Healthy Shopping: Natural insect repellents

Ditch DEET and try an all-natural insect repellent instead, says Joanna Evans

In Homeopathy for Bites, Stings and Itchy Things, David Needleman shares his top homeopathic remedies for treating insect bites. But to avoid getting bitten in the first place, an effective bug spray is a must.

Most insect repellents on the market contain N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, better known as DEET, a chemical linked to a range of adverse effects—from allergic reactions to hormone disruption to seizures and even death.¹ In older adults, exposure to household insect repellents containing DEET has also recently been linked to an increased risk of dying from heart disease.²

Search instead for a DEET-free product that harnesses the natural powers of essential oils and other plant ingredients to keep bugs at bay. Here are a few effective natural ingredients to look out for.

Eucalyptus oil can be just as effective as DEET, providing up to 10 hours of protection.³

Citronella oil, derived from a relative of the lemongrass plant, can work well if frequently applied or combined with vanillin.⁴

Thyme, peppermint, cedar, patchouli and clove oils, along with geraniol (found in geranium, rose and citronella oils), are also good options. Like citronella, they must be applied frequently or combined with vanillin for staying power.⁵

Bog myrtle essential oils have been found to repel mosquitos in lab tests.⁶

Coconut oil also appears to be a good mosquito repellent. The fatty acids in coconut oil are effective against biting flies, ticks and bed bugs too.⁷

Before using essential oils or products that contain them, be sure to check their quality and purity and their interactions with certain health conditions and medications. It’s also wise to test them on a small area of skin for allergic reactions. Before using them while pregnant, check with your practitioner.

Top products

Here’s a handful of DEET-free natural insect repellents currently available in the US and UK.

Badger

Anti-Bug Shake and Spray, $13.99/£12.24 (4 fl oz / 118 mL)
US: badgerbalm.com; UK: uk.iherb.com

This certified organic bug spray is a blend of citronella, cedar, lemongrass, rosemary, geranium and peppermint essential oils in a soybean and castor oil base. The formula has been proven to repel mosquitos and stable flies in lab tests and comes in recyclable aluminum packaging.

All Terrain

Herbal Armor Insect Repellent, $20.99/£15.72 (8 fl oz / 240 mL)
US: allterrainco.com; UK: uk.iherb.com

Independently proven to be non-irritating, this insect repellent is ideal for children and those with sensitive skin. Available in various sizes, it features soybean, citronella, peppermint, cedarwood, lemongrass and geranium oils and is GMO-free.

Incognito

Insect Repellent Spray, $18.71/£13.99 (3.5 oz / 100 mL)
lessmosquito.com
International shipping available

Featuring PMD (p-menthane-3,8-diol), a natural compound derived from the Java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) plant, this award-winning spray is clinically proven to give 100 percent protection against mosquito bites, with tropical-strength protection against other biting insects, including midges, ticks and horse flies.

Napiers

Bugbuster Outdoor Cream, $23.64/£15.99 (3.5 oz / 100 mL)|
napiers.net
International shipping available

Designed to defend against biting bugs as well as hydrate the skin, this soothing cream contains citronella, eucalyptus, lavender and peppermint essential oils in a base of aloe vera, jojoba, coconut and almond oils. It also features Highland bog myrtle extract, used for centuries as a traditional insect repellent.

What do you think? Start a conversation over on the... WDDTY Community