I love summer. Outside activities such as gardening, camping, swimming and just soaking up the sunshine provide us with a sense of letting loose and slowing down to enjoy life. I know that summer has started where I live when the massive RVs start to drive down my small, quiet, suburban street.

But the one pesky problem that always seems to tag along is bugs. And if you’re anything like me, the smell of chemical bug spray is almost as bad as the bites themselves. That’s where natural bug repellent essential oils come to the rescue.

This blog is all about how to make a summer body butter with natural bug repellent essential oils.

This simple DIY combines nourishing butters and oils with powerful bug repellent essential oils like lavender, geranium, patchouli, and cedarwood. These plant-based ingredients not only help keep mosquitoes and other insects away, they also make your skin feel soft and smell absolutely amazing. It’s the ultimate win-win for summer skincare.

We’re basically creating a rich, creamy version of a bug repellent spray, but without any synthetic scents or sticky residue. And the best part is you can customize the scent with essential oils you love while still staying protected outdoors.

If you’re looking for a natural alternative to store bought sprays, this natural bug repellent body butter is about to become your go-to summer companion. Let’s whip it up together and enjoy more time outside comfortably.

Why You’ll Love This Body Butter

If you’ve ever wished for a way to keep bugs away without smelling like bug spray, this recipe is for you. This whipped body butter is rich, creamy, and loaded with skin-loving ingredients, but what makes it really special is the blend of bug repellent essential oils that help keep mosquitoes and other pests at bay.

Here’s why you’ll love making (and using) this DIY:

It feels like luxury skincare

Unlike store bought repellents that leave your skin sticky or dry, this body butter melts in and leaves you feeling silky soft.

It smells amazing

We’re talking fresh, floral, herbal goodness, like lavender, geranium, patchouli, or cedarwood. Bugs hate these scents, but your nose won’t!

It’s customizable

Essential oils like lemongrass, citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender are known for their bug-repelling properties, and you can mix and match to suit your scent preferences.

Natural Ingredients

No harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, or mystery ingredients. Just pure, plant-based protection.

It’s perfect for summer adventures

Toss a little tin in your bag for camping, hiking, gardening, or patio lounging and you’ll be glad you did. Once you try it, you might find yourself using it even when the bugs aren’t out, just because it smells and feels that good.

Bug Repellent Essential Oils

There are several essential oils known for helping to repel bugs naturally, including lavender, lemongrass, cedarwood, patchouli, geranium, eucalyptus and others. Each oil brings its own aroma and benefits, so you can create a blend that smells amazing and keeps bugs away.

I’ve put together a full guide on bug repellent essential oils you can choose from—click here to explore the full list and find your favorites!

How to Make Whipped Bug Repellent Body Butter (That Smells Amazing!)

Ready to mix up your own summer body butter that not only smells dreamy but also helps keep the bugs away? This recipe creates a soft, whipped texture that melts into the skin and includes a gentle dose of natural bug repellent essential oils, along with neem oil for a little something extra.

Print Recipe

Summer Body Butter with Bug Repellent Essential Oils

Servings: 3 oz

Author: Standing Stone

Equipment

Equipment:
Digital scale (accurate to 0.1g)
Heat-safe glass bowl
Water bath setup
Silicone spatula
Hand mixer
Small jar or tin (85g or 3 oz) for storing your finished butter. Glass or aluminum works well.
Labels for your finished product

Ingredients

Ingredients:

20 grams Shea Butter
20 grams Mango Butter
8 grams Cocoa Butter
6 grams Coconut Oil
21 grams Black Seed Oil
5 grams Beeswax
4.25 grams Neem Oil
7 drops Lavender essential oil
5 drops Clove essential oil
5 drops Catnip essential oil
3 drops Patchouli essential oil
2 drops Palmarosa essential oil
2 drops Basil essential oil

Instructions

Instructions:

Step 1: Melt your base ingredients.
Add the shea butter, mango butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, black seed oil, and beeswax to a heat-safe bowl. Use a water bath and gently melt everything until smooth, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Remove from water bath and cool for 10 minutes.
Place the bowl in the fridge or freezer for 15–30 minutes, just until the mixture thickens and becomes opaque but still soft enough to whip.
Step 3: Whip it good!
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the mixture on high for 3–5 minutes until it becomes fluffy and light, like frosting.
Step 4: Add essential oils and neem oil.
Whip again for 30–60 seconds to fully incorporate.
Step 5: Transfer to a clean, dry jar with a lid.
Label and store in a cool place away from direct sunlight.

Notes

This recipe makes a small batch which is perfect for testing your favorite essential oil blend or giving as a summer gift!

How to Use Your Summer Body Butter

This creamy body butter melts right into your skin, leaving it soft, hydrated, and lightly scented with nature’s best bug-repelling essential oils.

To Use:

Scoop a small amount (about a pea to dime-sized) into your hands.
Warm it between your palms to melt it slightly.
Massage into exposed skin, especially areas bugs tend to land: arms, legs, ankles, neck, and shoulders.
Reapply every few hours when outdoors, especially if you’ve been sweating or swimming.

A Few Quick Tips:

For daytime wear, apply 10–15 minutes before heading out to allow the oils to settle and absorb.
This body butter isn’t waterproof, so you’ll need to reapply after swimming or heavy sweating.
A little goes a long way! Apply sparingly to avoid feeling greasy (and to stretch out your beautiful batch!).

Customizing Your Blend

One of the best things about making your own bug-repelling body butter is that you can make it your own. Whether you want a light floral scent, something woodsy and grounding, or a zesty citrus punch, there’s a blend that fits your vibe.

Build Your Blend with Purpose

Choose 2–3 essential oils that work well together. Start with about 20 total per batch (that’s a 4% dilution). Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Earthy and Calming: Lavender + Patchouli + Cedarwood
Bright and Bold: Lemongrass + Lavender + Geranium
Sweet Woods: Palmarosa + Cedarwood + Vetiver
Fresh Forest: Eucalyptus globulus + Lavender + Pine

Not sure which oils to pick? I’ve got a full blog post that breaks down the best bug repellent essential oils, their benefits, and safety notes.

A quick safety note

Avoid using this body butter on children under 10, as not all essential oils are considered safe for young kids. If you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking medication double check that the oils you choose are safe for your situation. For sensitive skin, go with gentle oils like lavender, cedarwood, or patchouli, and always do a patch test first. Avoid citrus oils like lemon or bergamot as they can make your skin sun-sensitive and cause skin damage. Contact a professional for more guidance.

Essential oils are powerful and wonderful but a little awareness goes a long way when it comes to safety!

Soft Skin, Fewer Bugs, and a Beautiful Summer Vibe

Now you’ve got everything you need to whip up a silky, soothing body butter that not only pampers your skin but also helps keep those pesky bugs at bay using the power of bug repellent essential oils.

Whether you’re heading to the cottage, camping under the stars, or just hanging out in your backyard, this DIY blend lets you enjoy the outdoors with confidence, and smell amazing while you’re at it.

If you love natural DIYs, don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter. You’ll get clean living tips, seasonal recipes, or a free diffuser blend every week! Now go enjoy being outside!