Bush Balm and Bite Balm are two plant based outdoor balms with different jobs. Bush Balm goes on before you head outside to help naturally deter pesky insects. Bite Balm is for those times you forgot to apply or reapply Bush Balm, got caught out, and ended up with an irritating bite.
Simple really. Bush Balm before. Bite Balm if you get caught out.
What is Bush Balm?
Bush Balm is our plant-based insect deterrent balm for everyday outdoor use.
Citronella, neem and lemon eucalyptus oils form the key aromatic blend, chosen for their traditional use in natural insect deterrents. They're blended into a solid base of cocoa butter, shea butter and plant oils.
Swipe Bush Balm onto exposed skin before heading outside and reapply as needed, particularly in humid conditions or after swimming. We advice to reapply the bush balm every one to two hours.
The aromatic effect typically lasts around one to two hours, although this varies with conditions and the person wearing it.
What is Bite Balm?
Bite Balm is for when life gets in the way.
Maybe you forgot your Bush Balm. Maybe you stayed outside longer than expected and forgot to reapply. Or maybe you simply didn't expect the bugs to be out.
Bite Balm isn't there because Bush Balm didn't work. It's a different formula for when you've already been bitten and your skin is feeling irritated.
Lavender, lemon eucalyptus and lemongrass are blended with cocoa butter and shea butter to help calm and comfort irritated skin.
It's not an antihistamine or medical treatment. It's simply a soothing balm for those annoying everyday bites.
What can Bush Balm actually do?
Bush Balm helps naturally deter pesky insects, but we're not going to pretend it makes you invisible to mosquitoes for eight hours.
It isn't a registered insect repellent and isn't designed to replace one when maximum tested protection is important.
For everyday outdoor activities, apply Bush Balm before heading outside and reapply as needed. If you're travelling somewhere with a significant risk of insect borne disease, use an appropriate registered repellent and follow current health advice.
Which one do I need?
Heading outside? Bush Balm. Forgot to apply or reapply and got bitten? Bite Balm.
Both come in compact, plastic free, home compostable push up tubes. They're handmade in Australia, vegan, palm oil free and free from synthetic fragrance.
Both are intended for ages two and up. Patch test before first use, avoid the eyes and broken skin, and stop using if irritation occurs.
Want to keep both handy? The Full Collection: Natural Bush Range 2 Pack gives you one of each.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Bush Balm and Bite Balm?
Bush Balm goes on before outdoor activity to help naturally deter pesky insects. Bite Balm is for when you've already been bitten and helps calm and comfort irritated skin.
Does Bush Balm actually keep insects away?
Bush Balm is designed to help naturally deter pesky insects using citronella, neem and lemon eucalyptus oils. It isn't a registered insect repellent and shouldn't be expected to provide the same tested protection as registered repellents such as DEET based products.
Can I put Bite Balm on a bug bite?
Bite Balm is designed to help calm and comfort irritated skin after everyday bites. It isn't an antihistamine or medical treatment. Seek medical advice for severe or concerning reactions.
Are Bush Balm and Bite Balm suitable for kids?
Both are intended for ages two and up. Patch test before first use, avoid the eyes and broken skin, and stop using if irritation occurs.
What are the key oils in Bush Balm and Bite Balm?
Bush Balm's key oils are citronella, neem and lemon eucalyptus. Bite Balm's key oils are lavender, lemon eucalyptus and lemongrass. Both are vegan, palm oil free and free from synthetic fragrance.
How do I use Bush Balm and Bite Balm?
Push the base of the tube up slightly to expose a small amount of balm. Apply Bush Balm to exposed skin before heading outside and reapply as needed. Apply Bite Balm to irritated skin after a bite. Avoid broken skin and the eye area.
Is the packaging plastic-free?
Yes. Both balms come in a home compostable push-up tube. Once it's empty, it can go straight into your compost or garden.
Bush Balm before. Bite Balm if you get caught out.
You don't need both every time you go outside. Ideally, you remember to apply and reapply Bush Balm and Bite Balm stays in the bag.
But when life gets in the way and the bugs find you first, you'll be glad it's there.