With all the time spent outdoors during the summer, from spontaneous picnics in the park to camping trips with the family, it’s just impossible to avoid the bugs. But with the right bug repellent, not the dreaded itchy bites, i.e. the worst thing about summer. Many common bug repellents are full of chemicals, like the controversial DEET, though, so people are looking for more natural alternatives.
Best Natural Bug Repellents
Formulated with some of the most popular essential oils, like lemongrass, citronella, grapefruit, and peppermint, these bug sprays not only help prevent bug bites, they’ll make you (and your family) smell good in the process. From traditional spray to cream for kids to bug repellent bracelets, we’ve rounded up all the best options out there. Keep scrolling for Woman’s World’s picks for the best natural bug repellents.
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Toss the bug repellent of yesteryear away and pick up a bottle of Repel's plant-based natural bug spray. Made with oil of lemon eucalyptus, this bug repellent keeps the pests away for up to six hours, leaving behind a delectably refreshing scent without that dreaded sticky residue. Best of all: It's safe for use on adults and kids three and up, making it a great natural bug repellent for camping trips!
Not a fan of of sprays? No problem! Avon's Skin-So-Soft Insect Repellent Moisturizing Lotion has got you covered — literally. Natural and DEET-free, this lotion is great for summer outings with the family. Combining bug repellent with moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E and aloe alongside SPF 30, you may just find this lotion becoming a new summertime essential.
Keep the littlest members of the pack safe from buggies everywhere with the California Baby Natural Bug Blend Bug Repellent Spray. Safe and gentle, this non-toxic and non-irritating bug spray uses a blend of vegetable and plant based ingredients, like citronella, lemongrass and cedar pure essential oils, to treat and prevent bites. And coming from a trusted natural baby brand like California Baby, you can rest assured your little one will be safe form bites all summer long.
A best-seller since first launching in the '80s, SallyeAnder's No Bite Me! cream is a favorite of parents everywhere for a reason. Free of harmful chemicals, this secret behind this natural bug repellent cream is its blend of 16 essential oils including cedar, mint, lemongrass, geranium, clove, thyme, rosemary and eugenol oils. Safe for babies, kids, and adults, one of the best parts of this cream is its application. With no need to pack on layers and layers of the cream, simply dot this blend on every three to four inches of exposed skin, blend in, throw your bug-bite worry to the wind.
The Mosquito Repellent Blend from Now Essential Oils comes in a blend of grapefruit, citronella, and lemongrass oils. Simply add a couple drops to a diffuser or sunscreen for natural bug repellents at home and on the go.
For a natural bug spray that won't break the bank, try Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent. Made with a rich blend of oils like lemongrass, citronella, and rosemary, just a couple spritzes of this natural formula and you'll be able keep nibbling insects away from you all day long.
When it comes to natural bug repellents for the home, this first thing people think of is a classic citronella candle. However, the drugstore candles of our youth were often a bit of an eyesore and didn't burn clean, leaving soot and black smoke in their wake. This citronella candle set from YIHANG is designed to burn clean and bright, and is packaged in ornate tin canisters that you won't want to hide after each use.
Made from a durable microfiber, these adjustable bracelets are much more than a fashion a statement. Thanks to an infusion of ingredients like citronella essential oil, natural eucalyptus oil, and lavender extract, they actively keep bugs away. From hiking your favorite trail to attending the latest in a long line of family barbecues, this bracelets will let you enjoy it bite-free.
Prefer to light incense over candles? Luckily for you, Murphy's Naturals Mosquito Repellent Incense Sticks are here to solve all your buggy needs. Using a blend of natural essential oils, this incense will fill your home with a wonderful aroma of rosemary, peppermint, citronella, lemongrass, cedar wood and bamboo.
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