Most insect repellents aren’t protection. They’re chemical exposure.
Loaded with compounds like DEET, synthetic fragrances, and petroleum derivatives, conventional bug sprays were never part of human history. They’re recent, industrial, and designed for effectiveness first, biology second.
These formulas don’t just repel insects. They sit on your skin, get absorbed, and can disrupt your system over time. Irritation, dryness, headaches, and long-term toxicity concerns are not uncommon.
You’re trading bites for something worse.
But there’s a way to protect your skin without coating it in chemicals.
And it’s how people survived in mosquito-heavy environments long before modern sprays existed.
Why Tallow-Based Protection Works
For generations, natural fats and plant oils were used as a barrier against insects.
Our Bug Off Balm is built on that same principle.
We use 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef tallow, sourced from local farms, then combine it with time-tested botanical oils known for their insect-repelling properties.
Tallow matters. It closely matches your skin’s natural oils, which means:
It absorbs properly instead of sitting on top
It nourishes while it protects
It doesn’t disrupt your skin barrier
Instead of drying your skin out like alcohol-based sprays, this balm conditions it.
What’s Inside
Andiroba Oil: Used for centuries in tropical regions where insects are relentless, soothes bites and repels insects
Beef Tallow: Deeply nourishing, forms a natural protective layer
Beeswax: Adds structure and durability, helps the balm stay on skin longer
Olive Oil: Supports skin hydration and smooth application
Black Seed Oil: Traditionally used for it's insect-repellent effect, as well as skin soothing
This is a functional formula built from ancestral use.
Why Ancient Health & Healings
We don’t follow modern skincare trends. We reverse them.
Our formulations are based on what worked before industrial chemicals existed. Every batch is handcrafted in the USA using clean, traceable ingredients.
No hormones, nasty confusing chemicals or synthetic shortcuts.
How To Use
Apply a small amount to exposed skin.
Reapply as needed, especially in heavy insect environments or after sweating.
⚠ FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. KEEP IN A COOL, DRY PLACE, KEEP AWAY FROM PETS!
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Yes, it works. We’ve had campers, parents, and gardeners report zero bites, even in swampy, bug-infested areas.
Andiroba oil + Black Seed oil (used for centuries by Amazonian tribes) are clinically shown to repel mosquitoes without chemicals.
100% yes. Bug Off Balm is made with edible-grade, chemical-free ingredients. No DEET. No parabens. No toxic sprays drifting into little lungs.
But please DON'T consume.
Nope. It’s got a fresh, clean lemony scent from essential oils, and our grass-fed tallow blends beautifully with your skin.
No sticky, oily residue either, just soft, moisturized skin that bugs hate.
One swipe lasts for hours, even in humid, sweaty conditions. But you can reapply anytime you need a protection boost, your skin will thank you.
Depends how much you use. On average, a 2 oz jar lasts 4-6 weeks with daily family use. Many customers keep one for the house and one in the car/bag.
Because unlike chemical sprays that evaporate and wear off fast, Bug Off Balm absorbs into your skin. It nourishes while it protects. You’re not buying a temporary cloud of toxins… you’re building a natural barrier bugs don’t want to land on.
Absolutely. It’s TSA-friendly and perfect for trips, so no leaking aerosol cans, no messy sprays. Many customers buy 2–3 jars for camping, beach holidays, and family road trips. If you get our 8oz container, it will need to go in checked luggage.
Then we don’t want your money. We offer a 30-day “Bite-Free or It’s Free” guarantee. If you don’t love it, just email us. No returns. No drama.
Here's what people think...
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 23 reviews.
I avoid a lot of bug sprays because I don’t trust the ingredients. I feel really safe with ancient healings and I like the use of tallow, beeswax and olive oil that nourishes my skin while protecting me from bugs. The scent is strong but very pleasant. Heavy on the citronella
Store owner replied:
Thank you so much for the review Leanna, hoping it makes Wisconsin an enjoyable time!
I started putting on this bug balm at night as I was getting absolutely destroyed by mosquitos 😭. Within a few nights, nada. No new bites, and I could sleep comfortably without worrying about how many bites I would wake up with in the morning. I would 1000% recommend this product to anyone who is suffering this summer from insect bites, and doesn’t want to go for the typical toxic sprays out there that they sell in the supermarkets.
Store owner replied:
Thanks for the review Hals, really appreciate it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We absolutely LOVE Ancient Healings products, but the Bug Off Balm deserves a review all on its own! We brought it with us on a beach outing and used it on one of our kids while another forgot to put it on. The difference was incredible. The child who didn’t use it ended up with multiple bug bites around the neck, shoulders, and face, while the one who wore the Bug Off Balm had little to no bites.
We’ve tried so many natural bug repellents over the years, and most either don’t last or just don’t seem to work. This one honestly exceeded our expectations. It smells great, is easy to apply, and gives us peace of mind knowing we’re using something made with ingredients we feel good about putting on our kids.
Ancient Healings has become one of our favorite companies, and we keep several of their products in our home. The Bug Off Balm has officially become a must-have for every outdoor adventure. We won’t leave home without it!
If you’re posting with the side-by-side photos, you could add a simple caption like:
Both pictures are from the same outdoor event. The boy we Forgot the Bug Off Balm and the girl we Used Ancient Healings Bug Off Balm.
The results spoke for themselves! ❤️🌿
Store owner replied:
Thank you so much for the detailed review Leslie. I’m really glad we were able to help the little ones with the bugs. Hopefully the boy gets covered up next time! 🙏
I have been using this Bug Off Balm for a month before I decided to do my review. This is some really good stuff and best part is it has all natural ingredients so I don't have to worry about getting bitten or have to go buy some chemical thats is not good your skin anyways . This is my new go to .
Store owner replied:
Thank you so much for the review Geraldine, glad it's keeping the family bug free!
I really enjoy the soft mousse feeling when using this. The cream is soft and smells amazing. The jar lasts a long time. The bug off cream works well. I am impressed with this and love using this while working outside.
Store owner replied:
Thanks for the review Chelsea! Glad it’s treating your skin well outdoors!
I love the ingredients in Bug Balm! It is made with real, all natural ingredients. The base of the Bug Balm is Beef tallow, which is amazing and so good for your skin. The Bug Balm doesn’t smell weird or have that off putting smell. It is easy to apply, just like a lotion. It also isn’t sticky or greasy, which I love!
Store owner replied:
Awesome! Thanks for the review Melissa! Glad it's keep the bugs away from you down in Florida!
I’m genuinely impressed by how this balm handles the aggressive humidity we deal with here in DC. Unlike those harsh, alcohol-based sprays that leave you smelling like a lab and drying out your skin, this whipped tallow base actually absorbs and leaves my skin feeling conditioned rather than sticky. You can tell the Andiroba and Black Seed oils are doing the heavy lifting; even in swampy, bug-heavy areas where I usually get eaten alive, I’ve remained bite-free without that suffocating
Store owner replied:
Thank you so much for the review Kitty, really enjoyed the review style!
I used the bug off balm while working in my yard and going for a run. Gnats have been really bad where I live and I had no issues with them at all. The smell was wonderful. It reminded me of a citronella candle. It has a lemon-citrus scent. The texture was soft and moisturizing as well. It seemed a little greasy at first but dried into skin quickly. I will keep this balm with me at all times this summer!
Store owner replied:
Thanks for the review Cori, really appreciated!
And glad it's helping keep away the bugs!
Absolutely would repurchase this item and recommend it to a friend! The Bug Off Balm has a light, mild scent and a really moisturizing consistency. It rubs in really nicely and absorbs quickly, so no long-lasting greasy residue. It also seems to be quite effective! We tend to have a lot of gnats and mosquitos around our house, but we haven't noticed them bothering us as much when we're wearing this.
Good stuff I would buy it again. I bought the 8 ounce jar and that is ample enough to last me the rest of the summer so next spring you will be hearing from me.
Store owner replied:
Thanks for your honest review Cathy. We take product feedback seriously, and so we have discussed with management to include cedarwood and geranium oils to give it a stronger anti-tick effect.
Thank you once again for your honest feedback and helping us improve this product.
Took this camping for a 3 day weekend near a lake and swamp - bugs were a plenty but I experienced ZERO bites after applying this balm.
One aspect that I love about it is it doesn't feel like chemicals on my skin!
Will be using more this summer
Store owner replied:
Appreciate your review Ryan, super glad it’s keeping you mosquito free
I absolutely love the smell, and the texture is buttery and lasts a long time. My grandkids don't complain about the smell. I appreciate the fact it is all natural.
Thank you again for another excellent product