How to Make Your Own Natural Homemade Mosquito Repellent Lotion

If you take a look at the ingredients on the back your mosquito repellent, you’ll realize several of the ingredients are harmful for your health. It’s best to get an effective non-toxic natural mosquito repellent . 

Below can teach you how to make a homemade mosquito repellent lotion by only using natural ingredients such java citronella, blue-leaved mallee or geranium Egyptian. Give it a try!

Conventional mosquito repellents

A conventional mosquito repellent contains several toxic ingredients. These substances can seep into your skin pores and enter the bloodstream, which may be harmful to several organs. Below you can find the most toxic components.

DEET

Many insect repellents contain the ingredient N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET). Although, DEET is very effective for warding off insects, it can have a long term toxic effect on the central nervous system.

DEET can even change the way a very important enzyme, acetylcholinesterase, works and inhibit it. Some studies confirm that DEET also causes skin irritation. Likewise, it can redden skin and have a numbing effect similar to anesthesia.

DMP

Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) is another harmful ingredient found in mosquito repellents and perfume . This component makes products last longer from the moment they’re applied. However, it’s side-effects can possibly damage your liver and kidneys. Additionally, it can also harm embryos during pregnancies.

Parabens

Parabens aren’t just present in mosquito repellent. They can also be found in in many cosmetic and personal hygiene product.

They are conservatives that prevent bacteria and fungus from growing. However, more and more products advertise that they’re free of paraben, which is harmful especially for allergies and hormonal changes.

Natural mosquito repellents

The main ingredients that repel mosquitoes are the three following essential oils:

Java citronella

This is the most popular natural mosquito repellent. Citronella has a characteristic citric aroma. However, you are better off using the Indonesian variety  in order to have an effective mosquito repellent lotion.

Blue-leaved mallee

You can use you blue-leaved mallee if you have sensitive skin. It’s also very effective and it’s less likely to irritate your skin. Blue-leaved mallee’s anti-inflammatory effect is also very helpful for soothing itching.

Geranium Egyptian

Geranium’s sweet fragrance is the gentlest repellent product and it’s also very effective as long as it’s diluted properly. You can use it on babies  by putting some well-diluted essential geranium Egyptian oil on their clothes or diapers. Thus, it will repel mosquitoes without making contact with the skin.

Mosquito repellent lotion

You can easily make your own natural homemade mosquito repellent lotion by following these steps.

Ingredients

• ½ cup of alcohol — preferably cetearyl alcohol — because it’s the only kind that doesn’t dry out or irritate skin (100 ml)
• 50 drops of essential citronella, blue-leaved malless or geranium oil, or combined (30 drops are enough for children’s lotion)

Note: If you want a creamer lotion, you can replace the cetearyl alcohol with the same amount of aloe vera gel (which has a calming and refreshing effect) or coconut oil (which nourishes skin and leaves it silky smooth).

It’s best to always use pure essential oils that are clearly labelled with information on the oil (plant part, extraction method, origins, etc.). By double checking the label, you can avoid similar chemical products that actually aren’t natural or offer any therapeutic benefits.

How can you make it?

• Mix the ingredients in a sealed container.
• Store it in a cool, dark place to maintain essential oil properties.
• Use two weeks later.

Application

• It may be a very effective product that should applied every two or three hours due to only having natural ingredients. However, the exact time of reapplication depends on every person.
• Always avoid contact with eyes, mouth and other sensitive body parts.
• Also, pay attention for any possible allergic reactions to any of the essential oils.

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