Eco Lips acquires bug repellant producer

Lip balm producer Eco Lips is expanding into bug repellant.

The Marion, Iowa-based company that produces branded and private label organic lip balm products has acquired Simply Soothing, an Iowa-based personal care company that brings to market the Bug Soother Insect Repellent.

The two products are connected in that they use better-for-you, natural ingredients. Bug Soother is the eighth largest brand in the United States, sold as a bite soother ointment and as an outdoor candle. Eco Lips aims to accelerate the Bug Soother brand across the United States; it’s currently in 10,000 locations nationwide, with growing distribution internationally in the United Kingdom, Europe, Central America, Grand Cayman and Scandinavia.

Eco Lips recently rolled out an organic lip balm that’s being produced in a sustainable, plastic-free tube.

"Eco Lips is perfectly poised to service Simply Soothing's existing customer base while, at the same time, adding distribution," said founder and CEO of Eco Lips, Steve Shriver. "I've always had so much respect for Freda [Simply Soothing CEO] and her products. The entire Eco Lips team is honored and excited to carry the Bug Soother brand forward."

Simply Soothing was founded in 2003, starting small, but after the introduction of their handcrafted, DEET-free signature Bug Soother in 2008 saw sales accelerate after the Iowa floods that brought harmful bugs.

Eco Lips is best known for its organic lip balm, which began in 2003, but the brand also manufactures private label and contract manufacturing services that include lip balms, scrubs, tints, a vegan lip care line and body oil.