Let’s be honest—summer is brutal on skin. Between sweaty workouts, long baseball tournaments, hours in wet swimsuits, and nonstop outdoor activities in the heat, the skin struggles are real. That’s exactly why I created this DIY anti-fungal salve—a natural, homemade remedy that soothes everything from athlete’s foot to swimsuit chafing and skin irritation caused by heat, moisture, and friction.
We’re a family of athletes and water lovers—baseball boys, gym girls, beach, pool, lake—you name it. And after one too many itchy complaints and drugstore creams with way too many ingredients I couldn’t pronounce, I decided to make a better fix myself.
This DIY anti-fungal salve was born from real-life needs. It’s made with powerful, skin-soothing ingredients that support healing and protect against the kind of skin irritation no one wants to deal with—but everyone gets when the temps rise.
What This Salve Helps With:
Athlete’s foot from sweaty socks, shoes or cleats, bare feet, or lake days
Thigh or swimsuit chafing after a full day at the beach or pool
Skin irritation in high-sweat zones (under-bra, inner thighs, waistband)
Minor rashes from dampness or skin friction
Jock itch (common in teenage boys, active men, and yes—even post-gym moms)
Why It Works: Powerful Natural Ingredients
This salve is more than a coconut oil band-aid. Here’s what each ingredient brings to the mix:
** Shop my favorite Amazon products below. Affiliate links included
Want to make this salve easily? You can shop the full DIY Anti-Fungal Salve ingredient list on my Amazon storefront HERE.
- Coconut oil – Naturally anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Great carrier oil for skin absorption.
- Beeswax – Creates a protective barrier and helps the salve hold its form.
- Calendula – Gentle and healing. Helps soothe inflammation and promote skin repair.
- Arrowroot powder – Absorbs moisture and keeps skin dry where it counts.
- Tea Tree essential oil – Potent antifungal, antimicrobial, and an absolute staple in this salve.
- Lavender essential oil – Calming and skin-soothing, plus adds a soft, clean scent.
- Optional add-ins:
- Neem oil (for stronger fungal defense)
- Frankincense resin oil (if you want to elevate it with added healing + anti-inflammatory support)
- Zinc oxide (for added sweat-proofing)
DIY Anti-Fungal Salve Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup organic coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
- 1 tablespoon calendula-infused oil
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
- 15 dropstea tree essential oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
Optional (for boosted benefits):
- 1 tsp neem oil
- 1 tsp frankincense oil
- 1 tsp zinc oxide (for added dryness + anti-rash)
👉 Need a step-by-step guide for making your own calendula-infused oil?
Check out my post on how to make calendula oil at home – it’s an herbal staple I use in so many recipes!
Instructions:
Option 1: Using Pre-Made Calendula Oil (Homemade or Store-Bought)
- In a double boiler, melt coconut oil and beeswax over low heat until fully combined.
- Remove from heat and stir in calendula oil, arrowroot powder, essential oils, and any optional add-ins.
- Pour into clean jars or tins. Let cool completely before sealing. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 3–4 months.
Option 2: Using Dried Calendula Flowers
- In a heat-safe glass jar over simmering water (makeshift double boiler), gently infuse dried calendula into coconut oil for 30–60 minutes.
- Strain the herbs using cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer.
- Return the infused oil to the double boiler, add beeswax, and melt together.
- Stir in arrowroot powder, essential oils, and any optional ingredients.
- Pour into jars and allow to cool completely before sealing.
How to Use this DIY anti-fungal salve
- For chub rub: Apply a thin layer to inner thighs before going out. Reapply as needed after sweating or showering.
- For athlete’s foot: Use clean hands or a Q-tip to apply to affected areas 2x daily.
- For jock itch or body rashes: Use a clean hand or cotton swab and apply sparingly on clean, dry skin.
Always patch test first—especially in sensitive areas.
Why Go Natural?
Most drugstore creams are packed with petroleum, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives that aren’t doing your skin (or your hormones) any favors. This salve skips all that while still delivering actual results—plus it smells fresh, not medicinal.
🛒 Shop My Favorite Ingredients
Amazon Favorites:
- Organic Coconut Oil
- Beeswax Pellets
- Organic Calendula Oil
- Arrowroot Powder
- Glass salve jars
- Neem Oil
- Tea Tree Essential Oils
- Lavender Essential Oils
- Frankincense Essential Oil
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Final Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a gentle, effective DIY anti-fungal salve that works for real summer skin issues, this one’s been a staple in our house.
This is one of those recipes that came from real-life family needs. With a house full of active kids, beach days, and summer sports, I needed something gentle but powerful to keep skin happy through it all.
It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and it smells clean—not like a medicine cabinet. If you’re looking for a natural solution for all the weird summer skin issues no one talks about—this is it.
xo Marla Kay
Love this DIY? You might also enjoy:
If you’re into simple, effective natural remedies like this anti-fungal salve, here are a few more favorites from the blog you’ll want to check out next:
- 👉 How to Make Calendula Oil at Home – the herbal infusion behind so many of my skin-loving recipes
- 👉 DIY Arnica Salve for Sore Muscles & Joint Relief – a must-have for post-workout tension or hand pain
- 👉 Non-Toxic Sunscreen That Actually Works – perfect for beach days and kid-approved
- 👉 My Favorite Natural Summer Must-Haves – skin, home, and wellness picks for a clean, sunny season