Homemade Calamine Lotion Recipe To Stop The Itch

It’s (un)surprisingly hard to find a clear ingredients list for commercial calamine lotion. Many chemists and brands don’t disclose them (not cool). But typically, the active ingredients are zinc oxide and iron oxide (which gives it that classic pink tint), mixed with water, glycerine (often palm oil–derived), calcium hydroxide, bentonite, and preservatives like phenoxyethanol.

Why make a natural calamine alternative?

If you’d prefer to be more self-sufficient and know exactly what you are rubbing on your skin, avoid synthetic preservatives, and palm oil derivatives, you can make your own calamine alternative at home. Our recipe relies on absorptive, soothing, and healing ingredients that are plastic-free, biodegradable, and easy to source.

Here’s what makes each one special:

Bentonite or green clay – natural “drawing” clay that pulls out impurities, shrinks bites, and calms inflammation. Fantastic for soothing itchy skin.

Bi-carb soda – aluminium-free baking soda neutralises acidity, eases swelling, and relieves itching.

Tasmanian sea salt – adds minerals that help reduce irritation, pain, and itchiness.

Aloe vera gel – hydrates and soothes, preventing over-drying of irritated skin.

Lavender essential oil – calming, antibacterial, and helps reduce discomfort while adding a gentle scent.

Witch hazel or filtered water – witch hazel provides a cooling, astringent boost, particularly good for rashes and bites.

Homemade calamine lotion recipe

Ingredients

¼ cup filtered water or witch hazel

3 tablespoons bentonite clay or green clay

3 tablespoons bi-carb soda

1 tablespoon Tasmanian sea salt (finely ground)

12 drops lavender essential oil

1 teaspoon aloe vera gel (natural humectant)

Method

1. In a glass bowl using a wooden or plastic spoon, mix together the bi-carb soda, Tasmanian sea salt, and clay. (Avoid metal utensils as clay reacts with metal.)
2. Slowly add filtered water or witch hazel, stirring constantly until a thick but smooth paste forms.
3. Add aloe vera gel and lavender essential oil, whipping until well combined.
4. Transfer to a 120ml glass jar and store away from sunlight.

Find a range of suitable glass jars at Biome, or re-use an old glass jar.  You could also put into a number of smaller jars to keep handy in your bag.

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How to use homemade calamine lotion for natural itch relief

This recipe makes enough to fill one 120ml glass jar. Apply as needed:

• Insect bites and stings
• Chicken pox spots
• Rashes and skin irritation
• Nappy rash
• Plant reactions like poison ivy

It will keep for up to two months in the fridge. Shake or stir before use if separation occurs.

⚠️ Important: If you are allergic to insect bites or stings, always seek immediate medical attention.

One of the most common questions we hear is: “How do I stop a mosquito bite from itching?” The truth is, there isn’t a single cure-all, but there are several approaches that can help ease the discomfort.

Conventional relief

• Wash the area: Gently clean the bite with soap and water to remove bacteria and reduce the chance of infection if the skin breaks.
• Cool it down: Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth. The cold contracts blood vessels, which helps reduce swelling, inflammation, and that itchy sensation.
• Antihistamines: Over-the-counter antihistamines may help, as they block the histamines your body releases in response to the bite. They don’t work for everyone, but for some people they provide real relief.
• Combination remedies: Some people find that using both a cold pack and an antihistamine together works better than either alone.

Natural home remedies

If you prefer a more natural approach, try these simple, kitchen-cupboard solutions:

• Apple cider vinegar – Dab a little directly onto the bite to help neutralise itching.
• Tea tree oil – A natural antiseptic that can help reduce swelling and irritation (use diluted with a carrier oil).
• Basil leaves – Crush fresh leaves and rub onto the bite; basil contains compounds that may calm the itch.
• Aloe vera gel – Naturally soothing and cooling, especially if kept in the fridge.
• Homemade calamine lotion – our blend of clay, bi-carb soda, sea salt, aloe vera, and lavender helps soothe and calm irritated skin without synthetic additives.

⚠️ Important note: If you have a severe allergic reaction to bites or stings, always seek immediate medical attention.

And just in case you’ve arrived here by searching for calomine lotion – don’t worry, you’re in the right place! 

With just a few simple ingredients some of which might already be in your pantry, you can soothe itchy skin the natural way – and reduce your reliance on conventional products at the same time.

 

This article was first published in September 2022.  Updated and republished in September 2025.

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