Lotion Bar: Don't Bug Me! Bug Repellent Lotion Bar

Kind To Your Skin & The Environment

Nourishing Skin Care Derived From Nature

In Sync With Your Skin—and the Planet

Lotion Bar: Don't Bug Me! Bug Repellent Lotion Bar

Name: Lotion Bar: Don't Bug Me! Bug Repellent Lotion Bar
Brand: Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve
SKU: lbbug
Price: 9.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (40 reviews)

We harnessed the power of plants to create a portable lotion bar made with organic essential oils traditionally used in products designed to help repel mosquitoes and gnats. This convenient, travel-friendly formula contains no DEET, petroleum-derived ingredients, or synthetic fragrances.

Size:

1 oz Tin

$9.95

Product Overview

Be kind to your skin and our planet while enjoying time outdoors.

Plants have been producing compounds that help protect them from pests since the beginning of time. Inspired by these botanical ingredients, we created a moisturizing lotion bar made with organic oils, butters, and essential oils.

This lotion bar features a skin-safe blend of citronella, cedarwood, lemongrass, rosemary, peppermint, and thyme essential oils to help repel mosquitoes and gnats.

Toss it in your purse, pocket, backpack, picnic basket, golf bag, or travel kit. The compact metal tin makes it easy to take along wherever your outdoor adventures lead.

Product Highlights

Made with organic oils, butters, and essential oils
Helps repel mosquitoes and gnats
Fresh, clean, woodsy aroma with subtle citrus notes
Moisturizes and softens skin
Convenient travel-friendly tin
Made with Cruelty-Free, Non-GMO, and sustainable ingredients
Packaged in an infinitely recyclable metal tin. No plastic!

The nourishing blend of organic oils and butters glides easily onto the skin while the essential oil blend provides a fresh botanical aroma.

Because outdoor conditions vary, individual experiences may differ depending on weather conditions, activity level, perspiration, and time spent outdoors.

NOTE: For information about mosquito and tick-borne diseases, travel recommendations, and personal protection measures, please consult current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

For more information, please read: Chagrin Valley Natural Bug Repellents: Q & A

How To Use

For Best Results:

Apply to the skin as often as required paying special attention to places that bugs like to bite.
Since repellency is based on scent, we recommend that the repellent be reapplied at least every 1 to 2 hours for best protection.
If wearing short pants or shirts add few good swipes up and down the arms and legs.
If you have a bit of the lotion bar on your fingertips, lightly swipe down your hair for head-to-toe overall coverage.
Most effective if applied about 5 minutes before venturing outside.

SAFETY:

If you are pregnant or have any health concerns please discuss the use of any product with your health care provider
For small children or those with sensitive skin it is recommended that you do a patch test before using and if you have any questions, check with your health care provider
New products may cause allergic skin reactions
Keep away from children
Please have adults do the applying and do not apply to children's hands
We recommend consulting your health care provider before using this product on an infant or young toddler
Avoid contact with eyes--in case of eye contact, wash eyes with plenty of water
If you venture into areas with high mosquito populations, such as remote wooded areas, tropical climate areas, etc., the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends repellents that contain active ingredients such as DEET or Picaridin
Keep mosquitoes away from exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks.
See CDC recommendations for bug protection if traveling

FIRST AID: If skin irritation occurs, wash area with soap and water. In case of eye contact, rinse eyes with plenty of water.

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL: Store in original container in cool place not accessible to children and pets. Do not reuse container. Clean thoroughly before recycling.

FIRST AID: If skin irritation occurs, wash area with soap and water. In case of eye contact, rinse eyes with plenty of water.

For external use only. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

Best if used within 6 months of opening.

FAQs

Effective, Feel Good Ingredients

The goal is simple: to Harness the Power & Simplicity of Nature® to cleanse, soothe, heal,  and protect your skin and hair!

Our unique formulas rely on moisturizing oils and butters, healing botanicals, and pure essential oils. We choose every ingredient with one end-result in mind….the BEST possible natural skin care for YOU!

Featured Ingredients

Organic Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary essential oil helps clarify the skin, balance oil, soothe irritation, and support a clearer, healthier complexion. In hair care, it boosts scalp circulation for stronger, fuller-looking growth. Its invigorating herbal aroma sharpens focus, eases stress, and restores mental clarity. Read More

Organic Citronella Essential Oil

Citronella essential oil offers a crisp, lemony aroma that refreshes the senses while naturally helping repel insects. Long valued in traditional herbal practices, it supports comfort by easing inflammation and calming irritated skin. Uplifting and energizing, it’s a favorite for outdoor skincare and aromatherapy. Read More

Organic Lemongrass Essential Oil

Lemongrass essential oil has a vibrant citrus‑herbal aroma that brings clarity and brightness to skin, scalp, and body care. It helps clarify the complexion, enliven the scalp, ease areas that feel tight or overworked, and uplift the senses with its lively, lemony character. Read More

All Ingredients

Organic Beeswax

Organic Sunflower Oil

Organic Virgin Shea Butter*

Organic Avocado Oil

Organic Citronella Essential Oil

Organic Lemongrass Essential Oil

Organic Rosemary Essential Oil

Organic Peppermint Essential Oil

Organic Cedarwood Essential Oil

Organic Thyme Essential Oil

Active Ingredients: *Citronella Oil; *Lemongrass Oil; *Rosemary Oil; *Peppermint Oil; *Cedarwood Oil; *Thyme Oil

Inert Ingredients: *Beeswax; *Sunflower Oil; *Shea Butter; *Avocado Oil

*USDA Certified Organic ingredient

*Ingredient in list above is Fair Trade Certified

Overall rating: 4.8292685 / 5 from 41 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The Lotion Bar: Don't Bug Me! Bug Repellent Lotion Bar is a natural bug repellent lotion bar that uses essential oils to keep bugs away. Customers appreciate its pleasant scent and effectiveness against mosquitoes and bugs, though some have reported it is not effective against all types of bites.

Summary topics

Mosquito Repellent Effectiveness: 13%
Bug Repellent Effectiveness: 25%
Product Scent: 50%

Review topics: [size, ingredients, skin, smells, formula, works, use, effect, bugs, bites, bar, mosquitoes, chemicals, aspect, lotion, keeps, trip].

Review highlights

"It smells great and is a great moisturizer for Midwestern cold weather." — Danielle N.
"She always has "bug bites" So far its working and also smells good." — Maria B.
"It has a nice scent and kept the mosquitos away." — Tiffany

Reviews

Banana For Scale

"I bought this not knowing how a lotion bar could be effective against bugs. Honestly, the smell alone is enough for me to buy again, even if it proves to not be effective against bugs. It smells dominantly of lemongrass, which is just strong lemon and none of the grass. There are a few minor undertones, but lemon comes through mostly. I use this on my legs before putting jeans on to weed whack and so far, no ticks! I am not bothered by mosquitoes, but ticks freak me out so I’ll try anything to prevent them. I even rubbed this lotion bar on my hair part after braiding my hair to protect my scalp while putting hay up in my barn. I am always bothered by bugs when putting up hay because of how much I sweat, and then occasionally get a tick on my scalp. Well so far, I haven’t been bothered by flies buzzing around my sweaty complexion, nor have I received a tick - and I have gotten a couple when not using this bar. I will continue using this bar, and should my feelings change about it, I will come back and write an updated review. Picture with banana for scale for those, like me, who cannot determine size based off oz"

— Abigail (5/5)

Sticky and hard to apply

"Looks like the formula recently changed. This bar is difficult to apply and extremely sticky. The previous formula was more creamy and easy to apply, no stickiness and a less offensive scent. I will not be reordering this . It's too bad, the previous formula worked great, the majority of these highly rated reviews are for the previous formula, I can tell by the date they were written."

— Susan (1/5)

Perfect convenient size

"This is a great size for travel and has a great citronella smell for outdoor activities without a mess"

— Susan (5/5)

Fantastic

"Conveniently sized tin, fits perfectly in my cars center console for easy, quick grabbing and use on the go. Never have to worry about forgetting it when it’s always conveniently stashed right where I need it and I fear not it leaking if it were to melt from the heat, albeit I’m fully aware that keeping it there 24/7 is not the most ideal for the shelf stability or long lasting of the natural effects of the essential oils."

— Cassie M. (5/5)

We've loved this product for

"We've loved this product for many years. It's effective, safe & it easy to use."

— Teri L. (5/5)

"Works as described"

— Jennifer (5/5)

Great product no insect bites

"Bought this product to help me not get flea bites when I volunteer at an animal shelter. I put it on before I entered the facility and once again after a few hours. Not a single bite! I am so impressed. The initial strong smell disappeared very shortly after . It was not greasy and obviously made with great ingredients"

— Jennie B. (5/5)

The Best Bug Repellent!

"This is the absolute best bug repellent. I bought it before my husband and I went on vacation to the hills of Tennessee. We spent 2 days in the woods and did not get one single bug bite! I applied this in the morning by just taking the "bar" out of the tin and rubbing it directly onto my arms and legs and it lasted all day. I did not need to reapply. It goes on easily and has a pleasant citrus scent. I really like that it does not contain all the chemicals in normal big repellents and did not leave my skin feeling and smelling gross."

— Karen R. (5/5)

"This works, it smells just like the candle without harsh “chemical” or “funky potent” smell, and it’s not over greasy or over whatever the heck the after feel of drying is (for those trying to make a change to organic!). It’s different for the application process so make sure to use it in the house to before going outside! It’s a different process however, it beats that “other stuff”! I also had to reapply every hour, I used it in 90 degree Fahrenheit heat. Used it on scalp too, due to those little flies that like to arrive in clusters."

— Nichole (5/5)

It works for us. Easy to apply and for camping.

"The lotion bar goes on easily. Scent isn’t too overwhelming. Easy travel size for camping trips and beyond. Definitely helps prevent mosquito bites."

— Vonda S. (5/5)

Q&A

Hello! What is the difference between this bar and the bug-off stick? Is it just means of application? Is the consistency different? Thank you!: Hi Beth, Thanks so much for reaching out! Yes, it is mostly application and consistency. The stick glides on a bit easier and can be used on larger areas of the body. The lotion bar is more dense and meant to be used on smaller areas of the body. I hope this helps! Let us know if you have any other questions and have a great day! -Christina, Chagrin Valley
Is this available in Canada?: Hi Laura, We do ship to Canada! Hope this helps:) Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns and have a great day! -Christina, Chagrin Valley
Can I buy just the lotion bar without the tin?: Hi Dina, Thanks for your question! At this time we do not sell the lotion bars without the tins as the product would get damaged in shipment. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. Have a great day! -Christina, Chagrin Valley
Are you planning on making this into a bigger bar?: Hi There, Thanks for your question! At this time we are not planning on making a larger Don't Bug Me Lotion bar but will certainly keep your idea in mind for future products! Thanks again for reaching out and please contact us anytime with additional questions! -Christina, Chagrin Valley
I live along the Atlantic coast in South Florida, and noseeums love me. I’ve tried a locally made stick lotion before and it seemed to work. Bug sprays never helped. Will this product help? Thanks!: Hi There, Thanks for your question! Yes, this would be a great product to try. Here is our recommendations for use to get the best results from this product: 1. Apply to the skin as often as required paying special attention to places that bugs like to bite you. 2. Apply to the pulse points on your body. These areas, which have more body heat due to the warmth of your blood, are the best spots to apply a scent that you want to last a bit longer. Pulse points are located behind your ear, at the bottom of your throat, on your wrist, inside your elbow, and behind your knee. If wearing short pants or shirts add few good swipes up and down the arms and legs. 3.Most effective if applied about 5 minutes before venturing outside. Hope this helps! Thanks again for reaching out and please contact us anytime with additional questions! -Christina, Chagrin Valley

Frequently Asked Questions

Chagrin Valley Natural Bug Repellents: Q & A

If Chagrin Valley bug repellents are organic, why don't they display the USDA Organic logo?

The EPA regulates all bug repellents. According to EPA labeling rules the use of the USDA’s Organic logo is not allowed because a product label may only reference one federal agency. The concern is that consumers will not know which agency to contact if there is a problem with the product.

So, even though our Don't Bug Me products are certified organic, we cannot reference the USDA on our labels since we reference the EPA.

What is a Minimum Risk Pesticide (Bug Repellent)?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates all bug repellents and has strict protocols for any pesticide. As defined by the EPA, a pesticide is “any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest.” Since our bug products are meant to repel insects they are considered as pesticides.

Some pesticides are classified as "Minimum Risk Pesticides" (MRPs) and have been placed in a special class by themselves when it comes to safety. The key is in the natural ingredients that help keep pests at bay but have been proven to be safe for mammals like humans and pets.

The EPA has determined that these “pesticides” like our bug repellents, pose little to no risk to human health or the environment. As a result, these products are exempt from the requirement that they be registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

That is why you see the following statement on our website and product labels:

This product qualifies for exemption from EPA registration under FIFRA

Are your bug repellents tested by the EPA?

Since our bug repellents are classified as “minimum risk pesticides,” they are not required to be registered with the EPA or undergo testing for how effective they are or for how long they last. Which is why they need to be applied more often.

While we do have anecdotal evidence that our repellents are helpful for at keeping bugs at bay, they will not work as well as commercial repellents containing DEET.

The effectiveness of any mosquito repellent can vary due to conditions such as physical activity, perspiration, water exposure, and how attractive you are to mosquitoes as well as your climate and weather.

If your Don't Bug Me! bug repellents are minimum risk, why do they work?

Many plants produce compounds that help protect them from pests. These same compounds, when extracted as essential oils, can help to keep bugs at bay naturally when applied to the skin.

Pests like mosquitos have very different biological systems than mammals. Our Certified Organic bug repellents work because the active ingredients are plant essential oils known to contain high levels of natural bug deterrents.

Mosquitoes are attracted to people by skin odors and the carbon dioxide from exhaling. These essential oils interfere with and confuse the insect's sense of smell or taste making it difficult for them to locate food (that's you).

Do Chagrin Valley bug repellents protect against disease carrying ticks and mosquitoes?

Chagrin Valley manufactures our "Don't Bug Me" products using natural ingredients intended to help keep pesky mosquitos at bay. Our bug repellents are not intended to control or mitigate specific species of insects that may transmit diseases to humans.

If you are looking for long-lasting protection in severe conditions, such as venturing into areas that are heavily infested with specific species of insects or ticks that may transmit diseases to humans, such as Malaria, Zika, or Lyme disease, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends repellents that contain active ingredients such as DEET or Picaridin.

The CDC website has numerous pages of information concerning insect-borne diseases, the most effective insect repellents, and travel precautions.

Are your bug repellents safe for babies?

The skin of a young infant is ultra-sensitive, thin and fragile and undergoes a physical maturation process for about the first year of life. Since infant skin is more vulnerable to adverse reactions, we don't recommend using products with essential oils on an infants under the age of 6 months unless approved by your health care provider

Babies and young toddlers also put everything in their mouths (including their hands and feet). The concern is that if applied directly to their bodies, especially their hands, there is risk of ingestion. It is best to apply the repellents to the clothing or on areas of skin that they don't explore with their mouths.

If proper care is taken during application our bug repellents products should be safe for young toddlers. We always recommend checking with a health care provider and that you do a patch test before using.

Is this product safe if you are pregnant?

Our Don't Bug Me repellents are made using certified organic ingredients and there are no artificial fragrances, dyes, petroleum derivatives, or synthetic preservatives in any of our products. Our repellents are formulated with a skin-safe percentage of essential oils if used as directed.

We always recommend that pregnant or nursing moms check with their health care providers if there are any specific concerns about products made with essential oils.

As always, if you have sensitive skin or are trying a new product for the first time and not sure how your skin will react, we recommend that you do a patch test before using.

View Answer Page

How Does an Organic Natural Bug Repellant Work?

How Does a Natural Bug Repellant Work?

The whole idea behind the ingredients in an insect repellent is to make folks as unappealing to bugs as possible. Our natural bug repellents use the power of plants as an alternative to chemical-laden insect repellents for every day use.

Plants have been repelling insects and bugs to protect themselves since the beginning of time.

So why not harness the power of plants?

That’s just what we did at Chagrin Valley. We created a line of safe and effective “Don’t Bug Me!” products that would help repel insects—Naturally!

There is clinical research showing that you can minimize bug bites with the natural repellents present in plant essential oils. Plants produce their own natural pesticides as a chemical defense against being eaten.

Pests like insects have very different biological systems than mammals. Our Certified Organic bug repellents work because the active ingredients are plant essential oils known to contain high levels of natural bug deterrents.

Mosquitoes are attracted to people by skin odors and the carbon dioxide from exhaling. These essential oils interfere with the insect's sense of smell or taste making it difficult for them to locate food (that's you).

Our special blend of organic essential oils in our natural bug repellents includes Citronella, Cedarwood, Rosemary, Lemongrass, Peppermint, and Thyme.

Although the EPA has evaluated the biochemical active ingredients in natural products, like Chagrin Valley’s natural organic bug repellents for safety, products made from these ingredients have not been evaluated for effectiveness.

If you live or hike in areas that do not have a high risk for bug-borne diseases, natural repellents can offer good every day protection.

If you are looking for long-lasting protection in severe conditions, such as venturing into areas that are heavily infested with specific species of insects or ticks that may transmit diseases to humans, such as Malaria, Zika, or Lyme disease, the CDC recommends repellents that contain active ingredients such as DEET or Picaridin.

For more information please read our blog, "Natural Insect Repellents: The Power Of Plants."

View Answer Page

What are essential oils?

What Are Pure Essential Oils?

Have you ever enjoyed the scent of a fragrant flower or herb? The fragrance comes from potent, aromatic compounds called essential oils found in the flowers, stems, seeds, bark, roots, fruits, and other parts of plants. It often requires several pounds of a plant to produce a single bottle of essential oil.

Essential oils not only give plants their unique scents but also help lure plant pollinators and protect plants from insects and other predators.

The chemical composition of essential oils may provide valuable psychological and physical aromatherapeutic benefits for some people.

It is important to note that to be a true essential oil, the oil must be isolated from the plant material by physical means only. Essential oils are NEVER extracted using solvents.

Although synthetic fragrances or "nature identical" oils are available at a much lower cost, only natural plant essential oils will provide any aromatherapeutic benefits.

View related natural skin care blogs

What Are Essential Oils (Much more detail)

How Essential Oils Are Extracted

Why We Use Only Real Plant Essential Oils?

What is Aromatherapy?

If you are pregnant or under a doctor's care for any medical condition, please consult your healthcare provider before using essential oils.

Pregnancy & Children: We do not provide information on the safety of essential oils during Pregnancy or for use in Children because the available information is very ambiguous and often contradictory. If you’re interested in using essential oils during pregnancy or with young children please do your own research and consult your doctor, midwife, or health care professional before use.

View Answer Page

Is There an Expiration Date On My Natural Skincare Product?

Product Expiration Dates

Natural Organic Skin Care Products We hand make all of our own products in small batches to ensure freshness, consistency, and perfection.

Our products are not made to sit on store shelves for years and years.

Although there are natural preservatives within the chemical structure of many natural ingredients, they not as potent as the synthetic preservatives used in commercial products to prolong shelf-life.

Other than soap, our products are remade every few weeks and none are very old when they are sold. Our non-soap products should be opened within 6 months of purchase.

Since we use no preservatives or chemical stabilizers, the more important question is, "how long will the product last once it has been opened?

Once opened, skin care products become exposed to dirt and microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, and molds) that are found in the air and on the skin.

As soon as you open and begin to use any product, simply the way in which you use it will affect its lifespan.

So, we use the PAO (period-after-opening) symbol. These symbols are already available on the product pages of our website and we are in the process of adding them to all of our labels.

The POA symbol is a standard symbol that identifies the useful lifetime of a skin care product after it has been opened for the first time.

As you can see from the picture, the symbol is an open jar with a written number and the letter "M" for the word "months."

A product with a "9M" would mean that it is good for 9 months after opening.

Tip: write the date you open a product for the first time on its label so you can keep track of the period after opening.

Our POA number represents our best suggestion. There are many factors that can affect the lifespan of a product. If a product is discolored, has an unpleasant smell or looks odd, the product should not be used and should be discarded.

Each time you place your warm fingers into a tin or jar, you melt some of the butter which can change the consistency of the product.
Fingers also introduce bacteria and other contaminants into the product.
If a product has not been stored properly, for example, if the lid has been left off for long periods of time, the product may ‘go off’ before the period after opening has passed.
As scented products age, some of the natural essential oil scent may be lost. Pure essential oils just do not have the staying power of synthetic fragrance oils.
Over time, natural colors may also fade.

If you’re like me, and you find an old dusty product hiding in a drawer, makeup bag, or even a suitcase from your last trip, you can call us with the lot number and we can verify its age. Obviously, if it seems off in any way, toss it!

Please note: This PAO symbol is widely used in Europe to recommend the length of time a product remains usable after opening, for products that have a shelf-life of at least 30 months. Our products do NOT have a shelf-life of 30 months before opening.

View Answer Page

Lotion Bar: Don't Bug Me! Bug Repellent Lotion Bar