Nourish
Natural Bug Sprays That Really Work
How do we guard against mosquito bites, safely and effectively, without relying on chemicals?
While DEET is widely used (and the Environmental Protection Agency reports that it’s safe for topical use when applied correctly), the formula is slightly toxic to fish and birds, and the chemical’s been found in wastewater across the United States. Then there’s the fact that our skin, the body’s largest organ, can absorb harsh chemicals, such as DEET, that come into contact with its surface. Another thing? DEET is a solvent, which means it can melt plastic. No, thank you.
Luckily, perhaps thanks to the rising awareness about the chemical’s interaction with our bodies and the environment, a slew of natural bug repellents—that are safe and totally effective—have hit the market over the past few years. These formulas typically reply on essential oils, such as citronella, rosemary, cedar or peppermint, mixed with another oil, such as soybean or castor, and water. Different essential oils repel different types of bugs, so the best formulas contain a least a few, if not a handful of these ingredients.*
Here are a few of our favorite all-natural bug repellents that get the job done—with zero reservations when it comes to spraying your exposed skin. Bonus: They smell pretty great, too.
Honest Bug Spray, $12.95 for 4 fl. oz.
Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent, $8 for 4 fl. oz.
Zoe Organics Insect Repellent, $20 for 4 fl. oz.
Badger Anti-Bug Shake & Spray, $11.99 for 4 fl. oz.
Ovvio Oils Insect Repellent, $19.95 for 4 fl. oz.
Do you have a natural insect repellent you use and love? Or is one of your favorites listed above? Tell us how you ward off mosquitos this time of year!
*NOTE: If you’re traveling to a region with insect-borne diseases, like malaria, or Zika virus, experts recommend using a product with 20 to 30 percent DEET, or other chemicals. The Environmental Working Group found that botanical-based bug repellents aren’t the best choice in these cases.
How do we guard against mosquito bites, safely and effectively, without relying on chemicals?
While DEET is widely used (and the Environmental Protection Agency reports that it’s safe for topical use when applied correctly), the formula is slightly toxic to fish and birds, and the chemical’s been found in wastewater across the United States. Then there’s the fact that our skin, the body’s largest organ, can absorb harsh chemicals, such as DEET, that come into contact with its surface. Another thing? DEET is a solvent, which means it can melt plastic. No, thank you.
Luckily, perhaps thanks to the rising awareness about the chemical’s interaction with our bodies and the environment, a slew of natural bug repellents—that are safe and totally effective—have hit the market over the past few years. These formulas typically reply on essential oils, such as citronella, rosemary, cedar or peppermint, mixed with another oil, such as soybean or castor, and water. Different essential oils repel different types of bugs, so the best formulas contain a least a few, if not a handful of these ingredients.*
Here are a few of our favorite all-natural bug repellents that get the job done—with zero reservations when it comes to spraying your exposed skin. Bonus: They smell pretty great, too.
Honest Bug Spray, $12.95 for 4 fl. oz.
Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent, $8 for 4 fl. oz.
Zoe Organics Insect Repellent, $20 for 4 fl. oz.
Badger Anti-Bug Shake & Spray, $11.99 for 4 fl. oz.
Ovvio Oils Insect Repellent, $19.95 for 4 fl. oz.
Do you have a natural insect repellent you use and love? Or is one of your favorites listed above? Tell us how you ward off mosquitos this time of year!
*NOTE: If you’re traveling to a region with insect-borne diseases, like malaria, or Zika virus, experts recommend using a product with 20 to 30 percent DEET, or other chemicals. The Environmental Working Group found that botanical-based bug repellents aren’t the best choice in these cases.
