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NOTE: A few weeks back, my recipe for bug repellent was featured on the CoconutOil.com website. Since there are still some high days of summer left and the bugs are in full swing, I wanted to share my recipe for non-toxic bug repellent on here too!
by Jessica Espinoza
CoconutOil.com
Looking for an all-natural, non-toxic insect repellent that doesn’t contain the chemicals (like DEET) that most of the commercial brands do? There are many natural, non-toxic ingredients that can be used to make a bug repellent that won’t harm you and your family. Most homemade bug balms and bug sprays utilize the strength of essential oils. The most common essential oils used as bug repellents are:
- Catnip
- Cedarwood
- Cinnamon
- Citronella
- Clove
- Eucalyptus
- Geranium
- Lavender
- Lemongrass
- Patchouli
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
- Tea Tree
Note: Some citrus oils, like lemon, also have strong bug repellent properties, but are also considered “phototoxic”, meaning that the skin could damage or burn easily if those oils are applied to the skin and then exposed to any source of ultraviolet (UV) light. In the case of phototoxicity, it depends on the type of oil and how the essential oil has been processed as to whether the oil could cause a phototoxic reaction. Because of this, it is advised to use caution when adding citrus oils to your bug balms and sprays, even though they are strong repellents. If you do add citrus oils to your bug repellents, you should always keep your skin completely covered to avoid UV exposure.
Natural bug repellents are not going to be 100% bugproof, nor are they going to last all day. Rather than spraying yourself once with a commercial DEET-based repellent, you may need to reapply the repellent, depending on how much time you spend outside and how many pests you have in your vicinity. The benefit is that you will avoid exposing your skin and respiratory system to harsh, toxic chemicals that could harm your body. You also gain the benefit of smelling fresh and herby, rather than smelling like bug spray all day. When possible, use standard biting insect precautions, like wearing long sleeves, pants, socks, and shoes, as well as avoiding the times when insects like mosquitoes are most active (dusk to dawn).
Recipe Ingredients – Delicious Obsessions Trusted Product Recommendations
I am always asked about my favorite ingredients and what I use in my own kitchen. I have linked to the products from my affiliate partners that I personally use and recommend. And now, here are the special coupon offers that select affiliate partners are currently offering:
- Thrive Market: If you sign up through this link, you will get 15% OFF your first order.
- Amazon, of course, has everything you need for this recipe. Their prices are often very good, though I love to shop around and sometimes find that Thrive Market has better deals. If you like saving money, it’s good to shop around! 🙂
- I get all of my herbs and spices, butters, waxes, and clays from Mountain Rose Herbs. I have tried so many other brands and have never found the quality, flavor, and aroma to be as good as the herbs I get from Mountain Rose.
For more information about the essential oils I use for myself and my family, click here.
Bug Balm Recipe
This recipe makes approximately 4oz (1/2 cup) of bug balm. It can easily be doubled or tripled, depending on how much you need for your family. This makes a very soft balm, almost like a salve, which makes application easier. If you prefer a firmer balm, you can increase the beeswax until you reach the desired texture. Small 2oz jars are the perfect size for a purse, backpack, or diaper bag, but you can use whatever container you have on hand. I have linked to the products from my affiliate partners that I personally recommend.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/8 cup shea butter (I get my butters from Mountain Rose Herbs or on Amazon here)
- 4 tsp. beeswax granules (aka. beads) (I get my waxes from Mountain Rose Herbs or on Amazon here)
- 12 drops citronella essential oil
- 8 drops rosemary essential oil
- 8 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 8 drops lemongrass essential oil
- 8 drops eucalyptus or tea tree essential oil
For more information about the essential oils I use for myself and my family, click here.
Tools:
- Double boiler (like this one)
- Metal whisk (like this one)
- Metal spoon
- Jar(s) for finished salve (I love these little Mason jars)
Instructions:
- Bring the water in your double boiler to a boil and then lower heat to medium-low. Add the coconut oil and shea butter and let the two ingredients melt while whisking together. Add the beeswax and whisk the granules into the coconut oil mixture, until completely melted.
- At this point, you can test the mixture for texture. Take the back of a metal spoon and dip it in the liquid. Let the spoon cool until the mixture sets up. Test a small bit on your skin to see if you are happy with the texture. If you want it a little firmer, you can add a little more beeswax (add 1/2 tsp. at a time). If you want it softer, you can add a little more shea butter (add 1/2 tsp. at a time).
- Once the mixture is the right texture for your liking, remove the pan from the heat. Let the liquid cool for 3-5 minutes and then whisk in the essential oils. Whisk well to ensure everything is combined. Pour the liquid into your jars. Let cool, uncovered at room temperature, before capping.
- You can keep the salve at room temperature for easy application. If the salve is exposed to extreme heat, it can melt or become very soft, so use caution when opening, if the jar has been left in a hot car or the sun.
Sources:
- “Essential Oil Safety – Phototoxicity”. West Coast Institute of Aromatherapy.
- “Sun Sensitivity (Phototoxicity) and Essential Oils”. Esoteric Oils.
- “FAQs About Essential Oil Phototoxicty”. Tiffany Rowan.
Learn more about skin care from my videos!
Since I am a fanatic about keeping my skin and body care non-toxic, I get a lot of questions about what my routine is and what products I use. I created this video to discuss all of that and more. The video below that features a lot of the hair care products that I use, including henna and my favorite clean shampoo.
Delicious Obsessions is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.Read our full terms and conditions here.

Oh, boy. This will come in handy in the buggy deep south! All the rain this year has made for quite a mosquito season. Thanks!
Great recipe!
Thanks Amanda! 🙂
Are there different combinations that work better than others? Also, I have always been told that citronella and lemongrass are the same thing……
Hi Emily – Any of the essential oils listed above work well. You can experiment to find a scent combo that you like. Some people can’t stand the smell of certain essential oils, so this allows you to experiment with s combo that you like best!
How long is this good? Will it keep until next summer, or do I toss it in the fall and make more next year?
Thanks!
Hi there — It should keep for quite awhile. I am still using on a batch that I made last year and it’s fine. If you want, you can always cut the recipe in half and just make a smaller amount each time. Enjoy!
Hi Jessica, I love this and can’t wait to try it. I was wondering, if I were to add more beeswax, could it me used as a candle or is the coconut oil content too high? Just wondering as I would like to have something for my patio during summer evening gatherings 🙂
Hi Deidra – That is a great question and I am not sure the answer. I’ve never tried it, but will put it on my list to try this summer out of curiosity! If nothing else, you could find a super basic homemade candle recipe online and then add in the essential oils that I use in the recipe above. 🙂
Do you have a recipe for SUNSCREEN? that doesn’t smell, or burn the eyes or look white and is GREASY? I hard if not impossible thing to find. I tried zinc oxide last summer, but it was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO greasy, I couldn’t tolerate it, nor could my clothes or car seat, and I didn’t slather it on. I went sparingly!
Sigh!
Kate
Hi Kate – The white look is going to be from the zinc oxide, so if you leave that out, it won’t leave any white residue. I have a recipe for homemade sunscreen here: https://www.deliciousobsessions.com/2013/06/homemade-non-toxic-coconut-oil-sunscreen-recipe/. Cheers!
Is this safe for little children? If not what essential blend would be?
Hi Laura – I am not yet well versed in what oils are safe for kids (I don’t have kids yet, so I’ve never had a need to research it). I am currently expanding my EO knowledge in that area, but in the interim, I’m sure you could find some information online too! I do know that you must use extreme caution when applying EOs to children and babies, so my gut feeling is that some of the essential oils used in this recipe may not be suitable for children.
Hi Jessica, I love your site. Are the oils in this recipe diluted enough to be safe for babies? thanks.
Hi Jackie – Thanks! Since I don’t have kids, I am not yet well versed in what oils are safe for them. I’ve never had a need to research it, but I am currently expanding my EO knowledge in that area. In the interim, I’m sure you could find some information online regarding which oils are safe for babies, but I do know that you have use extreme caution when applying EOs to babies. My gut feeling is that this recipe may not be suitable for babies.
Hi Jessica how much water do you use?
Hi Awilda! Are you referring to the water in the double boiler? If so, it will depend on the size of your pot and bowl insert. You want the water to be just a little below the bottom of the insert. Hope that helps!
Awesome recipe !!! Is there a substitute for beeswax I could use?
Thanks for posting this !
Hi there! Thanks for stopping by! I am so glad you liked it. I have never tried anything but the beeswax, but I have been told that candelilla or carnauba wax are good subs from beeswax. Hope that helps!
Hi Jessica. Since I don’t have access to beeswax or most of the essential oils listed and would like to use the repellant for my kids, can I use just coconut oil, Shea butter and 10 drops of mint oil to make (using your method) mine?
Hi Ukachi! Thanks for stopping by. You could definitely experiment with it and see how things work. Typically these essential oils work in harmony to create the repellent, but mint alone may do just fine. I know that a lot of people say mint works great for repelling insects and pests in the home. Let me know how it goes if you give it a try!
Just found your site. Love it. So much great info. I also search for the cleanest ingredients, preferably all organic. Do you have a reliable source for your oils. I have young living oils. Thanks in advance
Hi Tammy! Thank you for stopping by! I am so glad you found me and the info has been helpful! Right now, I am primarily using Plant Therapy. I love the company and the owners (very honest, reputable people). Their oils are easily accessible and affordable. I typically get mine on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3aZ8xw2