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. Immediately’s favourite: bug repellent lotion bars!
They’re as straightforward 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 straightforward to take alongside and the children can apply it themselves.
What’s the Drawback 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 often include DEET, a chemical that research have linked to a complete host of potential well being points.
A few of the reported unintended effects embrace 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 a substitute of being full of 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 too 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 can be nice at repelling undesirable bugs. You don’t have to make use of all of them for those who don’t have them readily available, however I do suppose it really works higher. If you should substitute an herb, simply add some extra of the others as a substitute.
Dried herbs work greatest on this recipe since contemporary herbs could cause the infused oil to mildew. 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-obligatory but it surely helps prolong the shelf life and forestall the oils from oxidizing as shortly. 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 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. When you don’t have a silicone mildew, then a lined cupcake pan can even work.
On to the recipe!
Bug Repellant Lotion Bar Recipe
Preserve away bugs with out chemical substances utilizing herbs and important oils in a nourishing lotion bar.
Yield: 5 bars
Infuse the Oil
Utilizing a double boiler or glass bowl on high of a small saucepan, warmth some water within the backside of the pan to boiling.
Place the coconut oil within the high a part of the double boiler and add the dried rosemary, cloves, thyme, cinnamon, catnip, and mint.
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 colour and smells strongly of rosemary. You can too 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 may have diminished by nearly half and you need to have about ½ cup of the infused oil. If 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.
Depart within the molds till utterly set (in a single day is greatest). Or you may pace 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. When you use a distinct dimension, your yield might be totally different.
Don’t Wish to Make Them?
If you wish to use lotion bars however don’t have the time or elements 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 beneath!
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