Wait… You’re Using SOAP as Natural Mosquito Repellent?!

Soap as natural mosquito repellent?! We never thought of this ourselves, until one of our loyal customers from Texas sent us a review a few weeks back. “Hold on… you’re saying our soap repels mosquitoes?” That’s right. 

She told us that after bathing with our Lemongrass Goat Milk Soap, she could spend time outside without getting turned into a bug buffet. No bug spray, no harsh chemicals—just her favorite goat milk soap and a little aloe-based baby oil. And the best part? It actually worked.

Of course, she’s not claiming it offers full-on bug protection like a DEET spray might, but she swears it’s made a noticeable difference. So we had to dig in: how could a simple bar of soap make mosquitoes think twice?

Turns out, there’s a little science (and a lot of nature) behind this surprising summer skincare trick, and it might just be the mosquito hack you didn’t know you needed. Let’s talk about it.

The Natural Bug Bite Hack You Didn't See Coming

When you think about summer skincare, your mind probably goes to sunscreen, aloe vera, and maybe a refreshing body mist… but what about your soap? That was the unexpected game-changer for one Bend Soap customer who lives in Central Texas, where mosquitoes are even more common than buffalo. 

After bathing with her lemongrass goat milk soap, she found that she could naturally deter mosquitoes. Sometimes, she could enjoy time outdoors without getting a single bite! Her routine? Layering the soap with an aloe-based baby oil and skipping the bug spray altogether. The result? Happy skin that was free from chemicals—and way fewer itchy bites.

She’s not claiming the soap offers total mosquito protection, but it’s become a core part of her summer routine. Her lemongrass soap gives her just enough natural support to feel confident leaving the DEET behind. Every day, we’re learning the unexpected ways that simple, natural products can go beyond basic skincare.

Lemongrass 101: The Essential Oil That Earns Its Keep

Bend’s Lemongrass Goat Milk Soap is handcrafted with a vibrant blend of citrus essential oils, with lemongrass at the forefront. But what does that have to do with mosquito repellent? Well, it’s not just a bright and citrusy scent that smells amazing in the shower. 

Mosquitoes rely heavily on their sense of smell to find their next target. Lemongrass contains two key compounds (citral and geraniol) that are known to repel insects, especially mosquitoes. It’s even registered with the EPA as a biopesticide with mosquito-repelling properties. 

Fun fact: A Phytotherapy Research study found that it could repel mosquitoes for up to 2.5 hours when applied topically to the body! With this in mind, it’s no surprise that lemongrass oil is commonly found in many natural bug sprays. (Want to make your own? Try this recipe.)

So when you use a product like goat milk soap that’s infused with lemongrass oil, you’re getting more than a great-smelling lather—you’re lightly coating your skin with a scent that mosquitoes don’t love.

While the effects won’t last all day like a dedicated repellent, it can serve as a savvy first layer of defense, especially when combined with other natural approaches.

That’s exactly what this Bend Soap customer did. By starting her day bathing with lemongrass soap, she set herself up for success with a gentle and refreshing built-in mosquito deterrent.

More Goat Milk Soaps with Secret Superpowers

Lemongrass might be the MVP of mosquito-fighting scents, but it’s not the only Bend Soap bar with a secret strength. Some of our most-loved goat milk soaps are scented with essential oils that don’t just smell wonderful—they come with their own little superpowers.

• Tea Tree Goat Milk Soap: This one’s a go-to for breakout-prone skin thanks to tea tree oil’s natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s a great pick for teenagers, athletes, or anyone who needs a detoxifying cleanse without drying out their skin.
• All Shield Goat Milk Soap: Made with a powerhouse blend of clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils, this bar is the one you’ll want in your corner during cold and flu season for its immune-boosting abilities.
• Honey Grapefruit Goat Milk Soap: The bright, citrusy scent of grapefruit essential oil may also help tone the skin and support circulation. 
• Eucalyptus Spearmint Goat Milk Soap: This combo is cooling, calming, and can even help open up your airways. It’s perfect for post-workout showers or winding down after a long, taxing day.

Each of these bars brings something special to the table in how they naturally support your body from the inside out. Because when essential oils are paired with nourishing goat milk, the benefits go way beyond clean skin.

Natural Ways to Repel Mosquitoes (Without Bug Spray)

Using goat milk soap as part of your mosquito-prevention plan is a great start, but it’s not the only tool in your crunchy summer survival kit. There are several easy, effective ways to protect yourself from bites naturally, without reaching for a bottle of chemicals.

Here are some of our go-to ways to naturally repel mosquitoes: 

• Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs, especially in the evenings.
• Avoid floral perfumes and heavily scented lotions, which can attract bugs.
• Diffuse essential oils like citronella, lemongrass, peppermint, or eucalyptus when you’re sitting outside.
• Place mosquito-repelling plants like lavender, lemon verbena, and marigolds around your porch or patio.
• Make your own DIY bug spray using essential oils and a skin-friendly carrier. 

When you combine these strategies, you can create an effective routine that’s also low-tox.

So… Does Goat Milk Soap Work as Mosquito Repellent?

Honesty hour: lemongrass goat milk soap alone probably won’t keep you bite-free on a camping trip deep in the woods. But if you’re looking for a way to support your skin, smell fresh, and skip the bug spray on your morning walk? It just might do the trick. 

The power of goat milk soap is in its simplicity.

The lemongrass scent helps repel bugs naturally, the goat milk nourishes and soothes the skin, and the clean ingredients mean you’re not slathering your body in mystery chemicals every day. That’s what we call a win-win-win!

And as this customer discovered, it’s a fantastic layering tool—especially when paired with a clean, aloe-based lotion or a natural bug spray. You get a gentle, effective barrier that keeps your skin happy and reduces your exposure to harsh ingredients.

If you’re constantly on the lookout for natural ways to make summer a little easier, this is one switch that we think is worth trying.

Goodbye Mosquitoes, Hello Supple (& Bite-Free) Skin

If you’re ready to simplify your summer routine and give your skin a little extra love, Bend Soap’s Lemongrass Goat Milk Soap is a great place to start. It’s handcrafted with the nutrient-rich ingredients your skin craves and mosquitoes want nothing to do with. 

When it comes to bug protection, we’re all about simple, skin-loving products that actually work. Pairing your goat milk soap with other natural options can help you stay protected without the need for harsh chemicals.

Have another natural mosquito hack you love? We’d love to hear it, so leave a comment below! Looking for your next read? Check out The Sudsy Scoop for more crunchy swaps, lifestyle tips, and skincare advice.