Summer is incredible — until the bug bites show up. Whether it's mosquitoes at a backyard BBQ or mystery bites from a hike, that relentless itch is the last thing you want to deal with. The problem? Most conventional itch relief products are loaded with harsh chemicals like lidocaine, benzocaine, or synthetic fragrances that you probably don't want on your skin — or your kids' skin.
Good news: a DIY bug balm is incredibly easy to make at home, and it works beautifully. We'll walk you through two versions — a jar balm (great for at home) and a balm stick (perfect for on the go). And if you'd rather skip the DIY altogether, we've got our top clean store-bought picks too.
The Ingredients (Both Recipes Use the Same Base)
These simple, clean ingredients pull double duty — soothing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-safe for the whole family.
- 2 tbsp beeswax pellets — gives structure; use more for a firmer stick, less for a softer jar balm
- 2 tbsp shea butter — deeply moisturizing and anti-inflammatory
- 1 tbsp coconut oil — soothing, antibacterial, and skin-softening
- 10 drops lavender essential oil — calming and anti-itch
- 8 drops tea tree essential oil — antiseptic, helps prevent scratching from causing infection
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil — cooling sensation that instantly calms the itch
For the essential oils, we love the Aura Cacia Discover Essential Oils Kit — it includes lavender, peppermint, and tea tree in one clean set, which covers everything you need for both recipes.
Recipe 1: DIY Bug Balm Jar
The jar version is softer, more moisturizing, and great for applying with a fingertip at home. It's also perfect for making a larger batch to keep on your patio table or in your medicine cabinet all summer.
What You Need
Use the base recipe above, but reduce the beeswax to 1 tbsp for a softer, scoopable balm consistency. Pour into small glass cosmetic jars — we love the JUVITUS Clear Glass Cosmetic Jar 0.25 oz – 6 Pack. The wide mouth makes filling and scooping a breeze, and the thick glass keeps your balm fresh.
How to Make It
- Melt the beeswax (1 tbsp), shea butter, and coconut oil together in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 1–2 minutes.
- Add essential oils and stir well to combine.
- Pour into your glass jars while still liquid.
- Let set at room temperature for 30–60 minutes, or pop in the fridge to speed things up.
- Cap, label, and store — makes approximately 4–6 small jars.
Recipe 2: DIY Bug Balm Stick
The stick version is a game-changer for on-the-go relief. No messy hands, no dripping — just smooth, targeted application right where you need it. Easy to toss in a bag, keep in the car, or pack in a kid's backpack.
What You Need
Use the full base recipe with 2 tbsp beeswax for a firmer stick texture. Pour into lip balm tubes — the Mary Tylor Naturals Lip Balm Container Kit includes 50 BPA-free clear tubes plus a fill tray and spatula, making the process incredibly clean and easy.
How to Make It
- Melt the beeswax (2 tbsp), shea butter, and coconut oil together in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 1–2 minutes — you want it liquid but not scorching hot.
- Add essential oils and stir well to combine.
- Pour carefully into lip balm tubes using the fill tray to hold them upright.
- Let set at room temperature for 30–60 minutes, or pop in the fridge to speed things up.
- Cap and label — makes approximately 4–6 standard tubes.
Kid-Safe Version (Both Recipes)
If you're making this for little ones under 6, skip the peppermint oil — the menthol can be too intense for young children. Simply increase the lavender to 15 drops and add 5 drops of chamomile essential oil instead. The result is a gentle, effective balm that's safe for sensitive skin.
How to Use It
Apply directly to the bug bite as soon as you feel the itch. Reapply every few hours as needed. The lavender and peppermint work almost immediately to calm the itch, while the tea tree helps keep the area clean if you've been scratching.
If You'd Rather Skip the DIY — Our Top Clean Store-Bought Picks
No time to make your own? We get it. Here are our three favorite clean options at different price points and formats:
Best Overall: Badger Bug Bite Itch Relief Stick
Our gold standard. The Badger Bug Bite Itch Relief Stick is USDA Certified Organic with a squeaky-clean ingredient list (beeswax, olive oil, essential oils) in a convenient stick format. If you're only going to buy one, make it this one.
Best for Kids: Hello Bello Kids Soothing Itch Stick
The Hello Bello Kids Soothing Itch Stick is formulated specifically for little ones, with calendula and peppermint oil for gentle, fast-acting relief on insect bites and rashes. The mess-free stick makes it easy for kids to apply themselves — and parents love that it's FSA/HSA eligible.
Best Budget Pick: Nature's Willow Bug Bite Balm
Don't let the small price fool you — the Nature's Willow Bug Bite Balm delivers real, fast relief with 1% menthol in a botanically inspired formula from a small business est. 2009. Compact, effective, and clean — this little tube punches well above its weight.
And if your skin needs some extra soothing after a day outdoors — the Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Spray is a brilliant companion. Pure organic aloe in a spray bottle cools and calms irritated skin in seconds.
Store & Shelf Life
Your DIY bug balm will last 6–12 months stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. If the jar balm gets too warm and softens, just pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm back up. Balm sticks hold their shape better in warm weather thanks to the higher beeswax content.
⭐ What Customers Are Saying
Customers who use clean bug bite balms consistently rave about two things: how quickly the itch stops and how gentle the formula is on sensitive skin. Parents especially appreciate having a kid-safe option that doesn't require reading a long ingredient label with concern — just clean, recognizable ingredients that work. The stick format gets particular praise for being mess-free and easy to reapply on the go, while the jar version is loved for its moisturizing feel and how beautifully it presents as a homemade gift.
📖 Worth Reading Next
If you're building out your clean summer routine, these two guides are the perfect companion reads:
- DIY Bug Repellent Spray (+ The Best Clean Store-Bought Picks) — Stop the bites before they start. This guide walks you through a natural DEET-free repellent spray you can make at home, plus our favorite clean store-bought options.
- How to Make Your Own Natural Sunscreen (+ Clean Store-Bought Options We Love) — Sun protection, the clean way. DIY mineral sunscreen recipe plus our vetted store-bought picks for the whole family.