Natural Mosquito Repellent: What Really Works?

Some synthetic mosquito repellents may be generally safe when used as directed. But they might not be a good option for everyone. And many of the harsh ingredients in these products are not recommended for people with inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and acne.

Lounging by the pool covered in mosquito bites doesn’t exactly sound like a relaxing way to spend the summer. 

That’s where natural mosquito repellents come in. There are a range of essential oils that insects tend to avoid. They can help you stay free of both chemicals and mosquito bites this season. 

What are the most natural mosquito repellents? 

You might be on the hunt for a natural mosquito repellent for many reasons. Maybe your sensitive skin doesn’t tolerate synthetic repellents well, or you want to use products that are more environmentally friendly. Or maybe you just want your mosquito repellent to smell good. Whatever the reason, you have options. 

In studies of the mosquito-repelling qualities of various essential oils, there have been some promising results. But there's a need for more research on natural repellents. So the CDC recommends using repellents that are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) if you're traveling to an area with a high risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Most of those EPA-approved products are synthetic. 

But for situations where the risk of catching a mosquito-borne disease is low, you might experiment with the following natural options:

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) is the only natural repellent approved by the CDC. However, the CDC does not recommend using pure oil of lemon eucalyptus. Instead, the agency suggests using pre-mixed products like Repel’s plant-based spray or Off! Botanicals, because these formulations have been tested and registered with the EPA. But note that some of these products may contain PMD, the synthetic version of OLE. 

In one study, OLE provided 2 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks. That makes it comparable to synthetic repellents on the market. 

Neem oil 

Neem oil is a naturally occurring pesticide that is sometimes used to help prevent the spread of disease. A paper outlining results from several studies found that neem oil may be moderately to highly effective in repelling mosquitoes. Researchers in the studies surveyed likely tested different neem oil mixtures, which may explain the varying results. 

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Lemongrass oil 

You might know lemongrass as a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine. But this herb has many uses. One study found that lemongrass oil combined with olive oil provided around 98% protection against southern house mosquitoes for 2 to 2.5 hours. Southern house mosquitoes can be found in the tropics and the southern third of the continental United States, from Southern California to Virginia. 

Clove oil 

Not only does this spice have antibacterial and antioxidant properties but it may also repel mosquitoes. One study found that clove oil kept Ae. Aegypti mosquitoes away for 1.5 to 2 hours. These mosquitoes live in tropical and subtropical climates, and sometimes in temperate areas as well. 

However, another study found that clove oil on its own was an ineffective repellent because it evaporated quickly. Researchers in the study found that combining the oil with vanillin (a chemical found in vanilla beans) could help prevent evaporation. 

Patchouli oil 

Many people either love or hate the smell of patchouli. And just as opinions of the oil are mixed, and so is the research on how effective it is at keeping mosquitos away. Patchouli alone may not be a good mosquito repellent, but tinkering with the formulation may increase its effectiveness. 

One study found that combining patchouli oil with an alcohol base made it effective. Another study showed that combining patchouli with sage oil prolonged the protection time to over 4 hours against various mosquitoes found in the southern and eastern parts of the U.S. 

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil has many uses, from relieving upset stomachs and headaches to soothing sore muscles. And it's been shown to repel mosquitoes found across the U.S. Some research suggests that it may work for up to 3 hours. 

Cinnamon oil

Cinnamon oil might keep mosquitoes and ticks away. Researchers found that an organic lotion containing cinnamon oil repelled mosquitoes that live in many parts of the U.S. for 1.5 to 2 hours. This mixture was also found to be successful in warding off ticks.

Catnip oil

It's called catnip for a reason. And while cats love it, insects certainly do not. Studies show that oil from this herb is a great natural mosquito repellent. Researchers think mosquitoes and other insects avoid catnip oil because it activates their pain receptors. 

Citronella oil

You've probably come across citronella candles and fragrances while looking for a natural mosquito repellent. These products may provide some protection, but the evidence is mixed.

One study found that a citronella oil–based body cream repelled mosquitoes. Researchers also found that a cream with citronella, lemongrass, and clove oil was even more effective. 

Other studies show that citronella alone may not be the best option, because it tends to evaporate quickly, leaving you exposed to mosquitoes. 

Why are mosquitoes attracted to you? 

Are you a person who brings bug spray to every outdoor adventure while your friends lounge around without protection and never get bitten? If you think mosquitoes are especially attracted to you, it's probably not all in your head.  

It might have something to do with your natural scent. Your body releases carboxylic acids when you sweat. Mosquitoes are attracted to the smell of these chemical compounds. So people with higher levels of carboxylic acids on their skin are more attractive to these pesky insects. 

But there are other reasons why you might attract mosquitoes. For example, people with Type O blood may be more likely to get bitten by mosquitoes. 

If you're a mosquito magnet now, chances are you will be for life. But here's the good news: Now that scientists have a better understanding of what attracts and repels mosquitos, they can develop better repellents. 

How to use natural mosquito repellents

Ready to give natural mosquito repellents a try? There are a few things to remember before diving in. 

• Buy your essential oils from a reputable source. The FDA doesn't regulate essential oils, so there are many faulty products on the market. Look for reputable sources that sell quality products. And read the labels to make sure you get the essential oil you want. 

• Test the repellent in low-risk situations. There's a need for more research on natural insect repellents. And the proper formulations still need to be worked out. So you should only test repellents in areas with a very low risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

• Use carrier oils. If you're applying an essential oil to your skin, always dilute it with a carrier oil like coconut, olive, or argan. You can start with 6 to 12 drops of essential oil per ounce of carrier oil.

• Patch test new products. You might be allergic to certain essential oils. So it's best to test essential oil on a small section of your skin and see how your skin reacts. 

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Written by:

Autumn Dewey

Autumn has experience in nonprofit communications, multimedia storytelling, and public relations.

Edited by:

Lauren Savage, MA

Lauren Savage, MA, is a health editor at GoodRx, where she focuses on movement, exercise, and healthy aging. She aims to provide readers with the information they need to live healthier, more active lifestyles.

Reviewed by:

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician in a variety of clinical settings. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

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