Keep biting bugs at bay with our pick of the best natural, non toxic insect repellent sprays!
By Bec Gregory
As we prepare for warmer weather and holidays in tropical climates, keeping biting bugs at bay is a top priority. Itchy insect bites aren’t just annoying. Some can even be deadly! And for those of us who live in places where mosquito and tick-borne diseases are common, effective protection is an absolute must.
And getting it right isn’t easy! Most commercial bug sprays are horrible to use, smell disgusting, and contain toxic ingredients. Others can leave an oily residue on the skin that bugs and dirt stick to. Gross! Not to mention the need to apply often throughout the day when you just wanna have fun!
But the necessity for insect repellents to safeguard against serious health conditions such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus is increasingly important. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diseases spread by mosquito, flea and tick bites tripled from 2004 to 2016, with more than 640,000 cases of vector-borne diseases during that time. Yipes!
So, what can we do about it?
The Dangers Of DEET
There are two main types of insect repellent compounds used in formulations designed to keep biting bugs at bay.
First, there are synthetic chemicals like permethrin, DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide), and picaridin (1-piperidinecarboxylic acid 2-[2-hydroxyethyl]-1-methlypropylester). Or, secondly, there are natural products (essential oils) like citronella, neem, lemon, and eucalyptus.
DEET is the active ingredient found in most conventional repellents. It is considered the ‘gold standard’ against which the effectiveness of alternative mosquito repellents is judged. But DEET has been linked to respiratory disorders, seizures, and brain toxicity in children.
Additionally, it damages textiles, ruins plastics, and smells foul. But this may be the worst part: it’s also among the most frequently detected organic chemical contaminants in water around the world.
The health and environmental risks associated with DEET just might outweigh its effectiveness. So there has been a growing demand for natural, DEET-free alternatives in insect repellents.
The good news? For thousands of years, humans have taken advantage of the ability of plant material to repel insects. And we’ve learnt a thing or two about natural plant compounds that effectively repel insects!
Below is our pick of the best natural insect repellent sprays that are proven to work without the downsides of conventional synthetic ingredients.
The Best Natural Insect Repellents
1. Lemongrass Farms Trek All Natural Insect Repellent
This all-natural insect repellent is effective against a broad spectrum of biting insects: Mosquitos, No-See-Ums, Gnats, and more. Features a water-based formula that’s both non-greasy and quick drying, coupled with the convenience of a continuous spray bottle powered by air, making application super easy and mess-free.
Plus, it moisturises and cools the skin with plant-based moisturisers and soothing agents. And its lemon mint aroma smells wonderful! Offers up to 45 minutes protection per application.
Price: $10.48
One of the best non toxic insect repellents for: Light protection against biting bugs.
2. Shubug Natural Insect Repellent
Applying insect repellent can get annoying. And forgetting to reapply can leave you vulnerable. But what if you could simply moisturise your skin in the morning and stay protected from biting bugs all day long?
Enter this daily moisturising insect repellent – it’s a game changer! Not only does it hydrate your skin effectively, but it also provides up to 10 hours of protection against mosquitos.
A natural plant base of 97% Walnut and Coconut MCT Oil moisturises the skin and a blend of essential oils, including lemongrass and rosemary, offers long-lasting protection against biting insects. Sorted!
Price: $7.97
One of the best non toxic insect repellents for: Long lasting protection against bugs.
3. Kinfield Golden Hour Mosquito Repellent
A unique strain of Indonesian citronella gives this natural insect repellent the edge, offering superior protection against mosquitos. This fine mist spray stands out as the most pleasantly scented insect repellent, with a delightful blend of citrus and vanilla notes. Additionally, it boasts skin moisturising properties, leaving the skin feeling super soft. But you’ll have to be quick – this one keeps on selling out!
Price: $22
One of the best non toxic insect repellents for: Doubling as a summer scent.
4. Organics Chix No More Bugs
Here, delicious smelling essential oils, including citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, and others, ward off mosquitoes and flies. But they also leave a delightful aromatherapeutic fragrance on your skin, too!
What’s more, No More Bugs works to keep your skin soft without an oily residue. (For me, there’s nothing worse than formulations that leave a sticky, oily film!). It’s kid and pet safe, too!
Plus, we love that you can refill your glass bottle using their eco refill pouches.
Price: $13.99
One of the best non toxic insect repellents for: Smelling great, whilst keeping bugs at bay!
5. Incognito Anti-Mosquito Spray Repellent
This award-winning mossie spray uses plant-based PMD (para-Menthane-3,8-diol), a powerful natural insect repellent with DEET- like efficacy to provide 100% protection against Aedes aegypti (Zika and Dengue carrying mosquitoes) for 4.5 hours and good protection for up to 7 hours. PMD is recommended by WHO and NHS to protect against insects in mosquito-borne disease areas. It is also clinically proven to work against ticks and bed bugs.
Plus, the bottle is recyclable and composed of detectable sugarcane plastic, which has a positive carbon impact.
Price: £12.99
One of the best non toxic insect repellents for: Those who are in areas where malaria and dengue are a serious threat.
6. Green People SPF15 Sun Cream With Natural Insect Repellent
The juggling act of managing SPF and insect repellent is over! That’s thanks to this multitasking marvel that truly does ‘do it all’.
An SPF15 shields against sun damage, while Citrepel 75 provides PMD-powered protection against mosquitoes, midges and more for up to 4 hours, covering all your needs!
What’s more, an Aloe Vera core soothes and hydrates the skin, while Lemon Eucalyptus and Peppermint give a fresh summer scent. This formula is gentle enough for those with eczema and is suitable for sensitive skin. Of course, it’s kid safe (from 6 months), too!
Price: £30
One of the best non toxic insect repellents for: Camping, holidaying, hanging out at the cottage – all your summer needs. We love the concept of this 2-in-1 bug spray!
7. Alfresco Anti Bug Bite Moisturiser
Meet the anti-bug bite moisturiser with a cult following! Stars such as Penelope Cruz and Jude Law are known to have personally requested the product whilst filming on location. And for good reason!
Alfresco offers highly effective secret signature blend of 22 sustainably sourced botanical essential oils that bugs hate. These include: cinnamon, cedar and patchouli. The result is long lasting protection against bug bites while delivering superior moisturising and soothing properties for the face and body.
Price: £11.50
One of the best non toxic insect repellents for: Keeping your skin hydrated and looking great whilst making bugs buzz off!
8. Nantucket Spider Extra Strength Tick Repellent Spray
This extra-strength repellent offers powerful protection against ticks. That’s thanks to a blend of essential oils including clove, geranium, and rosemary. Lab-tested, it’s proven to repel over 90% of deer ticks!
Its non-greasy, water-based formula comes out in a fine mist spray. This offers superior coverage and ease of application. It’s got a gorgeous vanilla spice scent, too!
We really like that this company creates their products with eco-friendly practices that prioritise sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Price: $15.99
One of the best non toxic insect repellents for: Those who live in areas where Lyme disease is a possibility.
9. Anti Bug Pro Organic Bug Repellent
Effectively fend off insects with this organic bug spray! It boasts a blend of 7 essential oils, including eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender. Enhanced with skin-soothing and conditioning agents like aloe vera juice and vitamin E, it not only repels bugs but also maintains your skin’s softness. Plus, it’s safe for the whole family, ensuring peace of mind during outdoor activities!
Price: $16.99
One of the best non toxic insect repellents for: Sharing with your dogs and cats. This is one of the few non toxic insect repellents that’s safe for animals.
10. Bug Soother Bug Spray
Bug Soother uses simple, skin-loving ingredients to keep biting critters at bay. These include: purified water, glycerin, castor oil, and vitamin E, blended using soy lecithin (a natural emulsifier used in foods), plus lemongrass essential oil. It’s all blended with vanilla for an amazing scent that you’ll love!
Bug Soother provides effective protection against gnats, no-see-ums, sand fleas, black flies, and some mosquitoes. We love that it’s made in Iowa by a small female-owned family business.
Price: $19.99
One of the best non toxic insect repellents for: Evenings out, dining al fresco.
Feel like making your own natural insect repellent spray? Check out this homemade bug spray recipe for your skin.
What non toxic insect repellent have you found most effective? Please comment below, we’d love to know!
Her recent projects explore spiritual life in Britain and the effects of female-centred spirituality on women's wellness.
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I’ve used the plant-based Repel for years with good results, but recently tried Swamp Gator with good results. I live in the tick capital of the world, Arkansas
Thanks for the info!