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. As we speak’s favourite: bug repellent lotion bars!
They’re as straightforward to make as the unique bars, and so they appear much more efficient at retaining 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 children 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 normally comprise DEET, a chemical that research have linked to an entire host of potential well being points.
Among the reported unintended effects embody wheezing, muscle cramping, pores and skin rashes and blisters, dizziness, disorientation, and issue concentrating. There are additionally studies of elevated most cancers threat, aggressive behaviors, and uncontrollable physique actions. Specialists guarantee us the chance seems to be low although…
Bug Repellent Lotion Bar Elements
As an alternative of being stuffed with 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 too can use cocoa butter or mango butter if most popular for a barely more durable bar.
I’ve additionally included quite a lot of herbs which might be nice at repelling undesirable bugs. You don’t have to make use of all of them for those who 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 contemporary herbs may cause the infused oil to mildew. In case you have contemporary 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 optionally available nevertheless it helps lengthen the shelf life and stop the oils from oxidizing as shortly. I additionally add some further 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 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. If you happen to don’t have a silicone mildew, then a lined cupcake pan may also work.
On to the recipe!
Bug Repellant Lotion Bar Recipe
Maintain away bugs with out chemical compounds utilizing herbs and important oils in a nourishing lotion bar.
Yield: 5 bars
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 at the very least half-hour or till the oil has adopted a darker shade and smells strongly of rosemary. You too can fill a gradual cooker about half full with water, put the coconut oil and herbs in a glass mason jar with a decent 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 can have lowered by virtually half and you must have about ½ cup of the infused oil. In case you have extra, reserve it 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 may velocity up the method by inserting them within the fridge.
- To make use of, rub the bars on uncovered areas of DRY pores and skin to guard in opposition to mosquitoes.
- I exploit cupcake-size molds for my lotion bars. If you happen to use a distinct measurement, your yield might be totally different.
Don’t Need 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 ideal various. Made On is a small enterprise that makes all types of lotion bars, soaps, pure child merchandise and hair merchandise which might be as much as my requirements. You possibly can 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 under!
