Bug Repellent Lotion Bars

[ad_1] 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. At the moment’s favourite: bug repellent lotion bars!

They’re as straightforward to make as the unique bars, they usually appear much more efficient at retaining 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 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 comprise DEET, a chemical that research have linked to an entire host of potential well being points.

A few of the reported uncomfortable side effects embody wheezing, muscle cramping, pores and skin rashes and blisters, dizziness, disorientation, and issue concentrating. There are additionally reviews of elevated most cancers danger, 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 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 when you don’t have them readily available, however I do suppose it really works higher. If you might want to substitute an herb, simply add some extra of the others as a substitute.

Dried herbs work finest on this recipe since recent herbs may cause the infused oil to mildew. If in case you have recent 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 lengthen 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 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 items. There are additionally precise bar formed ones. If you happen to don’t have a silicone mildew, then a lined cupcake pan may 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.

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Lively Time 30 minutes minutes

Cool Time 4 hours hrs

Whole Time 4 hours hrs 45 minutes minutes

Yield: 5 bars

Writer: Katie Wells

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 too can fill a sluggish 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.

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 nearly half and you need to have about ½ cup of the infused oil. If 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 possibly can 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 in opposition to mosquitoes. I exploit cupcake-size molds for my lotion bars. If you happen to use a special dimension, your yield can be totally different.

Don’t Wish to Make Them?

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