8+ Best Non-Toxic Bug Sprays For Safer Skin

You’ve set up the hammock, cracked open a cold drink, and settled in for a perfect summer evening, only to spend the next hour slapping your own legs like you’re keeping rhythm for a jazz band nobody asked for.

And while those itchy welts are annoying enough, the bigger concern is what conventional bug sprays ask you to put on your skin to prevent them. Most mainstream repellents rely on DEET or synthetic pyrethroids, chemicals that can irritate skin, damage gear, and raise questions about long-term exposure, especially for kids and anyone using them regularly.

Luckily, there are non-toxic bug sprays made with plant-derived ingredients that can keep the mosquitoes and other biters at bay without the chemical baggage. Some are even EPA-registered with proven protection times of up to 8 hours.

We sifted through dozens of natural insect repellent brands to find those that meet our standards for ingredient safety, effectiveness, and sustainability.

What We Looked For

• DEET-free, plant-based, or naturally derived active ingredients
• Transparent, short ingredient lists free of synthetic fragrances and petroleum
• Proven or well-documented effectiveness against mosquitoes (and ideally ticks)
• Sustainable or recyclable packaging
• Ethical business practices, certifications, and supply chain transparency

Our Research, Ratings & Review Process

We researched and reviewed every brand on this list, evaluating ingredient transparency, packaging, certifications, and brand ethics. Butterfly & Bee has signed up for one of our sustainability ratings so we evaluated their initiatives across 22 criteria. See other rated brands in our sustainable brand directory. Joy has personally tested Badger’s Anti-Bug Balm.

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Badger has been a staple in the natural bug repellent space for years. Their Anti-Bug Balm and Anti-Bug Shake & Spray are both certified organic and formulated with essential oils of citronella, cedar, lemongrass, rosemary, and geranium. Lab testing shows both provide around 3–3.5 hours of mosquito repellency.

The balm format is especially handy for targeted application (think wrists, ankles, and behind the ears), while the spray covers larger areas quickly. The balm is oil-based with an olive oil and beeswax base, so it feels moisturizing rather than drying, though the trade-off is a slightly oily finish. They also make a separate Anti-Tick Spray with an extra-strength formula for tick country.

• Format: Balm (tin and twist-up stick in two sizes each), Shake & Spray (4 oz and 2.7 oz aluminum bottles), Anti-Tick Spray, plus an After-Bug Itch Relief Stick and SPF 34 Anti-Bug Sunscreen
• Key ingredients: Organic castor oil, organic citronella oil, organic cedar oil, organic lemongrass oil, organic rosemary oil, organic geranium oil.
• Where it’s made: USA (Gilsum, NH) in a 100% solar-powered facility. Women-owned and family-run.
• What makes it natural & non-toxic: Certified organic, 100% natural ingredients. No DEET, synthetic chemicals, or petroleum products. Gluten-free.
• What we love: Everything is certified organic and offer plastic-free options (the tin balm). Badger is a Certified B Corp working toward Net Zero by 2030, and their facility already runs on 100% solar power. The range covers every format you might want and they’re also cruelty-free across their entire range. Widely available in the USA and globally.
• Worth noting: These are essential oil-based repellents (not EPA-registered like OLE or undecanone products), so they need reapplication every 3–4 hours. Badger is upfront that they do not recommend relying on their anti-bug products for tick protection (use their dedicated Anti-Tick Spray for that).
• Price range: From ~$10

If your biggest gripe with natural bug sprays has always been “they don’t work,” Mimikai is here to change your mind. This is the first new EPA-registered botanical mosquito repellent in over 25 years, and it’s backed by the kind of lab and field testing typically reserved for DEET-based products.

The active ingredient is undecanone, a naturally occurring compound found in wild tomato plants, bananas, cloves, ginger, and guava. It’s EPA-registered to repel mosquitoes for up to 8 hours and ticks for up to 4 hours, while carrying the lowest toxicity classification the EPA assigns (Category 4). The brand says it’s scientifically proven to be as effective as DEET.

• Format: Pump spray (3.4 oz) and continuous mist (5.5 oz) in both adult and kids versions, plus a tick-specific mist. Bundles are also available.
• Key ingredients: Methyl Nonyl Ketone (2-undecanone), Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
• Where it’s made: Manufactured in the USA (near St. Louis, MO) with globally sourced ingredients
• What makes it natural & non-toxic: Patented plant-derived active ingredient, no DEET, picaridin, synthetic fragrances, parabens, or phthalates. Classified in the EPA’s lowest toxicity category. Formulated to meet Credo’s clean beauty standards.
• What we love: This bridges the gap between essential oil sprays (pleasant but can be limited in efficacy) and conventional chemical repellents (effective but laden with synthetics). It’s sold at REI, which says a lot about its outdoor performance. The continuous mist version uses compressed air (not chemical propellants). Named to Fast Company’s 2026 World’s Most Innovative Companies list.
• Packaging: Pump bottles contain 50% recycled content; mist cans are recyclable aluminum.
• Price range: From $14.99

EcoRoots is a zero waste store and a personal care brand with recyclable, plastic-free packaging across their range. Their Insect Repellent Spray comes in an aluminum bottle and uses a simple formula of witch hazel, lemon eucalyptus, cedarwood, citronella, and rosemary essential oils. They also offer a Bug Repellent Stick (a solid bar with a broader blend of organic oils including shea butter, jojoba, neem, and additional essential oils like lemongrass, basil, and thyme).

Multiple reviewers have noted it smells pleasant and goes on smoothly without the oiliness some essential oil sprays leave behind.

• Format: Spray and solid Bug Repellent Stick
• Key ingredients: Lemon eucalyptus essential oil, cedarwood essential oil, citronella essential oil, rosemary essential oil
• Where it’s made: EcoRoots works with small business vendors across the USA and internationally for sourcing and production.
• What makes it natural & non-toxic: Simple essential oil formula, DEET-free, no synthetic ingredients.
• What we love: The witch hazel base means the spray goes on lighter and less oily than soybean or castor oil formulas, which is a plus if you don’t love that slicked-up feeling. The aluminum bottle fits the low-waste ethos of the brand, and all shipping is plastic-free.
• Worth noting: At 2.7 oz, the spray bottle is on the smaller side, so you may burn through it quickly if you’re spraying the whole family. Their product page recommends reapplying every 2 hours. Competitor reviews suggest it works well for casual outdoor use but may need frequent reapplication in heavily infested areas.
• Price range: $19 (spray)

Murphy’s Naturals keeps things refreshingly simple. Their hero product, the Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Mosquito & Tick Repellent Spray, is made with just three ingredients.

Murphy’s formula is EPA-registered and can provide up to 6 hours of mosquito protection and up to 4 hours of tick protection (longer against some tick species).

• Format: Pump spray (2 oz, 4 oz) and continuous mist (6 oz); also offers a mosquito repellent balm (stick and tin), wipes, candles (including a refillable option), tea lights, and incense sticks
• Key ingredients: Citriodiol® (Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus 30%) , distilled water, corn ethanol
• Where it’s made: USA-based (founded 2015 by US Navy Veteran Philip Freeman)
• What makes it natural & non-toxic: No DEET, synthetic fragrances, or fillers. EPA-registered for proven protection. Won’t damage gear.
• What we love: This is one of the most widely accessible natural bug sprays in the US, available at Target, Walmart, Costco, REI, and Lowe’s. The brand is a Certified B Corp and 1% For The Planet member (they donate 2% of revenues to conservation efforts). If you want ambient protection for your patio, they also make repellent candles, tea lights, and incense sticks.
• Price range: ~$10–$12

If you already trust Raw Elements for your reef-safe sunscreen, you’ll be glad to know they’ve expanded into bug repellent territory. Their Natural Bug Repellent Spray uses certified organic cedarwood, peppermint, and rosemary oils to repel mosquitoes, flies, ants, ticks, and other insects.

The natural bug repellent is DEET-free and comes in a reusable and recyclable aluminum bottle. It leaves behind a botanical citrus-mint scent that’s quite pleasant. The Raw Elements team tested the formula across the east coast, the docks of Michigan, and their home surf beaches in California.

• Format: Spray (4 oz aluminum bottle and also available as 2-pack)
• Key ingredients: Certified organic cedarwood oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil
• Where it’s made: USA (Huntington Beach, CA). Founded by an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard.
• What makes it natural & non-toxic: Certified organic essential oils. DEET-free and EWG verified.
• What we love: Raw Elements started as a surf-culture sunscreen brand (their non-nano zinc oxide formulas are a favorite), so they understand what outdoor protection should feel like. The price point is one of the most affordable on this list. It’s also Non-GMO Project verified and Leaping Bunny cruelty-free.
• Price range: $18 for a 2 pack.

Nantucket Spider is a Certified B Corp that takes its bug repelling business seriously. Their Original Natural Bug Repellent was independently tested at 99% effectiveness against mosquitoes, which is a strong claim for an essential oil-based product.

They also make a citronella-free Summer Camp version for kids, an Extra Strength Tick Repellent, a dog-specific formula (without citrus oils or clove, which dogs shouldn’t ingest), and mosquito-repelling incense sticks.

• Format: Pump spray in four sizes for the Original. Also available in kids, tick, and dog formulas, plus mosquito repellent stickers and incense sticks
• Key ingredients (Original): Cedarwood oil, citronella oil, clove oil, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, spearmint oil
• Where it’s made: USA (founded 2013)
• What makes it natural & non-toxic: 100% organic essential oils as active ingredients. No DEET, petroleum, or synthetic chemicals.
• What we love: The 2% of sales donation to Rainforest Trust and the range is impressively versatile for families (they can be sprayed on clothing without damage). Their bottles are made from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic. The products are also vegan, soy-free, and cruelty-free.
• Worth noting: Not for use on cats. Like other essential oil-based products, it’s not EPA-registered, so reapply regularly.
• Price range: ~$16 for the Original (8 oz)

Meow Meow Tweet makes a natural bug spray that smells so good you might forget it’s supposed to repel insects. Their All Natural Herbal Insect Repellent combines skin toners like witch hazel and lavender hydrosol with a blend of essential oils.

This is a small-batch operation through and through. Everything is handmade, vegan, and formulated with regeneratively sourced ingredients. The bug spray comes in a refillable metal bottle, which you can send back to the brand for a refill or repurpose at home.

• Format: Spray in refillable aluminum bottle (Full Size 3.8 oz, Bulk Size 9.5 oz, Mini 6 ml). Pump can be reused or returned for TerraCycling.
• Key ingredients: Witch hazel distillate, organic lavender hydrosol, organic apple cider vinegar, organic lemongrass oil, organic lavender oil, cedar oil, organic geranium oil, organic fir needle oil.
• Where it’s made: USA (California microfactory), handmade in small batches.
• What makes it natural & non-toxic: 100% natural, certified organic ingredients. No synthetic chemicals or preservatives.
• What we love: The refillable aluminum bottle system is a zero waste win. Meow Meow Tweet is a Certified B Corp, Plastic Negative, and Climate Neutral. They source from women-owned ingredient distributors and formulate exclusively with ingredients that support regenerative farming practices. They’re also an AAPI and LGBTQIA-led company that donates monthly to grassroots organizations. Vegan, palm-oil free, and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free.
• Worth noting: Safe for children over 2 and dogs. Like most essential oil-based repellents, this needs more frequent reapplication than EPA-registered options. Meow Meow Tweet also makes some of our favorite zero waste skincare.
• Price range: $25 (3.8 oz full size)

A couple of additional brands worth knowing about:

California Baby Natural Bug Spray:

Shop California Baby

A trusted name among parents for over two decades. Their Natural Bug Blend uses citronella, lemongrass, and cedar essential oils in a formula safe for babies 6 months and up. More about California Baby’s non-toxic Bug Spray:

• Made in their own FDA-registered, certified organic, solar-powered facility in Los Angeles, with sustainably grown, pesticide-free essential oils.
• The formula also soothes existing bites with calendula and aloe vera.
• 100% vegan, no animal testing, and strictly allergy tested (free of gluten, soy, oat, sesame, dairy, and nuts).
• Available in a 2 oz travel size and 6.5 oz.

Heretic Parfum “The Entomologist”

Shop Heretic

For those who want their bug repellent to double as a luxury fragrance. This EPA-compliant (note: not registered though) spray uses 100% natural and naturally derived ingredients as defined by ISO 9235. More about Heretic’s natural bug repellent:

• Created by master perfumer Douglas Little, the scent blends cedar, geranium, thyme, rosemary, lemongrass, peppermint, cinnamon, and clove in organic sugarcane alcohol.
• It’s DEET-free, vegan-friendly, and cruelty-free, with no phthalates, parabens, synthetic dyes, or formaldehyde.
• The price reflects the luxury positioning ($65 at Credo). It should be reapplied every hour.

Related: Non-Toxic Perfume

Not all natural bug sprays are created equal, and understanding the key active ingredients helps you pick the right one for your situation.

What’s The Issue With DEET?

DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) has been the gold standard insect repellent since the U.S. Army developed it in 1946 for military use, and it’s been available to the public since 1957. The exact mechanism is still debated, but it’s believed to work by interfering with the receptors insects use to locate humans.

The EPA has concluded that DEET does not present a health concern when used as directed, but this includes not applying under clothing, washing treated skin when you go indoors, and reapplying according to label directions.

It’s also notorious for dissolving plastic and damaging synthetic fabrics and gear. For people who apply repellent daily, or who are concerned about putting a synthetic chemical on their skin (or their kids’), a plant-based alternative offers better peace of mind.

For casual outdoor use, a natural alternative makes sense. For travel to areas with high rates of mosquito-borne illness like malaria or Zika, the CDC recommends EPA-registered repellents, which now includes botanical options like OLE and 2-undecanone alongside DEET and picaridin.

The Natural Active Ingredients That Are Alternatives To DEET

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE):

This is the most evidence-backed natural repellent. OLE is listed by the CDC as an EPA-registered active ingredient for insect repellents, and products with 30% OLE (like Murphy’s Naturals) provide up to 6 hours of mosquito protection.

It’s important to note that OLE is different from lemon eucalyptus essential oil. OLE is a refined extract containing a high concentration of PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol), the compound responsible for repelling insects.

The CDC specifically states that “pure” lemon eucalyptus essential oil should not be used as a repellent because it hasn’t undergone validated safety and efficacy testing. It’s also not recommended for children under 3.

2-Undecanone (Methyl Nonyl Ketone):

A newer entry, 2-undecanone is a naturally occurring compound found in wild tomato plants, cloves, strawberries, and other plants and it’s now EPA-registered as a biopesticide repellent.

Mimikai’s formulation, which combines undecanone with OLE, is classified in the EPA’s lowest toxicity category (Category 4) and provides up to 8 hours of mosquito protection.

The CDC’s Yellow Book lists 2-undecanone alongside DEET, picaridin, OLE, and IR3535 as recommended active ingredients, and notes that repellents containing 2-undecanone can be used on children without age restriction.

Though it’s worth noting that this is still a toxic substance and is very damaging to aquatic life with long-lasting so it’s best to avoid release into waterways. We’d recommend choosing other options if you’re not visiting places with serious tick or mosquito-borne illnesses.

Essential oil blends (citronella, cedarwood, lemongrass, geranium, peppermint, rosemary):

These plant oils have a long history of use as insect repellents. They work by masking the scents that attract insects or by directly repelling them.

However, most essential oil repellents are not EPA-registered, which means they haven’t undergone standardized efficacy testing. The CDC notes that the effectiveness of non-EPA-registered repellents “is unknown” and recommends EPA-registered products for protection against disease-carrying insects.

Essential oil blends generally require reapplication every 1–2 hours.

EPA Registration: What It Means (And Doesn’t Mean) For Bug Repellents

When a bug spray is “EPA-registered,” it means the active ingredient has been evaluated for both safety and efficacy through standardized testing. This is different from products that are “EPA-exempt” because most essential oil blends fall into this category, as the EPA classifies them as “minimum risk pesticides” that don’t require registration.

EPA-registered does not mean synthetic. Brands like Mimikai and Murphy’s Naturals have EPA-registered formulas using plant-derived actives. The registration simply means the protection claims have been scientifically verified.

What About Picaridin?

Picaridin is a synthetic compound that’s effective and less irritating than DEET, but it’s still a lab-made chemical. If you’re specifically seeking a plant-based option, picaridin doesn’t fit the brief.

It’s worth knowing about as a middle ground, though, particularly for travel to regions with serious mosquito-borne disease risk.

This really depends on what you mean by “effective” and what you need protection from.

A well-formulated natural bug spray can absolutely keep mosquitoes and other biting insects at bay. OLE has been shown to be as effective as DEET in some laboratory and field studies.

Undecanone products like Mimikai have demonstrated strong protection times in EPA-required testing, though independent published data on undecanone is still limited compared to OLE or DEET.

Essential oil blends without EPA registration are generally effective for shorter periods and in moderate bug conditions, but they do need more frequent reapplication and may not stand up to heavy infestations.

For high-stakes situations (traveling to areas with malaria, dengue, or Zika transmission), the CDC recommends using an EPA-registered repellent. The good news is that now includes plant-derived options.

Remember that natural and non-toxic doesn’t mean ineffective, but it does mean being realistic about the context. We’d suggest choosing an EPA-registered botanical for serious outdoor adventures, and saving the essential oil sprays for everyday use.

What Is The Most Effective Natural Bug Repellent?

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) and undecanone are currently the most effective plant-based repellent actives, both EPA-registered with documented protection times. OLE provides up to 6 hours of mosquito protection, while undecanone (used in Mimikai) offers up to 8 hours. Both are recommended by the CDC as alternatives to DEET.

Is Natural Bug Spray Safe For Babies And Kids?

Most natural bug sprays are not recommended for infants under 6 months, and OLE-based products should not be used on children under 3. Essential oil blends (like Badger) are generally suitable for older children, but always check the label. Products containing 2-undecanone (like Mimikai) have no EPA-mandated age restriction, and Mimikai offers a dedicated kids formula. However, 2-undecanone is damaging to aquatic life (not the same as kids but still!) so we’d personally opt for a formula without it for casual use but would use it to prevent any mosquito or tick borne illnesses. For babies, consult your pediatrician before using any repellent. For more on safe baby care, see our guide to organic baby skincare products.

How Often Do You Need To Reapply Natural Bug Spray?

It varies by formula. EPA-registered products like Murphy’s Naturals (OLE) and Mimikai (undecanone) can last 4–8 hours. Essential oil blends typically need reapplication every 1–2 hours, and more frequently if you’re sweating, swimming, or in heavy bug conditions.

Does Citronella Work As A Bug Repellent?

Citronella is one of the most well-known plant-based repellents and has been used for decades. It does work to mask human scents that attract mosquitoes, but its protection is shorter-lived than OLE or undecanone. It’s most effective as part of a blend with other essential oils rather than on its own.

What’s The Difference Between OLE And Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil?

They’re not the same thing. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) is a refined extract from the lemon eucalyptus tree that contains high concentrations of PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol), the compound responsible for repelling insects. Lemon eucalyptus essential oil is the unrefined oil, which contains much lower levels of PMD and is significantly less effective as a repellent. When shopping for non-toxic bug spray, look for “Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus” or “OLE” on the label, not just “lemon eucalyptus.”

Can You Use Non-Toxic Bug Spray On Dogs?

Some natural repellents are safe for dogs, but not all. Citrus-based oils can be irritating to dogs, and clove oil contains eugenol, which can cause central nervous system depression and liver injury (through ingestion or skin contact). Nantucket Spider makes a dog-specific formula, and Butterfly & Bee’s powder is safe for dogs and cats. Always check the label and consult your vet before applying any human repellent to your pet.

Do Natural Bug Repellents Work Against Ticks?

Some do, particularly EPA-registered options. Mimikai is registered for 4 hours of tick protection, and Murphy’s Naturals OLE formula provides up to 4 hours against deer ticks (and longer against some other tick species like lone star and brown dog ticks). Essential oil blends may offer some tick deterrence (cedarwood and geranium are commonly cited), but the evidence is less established than for mosquito repellency. If you’re in heavy tick country, an EPA-registered option is the safer bet, and doing regular tick checks remains essential regardless of what you spray.

Nobody wants to spend summer covered in bites or slathered in synthetic chemicals. The fact that you’re here, reading this, means you already know there’s a better way.

The natural bug repellent space has come a long way from the “smells nice, does nothing” days. With EPA-registered botanical actives now offering real protection times, you can skip the DEET without crossing your fingers and hoping for the best.

But it’s important to match the repellent to the moment. If you’re heading into serious mosquito territory, go with an EPA-registered option like Mimikai or Murphy’s Naturals. If you’re just hanging out on the patio, an essential oil blend from Meow Meow Tweet or Badger will do the job (and smell a whole lot better than OFF! ever could).

Whatever you choose, you can rest easy knowing these brands are keeping the bugs away without bugging up your skin or the planet. And if you’re building out your whole non-toxic and sustainable camping setup, check out our guides to sleeping bags, camping gear, camping tips, and hiking boots while you’re at it.

Now get outside and enjoy your summer. The mosquitoes will just have to find someone else to bother.

Editor’s Note: This article was first published in November 2023. This April 2026 update includes new natural bug repellent brands, and the latest context on DEET and alternative active ingredients.