Ever since I found the way 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 simple to make as the unique bars, and so they appear much more efficient at maintaining bugs away than common do-it-yourself 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 youngsters can apply it themselves.
What’s the Downside With Bug Spray?
Whereas I’m definitely not a fan of mosquitos or tick bites, I’m not a giant fan of typical bug spray both. These often include DEET, a chemical that research have linked to an entire host of potential well being points.
Among the reported unwanted effects embrace wheezing, muscle cramping, pores and skin rashes and blisters, dizziness, disorientation, and issue concentrating. There are additionally stories of elevated most cancers threat, aggressive behaviors, and uncontrollable physique actions. Specialists guarantee us the danger seems to be low although…
Bug Repellent Lotion Bar Substances
As a substitute 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 may as well use cocoa butter or mango butter if most well-liked for a barely tougher bar.
I’ve additionally included a wide range of herbs which are nice at repelling undesirable bugs. You don’t have to make use of all of them when you don’t have them available, however I do suppose it really works higher. If that you must substitute an herb, simply add some extra of the others as an alternative.
Dried herbs work greatest on this recipe since contemporary herbs may cause the infused oil to mould. You probably 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 forestall the oils from oxidizing as rapidly. 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. Should you don’t have a silicone mould, then a lined cupcake pan may also work.
On to the recipe!
Bug Repellant Lotion Bar Recipe
Preserve away bugs with out chemical compounds utilizing herbs and important oils in a nourishing lotion bar.
Yield: 5 bars
Infuse the Oil
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Utilizing a double boiler or glass bowl on high of a small saucepan, warmth some water within the backside of the pan to boiling.
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Place the coconut oil within the high a part of the double boiler and add the dried rosemary, cloves, thyme, cinnamon, catnip, and mint.
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Cowl the bowl or high a part of the double boiler and maintain the water at a medium temperature for no less than 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 an excellent stronger infused oil.
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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 diminished by nearly half and it’s best to have about ½ cup of the infused oil. You probably have extra, reserve it for subsequent time!
Make the Lotion Bars
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Add the butter(s) and beeswax to the double boiler with the infused coconut oil and stir till all have melted.
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Take away from the warmth and add the vitamin E oil and important oils (if utilizing).
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Pour the liquid into the molds.
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Go away within the molds till fully set (in a single day is greatest). Or you possibly can pace 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 in opposition to mosquitoes.
- I exploit cupcake-size molds for my lotion bars. Should you use a special measurement, your yield will likely be completely 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 different. Made On is a small enterprise that makes every kind of lotion bars, soaps, pure child merchandise and hair merchandise which are 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!
