Calamine lotion has long been the go-to for those suffering from mosquito bites, insect bites, poison ivy, rashes chicken pox and eczema, and it's actually really quick and easy to whip up a zero waste, homemade alternative for calamine lotion using natural ingredients.
Firstly, what is calamine lotion?
Calamine soothes itchy skin by causing a cooling sensation which stimulates temperature nerves and hides the itch (ABC article).
It's hard to track down the ingredients list in commercial calamine lotion as unfortunately online chemists often don't list ingredients (not cool). The active ingredients in calomine lotion are zinc oxide and iron oxide (iron oxide gives the pink colour) mixed with water, glycerine (likely made from palm oil), calcium hydroxide, bentonite, and nasty preservatives such as phenoloxyethanol.
As an alternative, our homemade calamine lotion uses absorptive, healing and soothing bentonite clay, bi-carb soda, Tasmanian sea salt and essential oils.
Bentonite clay: a drawing clay, which means it draws impurities and toxins out of the skin. It is very soothing too. For this reason, bentonite clay is fantastic at treating mosquito and insect bites, shrinking the bites and soothing the itchiness.
Bi carb soda: naturally occurring (aluminium free) bi-carb soda (or baking soda) will neutralise the acidity of insect bites, relieve swelling and soothe itching.
Tasmanian sea salt: helps to reduce itching, skin irritation and pain.
Lavender essential oil: adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to the mixture will also help to ease discomfort, reduce itching and help with swelling, and will of course give it a lovely smell. So here's our zero waste, homemade calamine lotion that you can make using just a few simple ingredients.
How to Make Easy Homemade Calamine Lotion
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup filtered water
- 3 tablespoons bentonite clay or green clay
- 3 tablespoons pure, naturally occuring bi-carb soda
- 1 tablespoon Tasmanian sea salt
- 12 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 teaspoon palm oil free, 100% palm oil free glycerine (this is optional, but it will help the lotion become smoother and softer)
- In a glass bowl using a wooden spoon, mix together the bi-carb soda, Tasmanian sea salt and bentonite clay. It is important not to use a metal utensil or bowl when working with clay.
- Add the filtered water slowly, stirring constantly until a paste forms. Continue to add water until you have reached a thick but smooth consistency.
- Add the lavender essential oil and glycerin (if using) and stir until blended.
- Transfer to a 120ml glass jar and store away from sunlight.
How to use: This recipe makes enough to approximately fill 1 x 120ml glass jar. Use this homemade calamine lotion to soothe insect bites, rashes, chicken pox, nappy rash, and to relieve itching caused by plants such as poison ivy. It will keep for up to two months in the fridge. NOTE: If you are allergic to any kind of insect bites, it's important to seek immediate medical attention.
Some people accidentally spell it calomine lotion, so we are making sure you do not miss out by using that alternative calamine lotion spelling :)
