Ever since I found easy methods to make lotion bars, I’ve experimented with completely 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, they usually appear much more efficient at preserving 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 straightforward to take alongside and the youngsters 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 a giant fan of standard 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 unwanted effects embody wheezing, muscle cramping, pores and skin rashes and blisters, dizziness, disorientation, and issue concentrating. There are additionally studies of elevated most cancers danger, aggressive behaviors, and uncontrollable physique actions. Consultants guarantee us the chance seems to be low although…
Bug Repellent Lotion Bar Elements
As a substitute of being full of toxins like standard 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 popular for a barely more durable 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 if you happen to don’t have them readily available, however I do assume it really works higher. If it is advisable to 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 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-compulsory however it helps prolong the shelf life and stop 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 take advantage of 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 items. There are additionally precise bar formed ones. In the event you 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 substances 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 prime 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 prime 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 prime a part of the double boiler and preserve the water at a medium temperature for a minimum of half-hour or till the oil has adopted a darker shade 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 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 can have lowered by virtually 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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Go away within the molds till utterly set (in a single day is greatest). Or you’ll be able to 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 take advantage of cupcake-size molds for my lotion bars. In the event you use a special measurement, your yield might be completely different.
Don’t Wish 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 different. 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’ll be able to 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!
