Outdoor Lotion Bar Recipe with Essential Oils
- Dr Lucy
- Jul 29
- 4 min read
I first made this outdoor lotion bar for a family glamping trip because I wanted something practical to carry, quick to apply and unlikely to leak through a bag.
Most homemade outdoor essential oil blends are made as sprays, but the solid format works particularly well when you are travelling, camping or spending long days outside. The bar can be applied directly to exposed arms and legs, then returned to its tin without any overspray, dripping bottles or sticky residue.
The base is made with shea butter, sweet almond oil and beeswax, creating a firm but easily gliding lotion bar that softens on contact with warm skin. As well as carrying the essential oils, the oils and butters leave the skin feeling soft and nourished.
An outdoor essential oil blend adapted into a lotion bar
The essential oil combination in this recipe is based on an outdoor spray blend I first learned from my aromatherapy teacher, Holly Brandenberger.
Holly uses the blend in a 4 oz spray bottle. I have adapted it here into a solid lotion bar, recalculating the quantities for the smaller batch size and creating a completely different base and method of application.
I wanted to acknowledge that clearly because, although lotion bars are a familiar form of home skincare, the original inspiration for this particular combination of citronella, lemongrass, tea tree, lavender and peppermint came from her teaching.
Why make an outdoor lotion bar?
A spray can be useful when you need to cover a larger area quickly, but a lotion bar has several practical advantages.
It is compact, easy to apply exactly where you want it and much less likely to leak inside a handbag, suitcase or rucksack. There is no spray drifting into the air or towards the face, and the nourishing base means it feels more like applying a body balm than an alcohol-based outdoor spray.
The solid format is especially useful for camping trips, picnics, woodland walks, evenings in the garden and summer holidays.
It is worth remembering that the beeswax and shea butter will soften in very hot weather. Keep the bar in its tin and store it somewhere cool, particularly if you are taking it abroad or leaving it in a warm car.
Why these essential oils?
Citronella and lemongrass give the blend its bright, recognisably outdoorsy aroma. Peppermint adds freshness, while lavender and tea tree soften the sharper citrus notes and create a more balanced scent.
These essential oils are also commonly used in traditional outdoor preparations. However, natural does not mean risk-free, and essential oils still need to be used at an appropriate dilution and with sensible safety precautions.
Do essential oils repel insects?
A number of essential oils have been studied for their potential effects on insects, including citronella, lemongrass and peppermint.
The results vary according to the essential oil, concentration, insect species, formulation and testing conditions. Essential oil-based preparations may also need to be reapplied more frequently than registered conventional insect repellents.
For that reason, I would describe this as a traditional outdoor lotion bar rather than promise a particular level or duration of protection.
It may be a useful option for ordinary time outdoors, but it should not be relied upon as the only protection in areas where insect-borne illness is a concern. In those circumstances, follow current public-health and travel guidance and use an appropriately registered insect repellent.
How to use your outdoor lotion bar
Glide the bar lightly over exposed arms and legs, then massage the oils into the skin.
Reapply as needed, particularly after swimming, washing or excessive sweating.
Avoid the face, eyes, broken skin and hands that may be placed in the mouth. Patch test before first use.
This recipe has been formulated for adults. For occasional use on children aged six and over, apply sparingly to exposed arms and legs only.
Outdoor lotion bar recipe
The complete recipe card below includes the ingredient quantities and step-by-step instructions:
If you prefer to follow along visually, I've also included a quick YouTube video showing you exactly how to make it:
Recipe notes
Use gentle heat. Melt the beeswax and shea butter slowly over a pan of gently simmering water. Avoid overheating, as excessive heat can affect the texture of shea butter.
Let the mixture cool slightly before adding the essential oils. Waiting a minute or two helps reduce the loss of the more volatile aromatic compounds.
No fancy equipment needed. A heatproof jug or bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water works perfectly as a simple double boiler.
Pour while still fully liquid. Once the beeswax begins to cool it will start to thicken quite quickly, so have your moulds or tins ready before you begin.
Leave it to fully set. Although the bar will firm up in the fridge within 30–60 minutes, it reaches its best texture after several hours at room temperature.
Store somewhere cool. Like most natural body butters, this lotion bar will soften in warm weather. Keep it in its tin and out of direct sunlight, particularly if you're taking it on holiday.
Travelling in very hot climates? If temperatures are particularly high, keep the bar in an air-conditioned room or cool bag where possible. It will soften if left in a hot car or in direct sun for long periods.
This recipe is intended for everyday outdoor use. If you're travelling to an area where insect-borne diseases are a concern, always follow current public health advice and use an appropriately registered insect repellent where recommended.
Can I use a different carrier oil? Sweet almond oil can be replaced with another liquid carrier oil, such as jojoba or apricot kernel oil, although the texture of the finished bar may vary slightly.
I hope this outdoor lotion bar becomes one of those simple recipes you find yourself making every summer. If you do make it, I'd love to hear how you get on.
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