DIY Outdoor Protection & Bug Repellent Balm

Last updated: August 2026

Outdoor exploration is essential for a child's development, but bites and environmental exposure can quickly turn an adventure uncomfortable. This page brings together two formulations for that challenge — a physical barrier balm and a named bug repellent — each drawn from a different Baraka recipe book. Both lean on the same trusted Baraka ingredients used throughout our Mother & Baby DIY Skincare Hub, made in about 20 minutes with basic kitchen tools.

In This Recipe:

• What This Recipe Helps With
• Ingredients
• Directions
• Application Tips
• Customisation Ideas
• Storage & Shelf Life
• Voice Search FAQ
• Try These Next
• Disclaimer

Choose Your Formulation

What This Recipe Helps With

• Creating a physical barrier on exposed skin against environmental elements
• Helping deter biting insects during outdoor activities
• Offering both a barrier-style balm and a scent-based bug repellent option
• Supporting active outdoor exploration with a simple, traceable formula

Why This Is a Great DIY Recipe

The Primary balm uses 6 ingredients with a melt, whisk, and cool method, while the Bug Repellent variation uses 4 ingredients with a similar simple process. Skill Level: Beginner. Both are forgiving — the zinc oxide in the Primary just needs to be whisked in slowly to avoid clumps. Commercially, outdoor balms with a fully transparent ingredient list are hard to find; both formulations here are traceable to a Baraka cooperative. Yield: approximately 105ml (Primary) plus one named variation. This recipe is expanded from our Shea Butter for Babies guide, which covers additional formulations for outdoor and everyday skin protection.

Why These Ingredients Work Together

Shea Butter creates a stable protective barrier that resists wiping off during active play, appearing in both formulations. Red Palm Oil is included in the Primary for its distinctive scent, which is traditionally associated with deterring biting insects. Traditional Coconut Oil lightens the texture in both balms. In the Primary, zinc oxide forms a physical barrier against environmental elements, while beeswax adds hold. The Bug Repellent variation relies instead on a blend of lemongrass, cedarwood, and geranium essential oils, scents traditionally used to help deter insects.

Hero Ingredient Benefits

• Shea Butter: Creates a stable protective barrier that resists wiping off during active outdoor play, used in both formulations.
• Red Palm Oil: Contributes a distinctive natural scent traditionally associated with deterring biting insects in the Primary formulation.
• Traditional Coconut Oil: Lightens the texture across both formulations so they spread easily on exposed skin.

Primary Formulation: Outdoor Protection Balm

Ingredients:

• Shea Butter — 60 g (1/4 cup)
• Red Palm Oil — 15 ml (1 tablespoon)
• Traditional Coconut Oil — 30 ml (2 tablespoons)
• Beeswax — 15 g (1 tablespoon)
• Zinc Oxide (non-nano) — 15 g (1 tablespoon)
• Calendula Oil — 15 ml (1 tablespoon)
• Citronella, Lemongrass, or Cedarwood Essential Oil — 3–5 drops total (optional, for children over 2 years only)

Directions

1. Create a double boiler with a heat-safe glass bowl over a pot of simmering water.
2. Add the shea butter, red palm oil, coconut oil, and beeswax to the bowl.
3. Melt completely, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
5. Add the calendula oil and optional essential oil if using and child is over 2 years.
6. Slowly whisk in the zinc oxide until fully incorporated without clumps.
7. Pour into a wide-mouth jar or tin for easy application.
8. Allow to cool completely.

Variation: Natural Bug Repellent Balm

From Traditional DIY Shea Remedies for Mother & Baby Wellness.

Ingredients:

• Shea Butter — 60 ml (1/4 cup)
• Traditional Coconut Oil — 30 ml (2 tablespoons)
• Beeswax — 15 ml (1 tablespoon)
• Lemongrass Essential Oil — 15 drops
• Cedarwood Essential Oil — 10 drops
• Geranium Essential Oil — 5 drops

1. Create a double boiler with a heat-safe glass bowl over a pot of simmering water.
2. Add the shea butter, coconut oil, and beeswax to the bowl.
3. Melt completely, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the essential oils, stirring to incorporate thoroughly.
6. Pour into a clean, dry container with a tight-fitting lid.
7. Allow to cool completely before use.

Application Tips

Apply either formulation to exposed skin before outdoor activities, focusing on areas most attractive to insects like ankles, wrists, and neck. Reapply every 2–3 hours or after swimming or sweating. Avoid the eye area when applying. These formulations create a physical barrier and scent-based deterrent — for sun protection, use a dedicated broad-spectrum sunscreen alongside either balm.

Customisation Ideas

• Choose the Primary balm for a heavier barrier-style texture on exposed skin.
• Choose the Bug Repellent variation for a lighter, scent-forward option.
• Skip the optional essential oil in the Primary formulation for children under 2.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store both formulations at room temperature for up to 6 months.

The Impact of Your Purchase

When you make skincare with Baraka ingredients, you're supporting women's cooperatives who earn fair wages and preserve traditional processing methods. According to Baraka's Social and Environmental Impact Report, this direct trade model provided income for over 1,000 women and prevented 47 metric tons of CO2 emissions. You also gain complete transparency — knowing exactly what touches your skin and your family's skin, without hidden synthetics or uncertain supply chains.

Meet one of the women behind these ingredients in this short film: Baraka Palm Oil.

Shop the Baraka Ingredients in This Recipe

Pure. Natural. Ethically sourced. Hand-crafted by women's cooperatives. These are the ingredients trusted throughout Baraka's DIY guides and recipes.

• Shea Butter — Shop Now — Rich and deeply moisturising, a versatile base for balms and creams.
• Red Palm Oil — Shop Now — Unrefined and naturally rich, adds distinctive scent and conditioning benefits.
• Traditional Coconut Oil — Shop Now — Lightweight and versatile, softens formulations and absorbs well.

Voice Search FAQ

What's a good DIY balm for outdoor protection?
A shea butter and zinc oxide balm creates a physical barrier on exposed skin, while a lemongrass, cedarwood, and geranium essential oil blend offers a scent-based bug deterrent. Apply before outdoor activities and reapply every 2–3 hours.

Do these balms provide sun protection?
No — neither formulation on this page is formulated or intended as sun protection. For sun exposure, use a dedicated broad-spectrum sunscreen alongside either balm.

What's the difference between the two formulations?
The Primary balm uses zinc oxide to create a physical barrier and includes red palm oil, traditionally associated with deterring insects. The Bug Repellent variation relies entirely on a blend of essential oils for a lighter, scent-based approach.

How often should I reapply?
Reapply either balm every 2–3 hours during outdoor activities, or sooner after swimming or heavy sweating, since both water and perspiration reduce how long the barrier or scent remains effective.

Try These Next

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like:

• DIY Toddler Adventure Balm — an all-purpose companion balm for active toddler exploration.
• Is Coconut Oil Good for Baby Skin? Top 3 Benefits — useful background on an ingredient shared by both formulations here.
• Shea Butter for Babies — a deeper look at how shea supports newborn and infant skin.
• Baby Skincare Essentials Every New Parent Needs — useful if you're building out your outdoor kit.
• From Kitchen to Nursery: Essential Tools for DIY Mother & Baby Skincare — useful if you're just getting your DIY setup started.

About These Ingredients

This recipe draws on two Baraka recipe books: the primary formulation is expanded from DIY Formulations for the Motherhood Journey, with the variation credited to Traditional DIY Shea Remedies for Mother & Baby Wellness. Each book explores additional formulations for supporting outdoor and everyday skin protection.

Disclaimer

The recipes and ingredients on this page are intended for cosmetic use only — for application to the skin, hair, and nails to cleanse, condition, and beautify. They have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any other regulatory authority. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. These formulations are not sunscreens and do not provide sun protection; use a dedicated broad-spectrum sunscreen for sun exposure. If you have a medical condition, skin condition, or known allergies, consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Always patch-test new ingredients before full application. Keep all products away from eyes and out of reach of children. Results will vary between individuals.