If you’re anything like me, you want to enjoy your time outside without turning into a mosquito buffet. I started making my own natural mosquito repellent lotion not so long ago, but I haven’t looked back since.
I don’t know about you, but I’m not too excited about spraying synthetic mosquito repellent all over my skin especially when my dogs are climbing all over me and trying to lick it off. I’m also very sensitive to mosquito bites (I guess they really like me), so I needed something that actually works and doesn’t make me worry about what’s going into my skin or onto my dogs.
This Homemade Mosquito Repellent Lotion is made with simple ingredients, smells way better than commercial ones, and actually works. Plus, it’s gentle on the skin, kid-pet friendly, and doubles as a moisturizing balm.
Why This Mosquito Repellent Lotion Works:
Lemon balm is a natural insect repellent, and when you infuse it into a nourishing carrier oil, it creates the perfect base for a mosquito repellent that works.
Certain essential oils are also known for naturally keeping bugs and mosquitos away.
The beeswax gives the balm just the right consistency so it’s easy to apply and stays put.
Mosquito Repellent Lotion Recipe:
This recipe makes about 4 ounces.
Ingredients:
- Lemon balm
- Carrier oil
- 1/2 cup infused oil
- 2 tbsp beeswax
- 15 drops essential oils
- 2 oz containers
Instructions:
1. Infuse Your Oil
Fill a clean jar halfway with dried or fresh lemon balm. Then, pour your carrier oil over it until the herbs are fully covered. Seal the jar and let it sit in a sunny spot for a few weeks, giving it a gentle shake every few days. Once it’s ready, strain out the herbs and save your infused oil.
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You can do a slow infusion over a few weeks, or speed things up using the double boiler method, just place your jar in a pan of gently simmering water over low heat and let it infuse for 4–6 hours.
2. Melt the Oil and Beeswax
In a microwave-safe glass jar or bowl, combine 1/2 cup of your infused oil with 2 tablespoons of beeswax. Melt them together in the microwave, stopping every 30 seconds to stir until everything is fully melted and blended.
3. Add Essential Oils
Let the mixture cool just a bit not too much, or it’ll harden then stir in about 15 drops of your chosen essential oils. I love using citronella and cedarwood for a fresh, woodsy scent that bugs hate.
4. Pour and Set
Carefully pour your warm mixture into clean 2 oz tins or jars. Let it cool and harden overnight before putting the lids on.
Notes:
- Essential oils that are great for repelling bugs include citronella, cedarwood, and tea tree essential oil.
- Any carrier oil will work. I used olive oil for this recipe.
- You don’t have to use lemon balm. This just makes it more effective.
Mosquito Repellent Lotion – Bug Balm
Ingredients
- Lemon balm
- Carrier oil
- 1/2 cup infused oil
- 2 tbsp beeswax
- 15 drops essential oils
- 2 oz containers
Instructions
- Add lemon balm to a jar, making it halfway full.
- Pour the carrier oil on top to completely cover the herb. Let infuse for a few weeks, shaking every now and again. Then strain.You can do a slow infusion over a few weeks, or speed things up using the double boiler method, just place your jar in a pan of gently simmering water over low heat and let it infuse for 4–6 hours.
- Add infused oil and beeswax to a glass jar and melt slowly in the microwave until all melted. Be sure to mix thoroughly after every 30 second interval.
- Once melted, let it slightly cool down before adding in your essential oils.
- Add to your containers and let harden overnight before putting the lid on.
Notes
- Essential oils that are great for repelling bugs include citronella, cedarwood, and tea tree essential oil.
- Any carrier oil will work. I used olive oil for this recipe.
- You don’t have to use lemon balm. This just makes it more effective.
