This DIY lavender lotion recipe smells amazing while also providing a natural mosquito repellent. Not only does the recipe come together quickly, but it’s also a great way to provide some protection from pesky insects to young children or anyone unable to use commercial insect repellents.
Is Lavender a Natural Mosquito Repellent?
Yes, lavender plants are a natural mosquito repellent. This also includes lavender essential oil, which is a concentrated compound of the plant. You can use lavender, along with other pure essential oils, to make a natural insect repellent that doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
In my experience, using lavender-scented body lotions is a great natural way to deter various biting insects. Of course, I prefer making my own skin care products since then I can control the ingredients and avoid artificial fragrances. If you are prone to getting mosquito bites, then you may way to add a few other essential oils to the lotion or use other items in addition to the lotion. Since I am one of those prone to bites, I will use my natural Mosquito Repellent Spray recipe and have my Bug Bite Essential Roller bottle with me for quick relief from itchy bug bites (scroll to the end for both recipes).
Natural Ingredients
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a natural moisturizer with a high concentration of fatty acids and vitamin A and vitamin E. These vitamins are what make it an antioxidant, which helps with premature aging and fine lines. What makes it really great is that all skin types can use it and it’s especially moisturizing. Shea butter restores dry skin quickly once applied while not being greasy or oily. With this in mind, you are quickly going to become obsessed with this ingredient and add it to your skincare routine.
Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is good for the skin as it smoothes the skin while providing a natural layer of protection between the skin and anything else. Although it doesn’t provide a lot of moisture, coconut oil has both antibacterial and locking-in moisture properties.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil since it’s perfect for moisturizing the skin, making it a great addition to the recipe. Plus it is full of essential vitamins and minerals including vitamins E and B that the skin needs.
Of course, you could also use sweet almond oil or avocado oil in your recipe as an alternative lightweight oil in this recipe.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil makes this recipe smell amazing while helping to protect you from those pesky insects. The scent of lavender essential oil is sweet and floral.
It’s also a great essential oil for relaxing, calming, and balancing. Amazing for your skin, including wound healing, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and many more. Since it’s great for so many things, lavender is known as the swiss army knife of essential oils!
There are several other essential oils that make great mosquito repellents, as well as work well on itchy bug bites. They are listed below.
Beeswax (optional)
Beeswax is the ingredient that hydrates, soothes, and calms your skin. It may also help with itchy skin or skin irritations as well as help repair damaged skin. Beeswax can also help serve as a protective barrier on the skin and help in thickening skincare recipes.
Best Essential Oils for Mosquito Repellent
- Lavender oil
- Citronella oil
- Peppermint oil
- Tea tree oil
- Geranium oil
- Lemongrass oil
- Purification oil
- Lemon eucalyptus oil
- Cinnamon bark oil
- Thyme oil
Supplies Needed for Your Homemade Lavender Lotion
Here are the supplies needed to make your own lavender lotion :
- 1/4 cup jojoba oil
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- 1 tablespoon beeswax (optional)
- 40-50 drops of lavender essential oil (or a combination of listed above)
- glass measuring cup or large glass bowl
- double boiler or large saucepan
- small glass bowl
- whisk
- small glass jar
Easy Lavender Lotion Recipe
Let’s get to making this lotion recipe, which is gentle enough for those with sensitive skin. This is a fairly easy recipe but requires a little prep time to get out all ingredients to make sure the recipe goes smoothly.
STEP ONE: Measure out 2 tablespoons of shea butter and break it into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to melt and stir. Then add the 1/4 cup of jojoba oil, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon of beeswax (optional) into a double boiler on your stovetop.
For mine, I used a large saucepan with water halfway and a 1-cup glass measuring cup to make pouring easier. Heat water to a gentle boil, whisking until they start to melt together. You also have the option of using your microwave to melt the ingredients. When using the microwave, heat for 30-second increments until melted, making sure to stir the mixture in between.
STEP TWO: Continue whisking the mixture until smooth and no pieces are left. Once that happens, remove the measuring cup from the stovetop and dry off the bottom. The measuring cup will be hot, so make sure to have towels and pot holders nearby. Turn off the stove.
STEP THREE: Pour mixture into a glass bowl. This allows the mixture to cool more quickly. Let sit for 5 minutes before moving to the next step.
STEP FOUR: Then add 40-50 drops of essential oil to the mixture. Stir again to combine well and allow to cool completely. If you are concerned about a strong scent, then you can start by using a smaller amount and then add more if needed.
My personal recipe uses 25 drops of lavender, 15 drops of peppermint, and 10 drops of lemongrass essential oils. If using this recipe on young children, then I would recommend using half the number of drops of essential oil.
STEP FIVE: Finally, store your finished lavender lotion in a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Use daily as part of your skincare routine and as a natural bug repellent.
Lavender Lotion Recipe for Natural Mosquito Repellent
Equipment
- glass measuring cup or large glass bowl
- double boiler or large saucepan
- small glass bowl
- whisk
- small glass jar
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup jojoba oil
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- 1 tablespoon beeswax (optional)
- 40-50 drops lavender essential oil (or combination of essential oils)
Instructions
- Measure out 2 tablespoons of shea butter and break it into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to melt and stir. Then add the 1/4 cup of jojoba oil, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon of beeswax (optional) into a double boiler on your stovetop. For mine, I used a large saucepan with water halfway and a 1-cup glass measuring cup to make pouring easier. Heat water to a gentle boil, whisking until they start to melt together. You also have the option of using your microwave to melt the ingredients. When using the microwave, heat for 30-second increments until melted, making sure to stir the mixture in between.
- Continue whisking the mixture until smooth and no pieces are left. Once that happens, remove the measuring cup from the stovetop and dry off the bottom. The measuring cup will be hot, so make sure to have towels and pot holders nearby. Turn off the stove.
- Pour mixture into a glass bowl. This allows the mixture to cool more quickly. Let sit for 5 minutes before moving to the next step.
- Then add 40-50 drops of essential oil to the mixture. Stir again to combine well and allow to cool completely. If you are concerned about a strong scent, then you can start by using a smaller amount and then add more if needed.See NOTES for my recipe and safety tip for children.
- Finally, store your finished lavender lotion in a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Use daily as part of your skincare routine and as a natural bug repellent.
Notes
ARE YOU ON PINTEREST? MAKE SURE TO SAVE THIS BLOG POST FOR LATER.
This post may contain affiliate links. I will make a small commission if you make a purchase through one of these links, at no extra cost to you. See full disclosure and disclaimer policy here.
Other Homemade Recipes for Mosquitoes
Mosquito Repellent Spray: Add 1 1/2 oz distilled water (or boiled and cooled tap water) to a 2 oz. glass spray bottle. Then add 1/2 oz vodka or high-proof clear alcohol to the bottle. Lastly, add 8 drops of citronella, 8 drops of lemongrass, 5 drops of lavender, 5 drops of purification, and 5 drops of peppermint essential oils. Shake well to combine.
The combination of using the lavender lotion with the mosquito repellent spray will provide hours of protection. Spray on clothing, hats, or skin before doing your outdoor activities. This DIY bug spray can be re-applied as needed every 30 minutes to an hour depending on those pesky pests!
Bug Bite Roller Recipe: Add 10 drops of purification, 10 drops of lavender, and 10 drops of peppermint essential oils to your 10ml roller bottle. Fill the remaining with carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, or avocado oil. Shake well to combine.
Apply the bug bite roller to insect bites or itchy spots on the skin as needed. It is best to apply the roller as soon as possible after the bug bite. This can be re-applied as often as needed, up to once per hour. If you don’t have all these essential oils, then you can also use a small amount of lavender oil along with some carrier oil directly to the bug bite.
Bentonite Clay is also a great natural remedy for bug bites. Simply make the mask, apply it to the bite, and wash it away. Check out my Bentonite Clay Face Mask for a quick 5-minute recipe.
If you are in an area that is prone to mosquito-borne diseases, you may want to look for other organic products that can provide another layer of protection. However, it is still your best choice to avoid the active ingredient DEET, which may cause health and environmental issues.
More Natural Skincare Recipes
Hi, I’m Kristin.
I am so glad you are here ready to make some really incredible diy recipes with simple ingredients. Join me in learning how to use essential oils in all of your homemade personal care products and creating a natural home.
Lastly, if you make this diy recipe please share your comments below. I love to hear from everyone who makes these homemade recipes and do my best to respond to all of them!
Leave a Reply