Natural mosquito repellent ingredients

EPA-Approved Natural Topical Insect Repellent Ingredients

The ingredients listed in this article are natural extracts. For a complete list of ingredients, please refer to the EPA website. The information cited here is updated on March 2026. (1,3)

 

Catnip Essential Oil

Catnip, also known as catmint, has common names that can easily be confused with other plants. Therefore, when purchasing, the scientific name Nepeta cataria is the best basis for identification. The main repellent ingredients in catnip essential oil are Nepetalactone and puleganic acid, which can repel mosquitoes, gnats, and other biting insects. When applied to the skin, it is generally safe as long as the instructions for use are followed. Under normal use, there are no issues with skin sensitivity, cumulative toxicity, or environmental toxicity. In addition to insect repellent, catnip essential oil has a mild effect on the central nervous system, which can be sedative or stimulating depending on the individual. Therefore, it may not be suitable for use when working or driving.

 

Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Lemon eucalyptus Corymbia citriodora is native to Australia and is now cultivated worldwide. It is a tree occasionally seen in schoolyards or parks in Taiwan. In mosquito repellent products, it is usually labeled as OLE (Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus). One of the mosquito repellent ingredients is p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), which accounts for approximately 1-2% of lemon eucalyptus essential oil. OLE usually refers to refined lemon eucalyptus essential oil, which has a higher concentration of PMD. In addition, PMD can also be obtained synthetically. The main component in lemon eucalyptus essential oil, Citronellal (approximately 80%), also has mosquito repellent effects. Therefore, in addition to using refined OLE or PMD, using lemon eucalyptus essential oil also has mosquito repellent effects. Mosquito repellent products with high concentrations of lemon eucalyptus essential oil (>30%) are not recommended for children under three years old. PMD can irritate the eyes, so when applying mosquito repellent around the face, it is recommended to spray it on your hands first and then apply it, rather than spraying it directly onto your face.

 

Citronella Essential Oil

Taiwanese people should be familiar with the scent of citronella because Taiwan was once a major exporter in the citronella oil industry. After its introduction from Indonesia in 1912, it once accounted for up to 70% of global production. Citronella essential oil was previously mainly used to synthesize menthol, but it is currently used in the perfume, skincare, food, medical, aromatherapy, and cleaning product industries. The EPA-recognized citronella essential oil mosquito repellent ingredients primarily come from two types of citronella:

1. Cymbopogon nardus Citronella, also known as Ceylon type citronella
2. Cymbopogon winterianus Also known as Java type citronella, which is milder.

The lemon-scented citronella Cymbopogon citratus, known as the lemongrass, commonly used in cooking, is not included. Mosquito repellent products containing citronella essential oil should only be used on infants under six months of age after consulting a doctor. Prolonged use of Ceylon citronella essential oil may cause discomfort to sensitive skin. Otherwise, no adverse health effects have been found when used according to product labeling.

 

Other Potentially Effective Natural Extract Ingredients

Research on essential oils that can repel mosquitoes is still ongoing. Although not yet approved by the EPA, many essential oils have been found to be effective in repelling mosquitoes in research papers. A few examples are listed below:

• Peppermint (not suitable for children under six)
• Ginger
• Ceylon Cinnamon
• Rosemary
• Rose Geranium
• Cedarwood
• Virginia Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
• Lavender
• Patchouli
• Basil
• Tea Tree

...and so on. The list of plant essential oils that can repel mosquitoes is undoubtedly longer than this, and we look forward to further scientific research discoveries. (2)

Limitations of Natural Ingredients

 

Natural ingredients usually have a shorter duration of effectiveness, lasting about two hours, or they need to be reapplied or resprayed depending on how quickly the scent dissipates. The effectiveness also varies depending on the essential oil used and the type of mosquitoes in the area. Although DEET, the most widely used mosquito repellent ingredient, is synthetic, its repellent effect is undeniable. Especially when traveling to areas endemic for mosquito-borne diseases, you should consider your needs and purpose when making a choice.

 

How to Obtain Mosquito Repellent Essential Oils

Essential oils are easily available online and in stores. However, it should be noted that essential oils on the market are often vaguely labeled. Buying from reputable essential oil vendors is crucial to ensure the quality of the essential oil. I also recommend purchasing "organic certified" essential oils whenever possible to use them with peace of mind, support organic farmers, and contribute to environmental protection.