Ever since I found the right way 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 retaining bugs away than common selfmade 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 children 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 standard 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 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 Elements
As a substitute of being stuffed with 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 may also use cocoa butter or mango butter if most popular 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 in the event you don’t have them readily available, however I do suppose it really works higher. If it’s essential substitute an herb, simply add some extra of the others as an alternative.
Dried herbs work greatest on this recipe since recent herbs could cause the infused oil to mildew. 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 optionally available however it helps prolong the shelf life and forestall the oils from oxidizing as rapidly. I additionally add some additional 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 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 can even 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
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 shade and smells strongly of rosemary. You may also 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.
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 lowered by nearly half and you need to have about ½ cup of the infused oil. 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 greatest). Or you may velocity up the method by putting them within the fridge.
I take advantage of cupcake-size molds for my lotion bars. In the event you use a distinct measurement, your yield might 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 every kind of lotion bars, soaps, pure child merchandise and hair merchandise which can be as much as my requirements. You may 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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