Ever since I found methods to make lotion bars, I’ve experimented with completely 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 protecting bugs away than common do-it-yourself bug spray. Most likely 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 Drawback With Bug Spray?
Whereas I’m definitely not a fan of mosquitos or tick bites, I’m not an enormous fan of typical bug spray both. These often comprise DEET, a chemical that research have linked to an entire host of potential well being points.
A number of 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 Components
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 can even use cocoa butter or mango butter if most popular for a barely tougher bar.
I’ve additionally included quite a lot of herbs which can be nice at repelling undesirable bugs. You don’t have to make use of all of them in case you don’t have them readily available, however I do assume it really works higher. If you could substitute an herb, simply add some extra of the others as an alternative.
Dried herbs work greatest on this recipe since contemporary herbs could cause the infused oil to mould. If 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 non-compulsory but it surely helps prolong 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 enhance 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. In case you don’t have a silicone mould, 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
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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 preserve the water at a medium temperature for not less than half-hour or till the oil has adopted a darker shade and smells strongly of rosemary. You can even 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 a fair 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 decreased by nearly half and you must have about ½ cup of the infused oil. If in case you 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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Depart within the molds till fully set (in a single day is greatest). Or you possibly can 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 towards mosquitoes.
- I exploit cupcake-size molds for my lotion bars. In case you use a unique dimension, your yield shall 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 awesome various. 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 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!
