Why we picked it
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Olive oil, wild-harvested beeswax and citronella oil, made by women's collectives in the Western Ghats.
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Three ingredients, all named — conventional repellents run to ten or more with solvents and film formers.
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Anhydrous, so it needs no parabens or phenoxyethanol the way water-based lotions do.
What to look for in a Citronella Balm?
What to look for in a Citronella Balm?
- 01A short ingredient list is the point. A waterless balm needs no synthetic emulsifiers or preservatives; anything containing water usually does.
- 02'Fragrance' or 'parfum' covers a blend the maker never has to break down. Named essential oils tell you what is actually in the tin.
- 03Essential oils are potent. A balm should already have them diluted into a carrier; never apply an essential oil neat.
- 04Petroleum jelly and paraffin are the cheap balm bases. Beeswax and plant butters cost more and do the same job without the petrochemical.
- 05An essential-oil balm is not a registered repellent and carries no tested protection time — expect to reapply far more often than with a synthetic spray.
What's inside
Softens the wax base and carries the citronella onto the skin.
Holds the balm solid at room temperature and leaves the light wax film on skin. Forest-harvested from wild hives, which is also why the balm is not vegan.
Cymbopogon-derived oil, the citrus-grassy note Indian households have reached for through mosquito season for generations.
Forest Post Citronella Balm vs other mosquito repellents
| What to compare | Purepicked | Regular mosquito repellent |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredient list | 3 ingredients, all named | 10 or more, including solvents and film formers |
| Key ingredient | Citronella essential oil | DEET, picaridin or allethrin — registered actives that carry regulatory efficacy data and a stated protection time |
| Format | Solid balm, applied by hand | Aerosol spray, lotion or vaporiser refill |
| Fragrance | From the essential oil itself | Added fragrance or masking agents common |
| Preservatives | None — an anhydrous balm needs none | Parabens or phenoxyethanol common in water-based lotions |
| Maker | Tribal women's collectives, central Western Ghats | Contract-manufactured at scale |
How to use it
- Patch test on the inner forearm before first full use
- Rub a small amount onto exposed skin — ankles, wrists, neck
- Reapply frequently; essential-oil balms fade faster than synthetic repellents
- Keep away from eyes, lips and broken skin
- Store below 30 C so the balm holds its set
Is it for you?
Good for
Those wanting preservative-free skincare
Supporting Adivasi women's collectives
Anyone who prefers a balm they can rub on by hand over an aerosol spray
Avoid if
Infants and young children
Pregnancy, if avoiding essential oils on medical advice
Product details
- Sold by
- Purepicked
- Brand
- Forest Post
- Net quantity
- 25 g
- Type
- Body Rubs
Also on the label
Questions people ask
Is this an insect repellent?
It is a balm, not a registered insect repellent, and it carries no tested protection time. Expect to reapply far more often than with a synthetic spray.
What's in it?
Three ingredients: olive oil, forest-harvested beeswax and citronella essential oil. No synthetic actives, added fragrance or preservatives.
How do I use it?
Patch-test on the inner forearm first. Rub a small amount onto exposed skin such as ankles, wrists and neck, and keep it away from eyes, lips and broken skin.
Is it safe for children or in pregnancy?
It is not suited to infants and young children, or in pregnancy if you are avoiding essential oils on medical advice.
Is it vegan?
No. It contains forest-harvested beeswax.
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