Natural insect repellents are made from ingredients derived from plants and essential oils, which can be effective in repelling insects without using synthetic chemicals. Some popular natural ingredients in insect repellents include:
- Lemon eucalyptus oil
- Lavender
- Cinnamon oil
- Thyme oil
- Greek catmint oil
- Citronella
- Lemongrass oil
- Garlic oil
- Dill essential oil
- Cedarwood oil
- Peppermint oil
- Rosemary
- Sesame oil
These ingredients can be found in various products, such as sprays, lotions, and candles, and are often considered safe for use on children and adults. However, it is essential to follow the product instructions and conduct a patch test before applying any natural insect repellent to the skin to prevent allergic reactions
. While natural insect repellents can be effective, they may not work as well as synthetic repellents containing ingredients like DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered these ingredients as safe and effective for use in insect repellents
. It is crucial to choose a repellent that meets the EPA's standards and is appropriate for your specific needs.
