The weather has been looking up around these parts, and this time of year we move outside. Summer in the PNW is a glorious time, but it is fleeting, so we spend as much time as we can out of doors.
That being said, a good insect repellent is in order, and I don’t mean one with DEET…
DEET, (chemical name, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is classified as a pesticide and according to the EPA is *only* a Category III, being “slightly toxic.”
No thanks. You can keep your “probably safe in moderation” toxic chemicals to yourself. I can make a safe-for-the-whole-family bug repellent that is super moisturizing, smells delightful, and is an authority on insect repelling. With just a few ingredients and an essential oil arsenal, I created a solid lotion bar that acts tough, yet softens. 🙂
The recipe is simple: equal parts of coconut oil, nut butter and beeswax. I used a half-ounce of each and poured it all into one cup of my silicone muffin pan
“Bugless Bar” Solid Lotion
- 0.5 ounce coconut oil
- 0.5 ounce shea butter
- 0.5 ounce beeswax
- 1/2 teaspoon (or 40-60 drops) essential oils*
For this Bugless Bar, I used:
- 15 drops lavender
- 15 drops cedarwood
- 15 drops lemongrass
- 15 drops “Bugless” blend (purchased at my local herbal shop). “Bugless” contains citronella, tea tree, lavender and peppermint
*Use any combination of bug repelling oils you have on hand.
In a small double boiler, I used a mason jar in a pot of water, melt the beeswax and coconut oil. Then melt the shea butter. I usually try to melt my shea butter last, for she is a fickle one. Remove from heat and pour into your silicone mold. Allow to cool just slightly before stirring in your essential oils. (I waited a bit too long here–matter of minutes– and almost was unable to stir in the oils because the bar had started to set up. It worked out fine, but you’ve been warned 🙂
The impatient part of me put this in the fridge to cool, and when it was thoroughly cooled, popped it out of the mold and rubbed it on!
Bugs, I defy you.
Not up for another DIY? Let Sheaberry send you one of their dreamy solid lotion bars– FOR FREE!
(Archived Post–Giveaway Closed)
Sheaberry makes natural, organic solid lotion bars out of Denver, Colorado. Kate from Sheaberry found that “…there was a serious need for natural, organic skin products that were effective in the dry climate.” Sheaberry prides themselves in using the highest quality butters and oils, and stands behind their products proven effectiveness.
I can attest that that statement is true! In May, Kate sent me some of her solid lotion bars to try and I am in LOVE with them! They are super moisturizing and smell amazing! My favorite is the Acai Berry 🙂 There is a similar amount of scent that you would find in a scented lotion. Not too over-powering, but scented enough to smell like a perfume when applied. Don’t worry; if perfume’s not your thing, Kate has unscented options as well. 🙂 I really like the travel tin size, and I carry it around in my purse. In a pinch, I have used the solid lotion as deodorant and lip balm. (It actually worked great as a deodorant!)
If you are interested in a solid lotion bar, but aren’t up for making one yourself , let Kate send you one of hers to try. Although she doesn’t have a bug repelling option, (if you want ultimate bug protection you’ll have to make one following the recipe above), she does offer a lavender bar which should help you out a bite, err, I mean bit…
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only, sorry global friends 🙁
To be eligible to win, you must be friends with Sustain, Create, and Flow on facebook.
“Like” me on facebook! Click here.
If you want to check out Sheaberry on facebook, here’s an easy link. (This is not mandatory, just fun for you :))
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links that provide a small commission to me when purchases are made through that link–-at no extra cost to you. I only affiliate with companies whose products I personally use and can whole-heartedly recommend. Thank you for supporting Sustain, Create and Flow.
I was provided solid lotion bars by the sponsor, Sheaberry, to sample for myself. Opinions expressed about the product are my own and are no way influenced by the sponsor.
Shared With: Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways, Natural Living Monday, Make Your Own Monday, Fat Tuesday, From the Farm, Wildcrafting Wednesday
Thanks so much for your site and all the info you share with us. I’ve only been on for a short time, but I’ve learned so much. I would love to win one of the Sheaberry lotion bars — lavender would be heavenly!!! I don’t have Facebook and don’t plan on getting into it, so I know my chances are limited, but still hoping I win one. Thanks again.
Patti
Hi Patti, If you don’t HAVE Facebook, it’s ok 😉 I totally understand. I won’t disqualify you on that one 😉
I would love to try the cucumber melon bar. sounds refreshing and invigorating
I’d like to try the Caffeine Boost Lotion Bar, but choosing which to try first is tough!
Can’t wait to try this. Would Whole Foods have the bug repellant oil?
I sure would like to try the caffeine lotion bar.
Is the recipe for the “buzz off” bar gluten free ? Thanks for your help on this ! Susan
I think so??? I can’t think of any of the ingredients having gluten, but, I am no expert, so If you are highly sensitive, please do your own research! I would hate for you to get sick!
love your stuff! Cannot figure out how toenter contest. Loriannko@yahoo.com
i’d love to try the lavender
I would love to try the caffeine bar sounds great
I would like to try the Vitamin C Boost bar.
Hi, I would like to try the lavender bar!
Having just survived cancer I am very interested in wholesome earthly blessings. Thanks for the opportunities. Appreciate that you’ve taken the time to share these things with folks like me……
That’s why I blog 😉 I’m so glad to hear the news of your good health! Keep up the good work, and thanks for sharing. With love, Jerica
I would love to try the acia berry lotion bar. Sounds scrumptious!!
I would like to try the Vitamin C Boost Bar!
L would LOVE to try the caffiene bar!
I just happen to stumbled onto your blog and couldn’t believe my luck! I wanted to make a ‘Buzz Off’ bar and thanks to you, I can! Even more cool is your sweet Giveaway. I visited Sheaberry’s website and I would love to try the Cucumber melon lotion bar, as I have sensitive and dry skin and have a love for both cucumber and melon! Thank you for this opportunity ~ you’re AWESOME!
I’d love to try the caffeine boost!
I would love to try the Almond Buttercream bar! 🙂
I would love to try the Coffee bar!
I’d like to try the natural lotion bar.
I would like to try the vitamin C boost or the melon. I love lavender, but my family is so sick of the scent (yes, I used it all the time).
I would be torn between trying the lavender and acai berry bars.
I would love to wine the almond buttercreme bar. Thanks for the giveaway.
I would like to try the lavendar bar.
My husband is allergic to coconut. What can I use in it’s place?
Hi Malisa,
You could substitute any kind of oil you’d like, but you’d probably want to increase your beeswax and/or butter just a little though since coconut oil is pretty solid at room temp. I’m not sure exactly on what to advise you, as I’ve only made it with coconut oil. I’m guessing it contributes somewhat to the hardness of the bar. Try it and report back 🙂
i’d love a freebie and ty so much for the awesome recipe. i will be sharing on my blog and in my groups. more exposure for you!
I, I’m from Québec, Canada, and I’m not very good in English, so my question is “do you use this bar like a soap or just rub on the skin and let it on”?
Thanks
Hi Lucie, you just rub it on the skin! Thanks for visiting the blog 😉
I am going to find all of this recipe and make some for my hubby, myself and share with anyone who comes by in the evening and need some bugless wonder!
I would like to make the bug lotion bar but can’t use tea tree… Is there something I can substitute?
You could use eucalyptus, or just leave it out all together.
Would I be able to substitute coco butter for the shea butter??
any hard butter will work 🙂
When you add the oils to the bars already in the muffin tin, do you mean you add 1/2 a teaspoon of the mix of oils on each bar?
or is it 1/2 a teaspoon of the mix divided into the tins?
Thanks!