe, and great for your skin. Whether you’re hiking, gardening, or enjoying summer evenings, these bars are a must-have for your natural wellness toolkit.
So, are you ready to ditch the DEET and go herbal this summer?
Share your experiences—or your favorite bug-repelling tips—below! 🐜🌿
