The Role of Essential Oils in Insect Repellents
Essential oils have hundreds of applications, underpinning holistic medicine, aromatherapy, functional fragrancing, and more. Because they are 100% natural, they find their way into many clean-label products, including chemical pesticide alternatives. Rich in the plant compounds that evolved to protect leaves from insect attacks, these aromatic oils can deter bugs from biting.
The Increasing Appeal of Natural Insect Repellents
Year after year, more consumers switch to natural products made with plant-based ingredients. Shoppers see them as cleaner, safer, and more eco-friendly, and many brands are committing to the trend. When it comes to insect repellents, there are two main drivers of the demand for natural alternatives:
- Safety.
Traditional insect repellent lotions, sprays, and sticks contain DEET (diethyltoluamide). This compound masks the scent of human skin, making it less attractive to biting insects, especially mosquitoes. While the EPA considers DEET a safe, non-carcinogenic ingredient suitable for topical application, it can cause skin irritation in some people.
Furthermore, studies have shown that DEET is absorbed into the bloodstream and transferred to babies through the placenta during pregnancy. Studies have found no adverse effects from exposure, but many are wary of its long-term effects. - Environmental concerns.
DEET does not kill insects—it only repels them, so the EPA does not consider it a threat to wildlife. However, it does not dissolve well in water and can accumulate in rivers, streams, and oceans. High concentrations can also be toxic to some freshwater fish, such as bass and rainbow trout.
Many consumers prefer to use a plant-based repellent to deter bugs on fishing or camping trips and eliminate all risks of water contamination. Essential oils degrade into the environment very quickly, leaving no pollution behind.
5 Essential Oils That Repel Insects
- Citronella oil comes from the leaves and stems of citronella grasses. It has mild mosquito-repelling properties, and the EPA recognizes it as a non-toxic natural pesticide.
- Eucalyptus: The fragrant leaves of eucalyptus trees contain a compound called eucalyptol, which deters many insects. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE) is the only essential oil on the CDC’s list of recommended bug repellents.
- Peppermint oil has had promising results as a natural pesticide and insect repellent in many scientific studies. Applying it topically or spritzing it in the air may deter mosquitoes and other biting insects.
- Lemongrass: Closely related to citronella, lemongrass oil has been shown to repel mosquitoes and house flies. Its pungent odor masks other scents that typically attract pests.
- Thyme contains carvacrol and thymol-plant compounds that repel many insects, including cockroaches and mosquitoes. Thyme linalool is the most gentle variety of this essential oil, making it ideal for products designed for topical application.
Exercising Caution With Essential Oils
Essential oils can be toxic when ingested and are only safe for external use. They also remain largely unsupported by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). When traveling to insect-infested regions where the risk of malaria, yellow fever, dengue, or Lyme disease is high, it’s prudent to use essential oils only to complement DEET-based products.
Explore Our Premium Essential Oils Range
The efficacy of natural insect repellents depends on the quality and quantity of the essential oils they contain. At Advanced Biotech, we supply potent, pure plant oils that meet the demands of high-end personal care products.
We source all our ingredients from established, reputable growers that help us uphold the highest quality standards and deliver exceptionally fragrant, functional oils to our customers. Request product samples to experience their potency first-hand, or contact us for more information.