The Essential Guide to Finding the Best Natural Mosquito Repellent + Reviews
If you’re looking for the best natural mosquito repellent, you’ve come to the right place. Our team has done the research for you, and if you don’t have the time to look through all the reviews of natural mosquito repellents out there, you can just have a look at our top picks. After seeing what the most sought-after repellents have to offer, and checking their ingredients to see if they’re natural or not, we concluded that Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus is the one you should probably look for. It is recommended by the CDC, so you know it’s not toxic. It also lasts for 6 hours, allowing for prolonged protection. Furthermore, you won’t even feel it on your skin because it doesn’t have an oily feeling like others when applied. If you can’t find our first recommendation, we have another option for you, the Mosquito Guard Incense Sticks, which is our next choice.
Comparison Table
1st Choice
If you’re looking for CDC-recommended products, this spray is for you, as it’s made of natural lemon eucalyptus oil. Lasting for 6 hours, it offers long protection. It also smells quite nice and after it dries it doesn’t leave your skin feeling oily or anything like that. It’s safe and can be used by children and it’s also easy to carry it with you anywhere you go.
It is not the best repellent when you have skin irritations or skin injuries, as it will aggravate them.
Being recommended by the CTC, you’re sure that this product is natural and does its job.
2nd Best
The sticks contain rosemary, lemongrass, and citronella, which are plants that are proven to offer a toxic-free repelling effect against mosquitoes. These sticks also contain only high-quality sawdust, so nothing about them is unnatural. Being alcohol and DEET-free, the sticks are safe to be used around children or elder persons.
Sticks like these are only made for outdoor use, so you can’t use them in your house, as you might wish.
If you want to have your garden free of mosquitos for some hours, get yourself these sticks.
Also To Consider
This is a balm that only contains natural ingredients, including beeswax and essential oils and they all have a revitalizing effect on your skin. Because it has a pleasant smell and a good feeling when applied on the skin, this balm will let you enjoy your day. It is the ideal repellent when you are leaving the house because it’s tiny and can be taken anywhere.
If you have sensitive skin, you won’t like the feeling that this repellent leaves on you.
Choose this repellent if you want to use it when you’re traveling and need protection against mosquitoes.
7 Best Natural Mosquito Repellents (Reviews) in 2023
A good natural mosquito repellent should be made of ingredients that don’t harm your skin and still provide a safe environment when you’re surrounded by mosquitoes. When searching for the best natural mosquito repellent for yard or for home, our team took that into account, and that’s how we ended up with this top 7 of repellents we believe do a great job.
1. Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent
If you’re wondering how to repel mosquitoes naturally and you’re looking for a product to keep away the mosquitoes when camping or gardening, this natural repellent is a great choice for you. This insect repellent is a plant-based solution that contains 30% lemon eucalyptus oil, and 70% ethanol and deionized water.
It is very effective, repelling the insects for about 6 hours. The scent is fresh and pleasant and once applied on the skin, you won’t feel greasy or sticky. This product doesn’t contain DEET (diethyltoluamide) like other similar products and it doesn’t harm the gear. You can use it on your clothes too for better protection.
It doesn’t contain toxins so it is made for all the types of skin. The spray can be used for both adults and children. The bottle has 4 ounces and you can put it in your luggage without occupying a lot of space.
Pros
This spray protects you from mosquitoes and the diseases that are transmitted by them: Dengue virus, West Nile virus, Zika virus or Chikungunya virus.
This plant-based spray is made of lemon eucalyptus oil that is recommended by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
It protects you from the insects for a quite long period of time (for about 6 hours).
The product smells good, having a refreshing and cool scent.
After it dries, you won’t feel your skin sticky and greasy.
It is environmentally friendly and it can be used by children too.
You can carry it anywhere with ease since it doesn’t occupy too much space.
This insect repellent doesn’t contain petroleum, DEET, or other harmful toxins.
Cons
If you have any existent skin irritation or other injuries, you should avoid using this product because it can aggravate your condition.
The strong scent may affect you if you have allergies to most perfumes.
Buy from Amazon.com
2. Mosquito Guard Incense Repellent Sticks Made with Natural Plant
These repellent sticks that are made of natural ingredients help you keep away the mosquitoes. They contain lemongrass, citronella, and rosemary essential oils and they don’t have other harmful substances like DEET (diethyltoluamide). The dimension of one stick is 12 inches in length and 3/4 inches in thickness.
These sticks come in a box of 12 pieces that are made of high-quality sawdust. Once they are lit, the duration of one stick is about 2-3 hours, depending on the presence of wind outdoors. The Incense Repellent Sticks help you have a good time wherever you are outdoors, while camping, gardening, or fishing.
It is recommended to place 4 or 5 sticks at a distance of 15 feet to create a perimeter that can keep the insects away. It is better to place them close to the ground if possible. The smell is pleasant for humans, having a sweet scent.
Pros
The Incense Repellent Sticks are made of natural ingredients, containing lemongrass, rosemary, and citronella essential oils.
Lemongrass, citronella, and rosemary are plants that are proven to offer a toxic-free repelling effect against mosquitoes.
The main material used in the process of making these sticks is high-quality sawdust.
The effect duration of these sticks is about 3 hours, which is 3 times longer than the duration of an average repellent stick.
This product is alcohol and DEET-free, which means it is safe to be used around kids and sensitive persons.
They have a pleasant smelling scent that is sweet in order to make you feel comfortable in the area you are using the sticks.
Cons
These repellent sticks are strictly indicated for outdoor use which means you are not supposed to use them indoors.
These sticks are not for long-term use, meaning that you may finish a box in 3-4 days.
Buy from Amazon.com
3. Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito Repellent Balm
This natural mosquito repellent for skin is made to protect you from mosquito bites while traveling, camping, fishing, gardening or spending time near the lake in the summer. It is made of 100% natural ingredients and it contains lemongrass oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, olive oil, cedarwood oil, castor oil, and beeswax.
The ingredients used for making this balm are proven to be effective in keeping away the insects. It does not harm your skin or gear and it can be safely used with clothing. This product weighs 2 ounces and it is ideal while traveling because it doesn’t occupy much space in your backpack, purse or pocket.
The balm is made in the USA and it is cruelty-free since it was not tested on animals. It is also DEET (diethyltoluamide) free with no toxins added which makes it great for the entire family. It has a refreshing scent and a moisturizing effect for the skin.
Pros
This balm contains only natural ingredients (essential oils and beeswax) that have repelling effects for mosquitoes and a moisturizing effect for your skin.
It has a pleasant smell and comfortable wear on the skin to avoid any inconvenience while having fun.
The product doesn’t contain any harmful substances like DEET and alcohol and that makes it safe for kids too.
It is ideal for traveling because it is tiny so you can carry it in your pocket, backpack or purse.
This balm doesn’t harm gear and you can use it with clothing, too.
It is cruelty-free which means that the product wasn’t tested on animals.
Cons
It may not be suitable for all types of skins which means that if you have sensitive skin, it may cause you some irritations.
The size is very small since it was designed for traveling and saving space which means that the product won’t last long.
Buy from Amazon.com
4. Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent
This insect repellent is made to make you feel safe while you are on the go or during summertime activities. It is made of lemon eucalyptus essential oil that has the property of keeping away the mosquitoes from your skin.
This product comes in a 4-ounce bottle and it doesn’t contain DEET (diethyltoluamide) or other harmful substances so it is suitable for both kids and adults. This product offers you protection for up to 6 hours so you can enjoy your time camping or doing your activities without worrying about mosquito bites.
The insect repellent comes with a pulverizer and it has a cool and refreshing scent. It isn’t a greasy or sticky product so you won’t feel uncomfortable while wearing it.
Using this product prevents contacting the West Nile, Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes. It is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Pros
This insect repellent protects you from mosquitoes while camping, traveling, fishing by the lake or having fun in the summer nights.
The product is made of lemon eucalyptus essential oils that keep away the mosquito bites.
It doesn’t contain DEET, alcohol and other toxins which may harm your skin.
The protection lasts for about 6 hours so you don’t have to spend time applying it very often.
The texture of the products isn’t greasy or sticky once applied on the skin.
This insect repellent is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in order to avoid contacting any disease carried by these insects.
Cons
This product is effective only against mosquitoes and it may attract other insects like bees due to its pleasant smell.
If you have sensitive and irritated skin you should avoid using this product on that area.
Buy from Amazon.com
5. Mosquito Guard Natural Repellent Spray
This natural insect repellent contains plant-based ingredients that were proven to keep away the mosquitoes. It contains citronella oil, peppermint oil, lemongrass oil, and geraniol. This product doesn’t contain toxic ingredients like DEET (diethyltoluamide) or alcohol in order to keep your skin healthy.
The insect repellent comes in a 4-ounce bottle with a pulverizer to apply it on a wide surface of the skin with ease. It is great for outside activities like camping, hanging with your family in the yard, fishing or spending long nights by the lake.
It has a pleasant fresh smell and once applied on your skin, it won’t feel sticky and greasy so you can feel comfortable. It is great for both indoor and outdoor use. You can take it anywhere with you since it comes in a travel size. The spray is safe to be used by any family member including children.
Pros
This insect repellent contains only natural ingredients like citronella, lemongrass and peppermint essential oils.
The spray is non-toxic since it is alcohol-free and DEET-free.
After you apply it on your skin, it won’t feel sticky or greasy so you can feel comfortable.
The smell is refreshing and pleasant so you won’t feel the usual bug repellent smell on you.
It comes with a pulverizer to apply it with ease on your skin.
This spray can be used by adults and children 3 years old or above since it is a safe product that is made of natural ingredients.
The bottle comes in a travel-size package to fit in your backpack while traveling or camping.
Cons
The content of this product won’t last for a long time since it has only 4 ounces.
People with sensitive skin may have some side effects like itchy rash or eczema.
Buy from Amazon.com
6. Badger Anti-Bug Balm Citronella & Rosemary
This insect repellent is specially made for keeping away the bugs, stable flies and mosquitoes. This is an organic product that is made of 100% natural ingredients with no toxic chemicals added. It is DEET (diethyltoluamide)-free and petroleum-free so it is a safe choice for kids too.
The balm contains citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary essential oils and it is laboratory-tested in order to offer you safe protection against insects. The smell is very pleasant and it also has moisturizing properties for your skin since it contains castor oil and extra virgin olive oil that make your skin soft.
You can apply this product on any exposed areas of your body, including your face. It comes in a 2-ounce sized pack which makes it great for traveling, too. It is great for indoor use and for outdoor activities like climbing, fishing, gardening or simply chilling with your friends in the woods.
Pros
This balm contains citronella, lemongrass, and rosemary essential oils that keep away the insects from you and your kids.
The castor oil and the extra virgin olive oil take care of your skin to keep it soft and hydrated.
This product is 100% organic and lab-tested so you can feel safe while using it to repel insects.
It doesn’t contain any chemicals such as DEET, petroleum, or alcohol.
The insect repellent has a nice smell so you can apply it without feeling uncomfortable wearing it in public.
The size of this product allows you to carry it with you when leaving home, without taking you much space.
Cons
This formula is a little bit sticky so if this is a problem for you, you should avoid using it in a large quantity.
This product may leave stains on clothes, so avoid using it while wearing your favorite outfit.
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7. Buggins Natural Insect Repellent 0% DEET
This is a natural insect repellent with a pleasant smell that protects you from mosquito bites and keeps away at the same time the gnats, turkey gnats, buffalo gnats, and no-see-ums from biting. The product comes with a pulverizer for easier use, protecting you from insects for up to 2 hours.
It contains only natural ingredients like lemongrass, clove, peppermint, and geraniol. It is great for people who want to avoid DEET (diethyltoluamide) repellents as DEET is a chemical substance which may harm your skin if you are sensitive.
The size of the bottle is 4 ounces and it can be easily carried in your package when leaving home. It has a soft vanilla scent that is very pleasant and it also doesn’t leave greasy and sticky residues on the skin. It is good for the entire family, including elders and children.
Pros
The insect repellent is made of natural ingredients like lemongrass, clove, and peppermint essential oils.
It protects you not only from mosquitoes but also from most types of gnat bites.
This product comes with an atomizer to make it easier to apply on your skin.
It doesn’t contain toxic substances such as DEET so if you want a repellent that is 100% organic you should try this one.
The spray comes in a travel-sized package to save space when packing your things for a trip or to put it in your backpack when simply going for a walk in the park.
Once applied, it dries without leaving your skin greasy or sticky so you can feel comfortable.
It has a vanilla smell which is pleasant for most people.
Cons
The sweet vanilla fragrance may be hard to handle by some people who are allergic to strong scents.
It doesn’t last for a long period, so you have to re-apply it often.
Buy from Amazon.com
Yearly Guide & Report
Although most repellents, including those that contain DEET, and especially those made of natural mosquito repellent plants, have been deemed safe by experts, there are still some parents that are afraid to spray their kids with any kind of protective substance. So finding the perfect solution for those parents is a must, and natural ingredients are often what makes a repellent more appropriate for kids.
Soy alternatives
So what are the choices? First of all soy-based repellents. A study that was conducted in 2002 on many types of repellents for mosquitoes found out that soy-based products are the most effective alternative to DEET.
Although offering limited protection in terms of time, the 90 minutes that these repellents are effective for are still enough in certain situations. Furthermore, soy-based repellents are sometimes more effective than low-concentration DEET products.
Oil of lemon eucalyptus
One of the most popular substances you can find in a natural tick and mosquito repellent is the oil of lemon eucalyptus. This is another alternative to DEET, and it is endorsed by the CTC, which states that it can keep mosquitoes away while being safe for everybody. It’s also great against ticks, so you can find it in products destined for that purpose as well.
This substance can work for up to six hours, but it cannot be used on kids that are under the age of 3. However, don’t be fooled and don’t confuse the actual repellent oil with the basic oil made of the same plant. The second type is made differently and it doesn’t contain the same chemical that keeps the bugs away.
There are studies that say this repellent is as good as DEET, and it’s a wonder that the substance doesn’t get too much attention. Producers should consider using it a lot more. Be careful with the substance, however, as it can become poisonous if ingested in high quantities.
Catnip
This is an interesting choice, as you wouldn’t necessarily associate catnip with keeping bugs away. There hasn’t been much research done on this substance, in terms of protecting against mosquitoes and bugs, but what’s known is that it can work similarly to DEET when diffused in the air.
It can last for up to 15 hours when it spreads in the air; however, it’s not that effective when you wear it on your skin or clothes. It is thus a good choice if you want to use it in your house, but not if you’re going somewhere and you need to be protected in nature.
Furthermore, taking into account that cats love it, we already know that it’s a safe choice if you have pets around. Catnip is also safe for children or people with respiratory problems.
Some things don’t work
While there are many great natural ways to repel mosquitoes, there are also cheap natural mosquito repellents that have been tested and aren’t as reliable. Unfortunately, there is not much proof that products using peppermint oil or citronella have any effect against mosquitoes. There are some variations of citronella that can keep mosquitoes away, but only for about an hour or so.
Bibliography:
1) Common natural insect repellents
2) The activity of natural insect repellents on mosquitoes
4) The benefits of lemon eucalyptus oil
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