Shock as thousands claim this popular $12 beauty buy doubles as a mosquito repellant

A shopper has found a surprising beauty product that provides instant relief – and prevention – from mosquito bites.

An Australian  man was tired of nursing dozens of insect bites every time he went camping with his wife – only for a local to share the $12 remedy he wished he knew about all along.

The couple purchased a bottle of Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Body Lotion ($12) to combat the mozzies on their overnight camping trip. 

The beauty buy is relatively cheap and can be found in all major supermarkets and pharmacies.

Coconut oil is a natural remedy for mosquito bites as it contains anti-inflammatory properties which soothes the bumps pesky mosquitos leave in their wake.

‘My wife and I are staying in a van park where the midges are absolutely ferocious,’ he wrote on a group dedicated to caravan camping.

Coconut oil is also an anti-microbial agent that assists in preventing the spread of infection from the bite. 

‘A local put us onto this product, and although not an insecticide, it seems to stop the midges biting and if bitten, soothes the itch,’ he shared, along with an image of a bottle of Palmer’s.

The coconut oil-infused body lotion also counters the rich and recognisable citronella smell most insect repellants carry.

‘Certainly works for us and, and the Mrs is very happy!’

Coconut oil is also an anti-microbial agent that assists in preventing the spread of infection from a mosquito bite

Hundreds were pleased to find an affordable – and better scented – alternative to most insect repellants.

‘Good idea,’ a woman said. ‘Anything that has a high scent will help keep them away. I spray hubby with deodorant on his feet, legs, and anywhere visible, and it works when I don’t have anything else.’

‘I will definitely have to try it out – I’m sick of smelling like Mortein candles every time I want to go on a bush walk.’

Some even performed a field test before committing to the alternative insecticide.

‘I happened to have some Palmer’s coconut lotion at home and just tested it out for a half-hour in the watering garden,’ a man said. 

He added, ‘I usually get nailed, but not one bite. Good potential!’ 

But others were already privy to this open secret.

‘I bought the same product for moisturising and used while up in North Queensland. I found that I wasn’t getting bitten much by anything and wondered if it was something in the moisturiser . . . Maybe we’re on to something here!’

‘My mother always lathered us in coconut oil before we went outside to play.’

The coconut oil-infused body lotion also counters the rich and recognisable citronella smell most insect repellants carry