What it is
We make this balm ourselves for time outside. It’s a blend of essential oils that insects tend to avoid, set in a base of oils and butters that are good for your skin, so it feels more like a lotion than a spray.
What’s in it and why
Lemon eucalyptus. Contains citronellal and related compounds. A refined form of lemon eucalyptus oil is one of the few plant-based repellents recognized by the CDC. Our balm uses the essential oil rather than that refined form, and it isn’t an EPA-registered repellent.
Citronella. The classic. It works by masking the scents insects use to find you, but it fades fairly quickly, so plan to reapply.
Peppermint, clove, rosemary and lavender. Each has shown insect-repelling activity in studies, and together they give the balm a fresh, herbal scent.
The base. Raw shea butter, virgin coconut oil, jojoba, castor oil, vitamin E and filtered beeswax. It keeps the essential oils on your skin longer and leaves it soft instead of sticky.
How to use
Rub a thin layer onto exposed skin before heading out, and reapply every hour or two, or after sweating or swimming. Do a small patch test first if you have sensitive skin.
