
Best all natural mosquito repellent helps keep insects and nasty bug bites at a minimum.
Best All Natural Mosquito Repellent: 2025 Buyer’s Guide to Chemical-Free Protection
Looking for the best all natural mosquito repellent that really works?
Before you hit the beach, hike epic trails, or relax on the patio, safeguard your skin with a plant-based spray proven to block hungry mosquitoes—without the harsh chemicals found in DEET or permethrin formulas.
Why Choose an All-Natural Formula Over Traditional Chemical Sprays?
- Powerful Essential Oils: Lab-filtered citronella, lemongrass, cedarwood, and geraniol repel mosquitoes for hours.
- Skin-Friendly & Family-Safe: Non-toxic, non-greasy blends ideal for kids, pets, and sensitive skin.
- Eco-Conscious: Biodegradable ingredients won’t pollute waterways or harm beneficial insects.
- Fresh Herbal Scent: No harsh chemical odor—just clean botanical aroma.
How to Apply the Best All Natural Mosquito Repellent Correctly
For max protection, mist every exposed area—ankles, wrists, neck, and clothing.
Test a small patch first if you have very sensitive skin, and reapply after swimming or heavy sweating.
Store your repellent in a cool, shaded spot to keep the essential oils potent.
Natural vs. Chemical Mosquito Sprays
Feature | All-Natural Repellent | Traditional DEET Spray |
---|---|---|
Active ingredients | Plant-derived essential oils | DEET or picaridin |
Skin sensitivity | Low irritation risk | May cause rashes in some users |
Scent | Fresh herbal | Chemical odor |
Environmental impact | Biodegradable | Can be toxic to aquatic life |
Want a plant-based yard strategy too?
Combine a natural spray with mosquito-repelling herbs like citronella grass and basil around patios for a double barrier.
Top 10 Picks for the Best All Natural Mosquito Repellent
Below you’ll find our expert-ranked list of organic and natural sprays that outperform chemical counterparts in real-world field tests—lasting power, scent, and overall bite protection.
» READ MORE: Best All Natural Mosquito Repellent Reviews
Mosquitoes are more than a nuisance; they transmit viruses like Zika and West Nile.
Choose a proven all natural mosquito repellent, follow the application tips above, and enjoy bite-free outdoor adventures anywhere you roam.
Top 10 Best All Natural Mosquito Repellent Reviews for 2025
Ready to choose the best all natural mosquito repellent for your next trip?
Below we compare this year’s highest-rated plant-based sprays side-by-side, so you can spot the right formula, scent, and longevity at a glance.
Chemical-Free Leaders: No DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus


- BugMace Safari Strength Mosquito & Insect Repellent
- Consistancy:
Smooth Texture. Fast Drying Clear - Fragrance:
Moderate & Dissipates Fast. Lemon with Notes of Vanilla - Protection Time:
Up to 6 Hours
Reapply Often or As Needed - Sizes:
2 & 4 oz. Travel and 8 oz. - Active Ingredients:
7 Active Ingredients Total: 20.5% - Certified Organic:
Contains Certified Organic Essential Oils - Harsh Chemicals:
Does NOT Contain DEET or Picaridin - Editor's Rating:
4.8/5Rating: 4.8/5 Stars


- Burt' Bees All-Natural Herbal Insect Repellent
- Consistancy:
Smooth Texture - Fragrance:
Moderate & Dissipates Fast. Castor Oil, Hint of Rosemary/Lemon - Protection Time:
Up to 6 Hours
Reapply Often or As Needed - Sizes:
4 oz. - Active Ingredients:
8 Active Ingredients Total: 19.44% - Certified Organic:
Not Certified Organic - Harsh Chemicals:
Does NOT Contain DEET or Picaridin - Editor's Rating:
4.2/5Rating: 4.2/5 Stars


- Cutter Natural Insect Repellent
- Consistancy:
Smooth. Fast Drying Clear - Fragrance:
Moderate & Dissipates Fast. Mild Rose with Soy Tones - Protection Time:
Up to 2 Hours
Reapply Often or As Needed - Sizes:
6 oz. - Active Ingredients:
4 Active Ingredients Total: 7.5% - Certified Organic:
Not Certified - Harsh Chemicals:
Does NOT Contain DEET or Picaridin - Editor's Rating:
4/5Rating: 4/5 Stars


- OUT! Natural Care Mosquito Repellent Spray
- Consistancy:
Smooth Texture. Fast Drying Clear - Fragrance:
Mild & Dissipates Fast. Citronella & Lemon Notes - Protection Time:
Up to 3 Hours - Sizes:
12 oz. - Active Ingredients:
2 Active Ingredients Total: 6.36% - Certified Organic:
Not Certified Organic - Harsh Chemicals:
No Harsh Chemicals - Editor's Rating:
3.5/5Rating: 3.5/5 Stars


- EcoSMART Organic Insect Repellent
- Consistancy:
Smooth Texture. Fast Drying Clear - Fragrance:
Rosemary and Lemon Scent - Protection Time:
Up to 3 Hours
Reapply every 2 to 3 Hours - Sizes:
2 oz. Travel and 5 & 9 oz. - Active Ingredients:
4 Active Ingredients Total: 2.5% - Certified Organic:
Contains Organic Essential Oils - Harsh Chemicals:
Does NOT Contain DEET or Picaridin - Editor's Rating:
3.25/5Rating: 3.25/5 Stars
Prefer the convenience of an EPA-registered spray or need heavy-duty protection?
Review the options below—but note that most are not recommended for children under 3.
EPA-Registered Mosquito Repellents (Not Suitable for Kids Under 3)


- Repel 100 Insect Repellent
- Consistancy:
Greasy Feel. Fast Drying Clear - Fragrance:
Strong Chemical DEET Odor - Protection Time:
Up to 10 Hours
Reapply As Needed - Sizes:
0.475oz Pen size; 1oz Pump Spray; 4oz Pump Spray - Active Ingredients:
98.11% DEET - Certified Organic:
Not Organic - Harsh Chemicals:
Contains DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus - Editor's Rating:
4.6/5Rating: 4.6/5 Stars


- Sawyer Insect Repellent
- Consistancy:
No Oily Residue. Dries Clear - Fragrance:
Light Lemon/Alcohol Smell
Odor Fades Fast - Protection Time:
Up to 12 Hours
Reapply As Needed - Sizes:
4 oz. lotion; 4 oz. spray; 3 oz. spray; 0.5 oz. spray tube - Active Ingredients:
20% Picaridin and 27%-33% Ethanol - Certified Organic:
Not Organic - Harsh Chemicals:
Contains DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus - Editor's Rating:
4.5/5Rating: 4.5/5 Stars


- OFF Deep Woods
- Consistancy:
Moderate Greasy Feel - Fragrance:
Moderate Chemical Smell - Protection Time:
Up to 8 Hours
Reapply As Needed - Sizes:
2.5, 6 and 8 oz. - Active Ingredients:
25% DEET - Certified Organic:
Not Organic - Harsh Chemicals:
Contains DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus - Editor's Rating:
4.2/5Rating: 4.2/5 Stars


- Cutter Backwoods Insect Repellent
- Consistancy:
Non Oily. Fast Drying Clear - Fragrance:
Mild to Moderate Chemical Smell. Fades Fast. - Protection Time:
Up to 10 Hours. Re-apply As Needed - Sizes:
0.475oz Pen size; 6 and 11 oz. Spray - Active Ingredients:
25% DEET - Certified Organic:
Not Organic - Harsh Chemicals:
Contains DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus - Editor's Rating:
4.2/5Rating: 4.2/5 Stars


- Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent
- Consistancy:
Smooth, Non-Greasy and Fast Drying Clear - Fragrance:
Lemon Smell Fades Over Time - Protection Time:
Up to 6 Hours
Reapply As Needed - Sizes:
4 oz. - Active Ingredients:
Oil of lemon eucalyptus 30% [Approximately 65% p-menthane-3,8-diol] - Certified Organic:
Not Organic - Harsh Chemicals:
Contains DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus - Editor's Rating:
4.0/5Rating: 4.0/5 Stars
1. Bugmace All Natural Mosquito & Insect Repellent

Rating: 4.8 out of 5
This organic plant based formula gives you repellent protection instantly. It is priced in line with other mosquito repellent sprays and smells very nice, which is a rarity when it comes to insect repellents. The formula consists of a blend of plant based oils proven to ward off most nuisance mosquitoes and insects and it goes on smooth and color free. The lemongrass and vanilla fragrance is strong at first, but does blend down as it forms a protective shield around you.
Comparing this to other repellents, this one has a very high level of active ingredients and is not mostly comprised of water like some others we found. Albeit, when searching for a natural mosquito repellent, one of the most important things you need to look for is potency and safety. Luckily, this product fills both requirements having a strong blend of plant based repellents and none of the harsh ingredients found in chemical based products such as DEET, Permethrin etc.
This repellent comes in several different convenient sizes including a 2, 4 and 8 oz. bottle. And, the smaller 2 and 4 oz. are great for travelers as you won’t run into problems at the airport with the smaller sizes.
Mosquito repellents for children are hard to find these days even though they are more important than ever. And unlike some of the eucalyptus and other chemical based products that are not to be used on children under 3 years of age, this product can be used on very small children as it is safe and not absorbed into the body like DEET. As a bonus, it doesn’t have the chemical or citronella smell and is safe for pets too. [Read full reviews]
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2. Burt’S Bees All-Natural Herbal Insect Repellent

Rating: 4.2 out of 5
If you want to avoid chemical formulated mosquito repellents but need to make sure you are going to be protected, this one is for you. It has a formidable blend of natural oils and provides solid protection for several hours without the odor associated with DEET and the like.
This formula is all natural and safe for children and pets too. And, Burt’S Bees is pH Balanced, contains no phthalates or parabens and is a biodegradable formula. The product sprays out in more of a ‘stream’ type pattern as opposed to a spray. It seems like this is most likely due to the fact that it’s entirely made of oils acting as active and inert ingredients. So, containing 100% oil, this spray tends to give off an oily feel but most users were ‘ok’ with that so long as the repellent gave them protection from bugs – which it does! [Read full reviews]
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3. Cutter Natural* Insect Repellent

Rating: 4.5 out of 5
This popular product comes in a sleek spray bottle offering serious mosquito protection. It controls mosquitoes and insects for several hours and has a rose scented fragrance. Ever flexible, you can use it while camping, hiking or on the beach where pesky sand fleas enjoy YOU as their afternoon lunch.
The main repellents listed on the label are Geraniol and Soybean Oil that discourage insects from entering your space. And since there are so many different essential oils used in natural lotions and most do provide various degrees of shielding against insects, the top ingredient in this lotion (Geraniol) assures you that you aren’t on the buffet.
The combination of repellents and sufficient water content allow for a smooth feel after application, which is nice. And, you will not experience the tacky-oily sensation that some other repellents exhibit. The solution goes on as a white spray mist and blends in well after rubbing into your skin.
Like others reviewed here, this too is a non-staining formula so there shouldn’t be too much concern getting the formula on your clothes. But, better safe than sorry – so, be sure to test a small amount before you risk spraying down your best ‘On the Town’ outfit.
As a global company, Cutter is well known for offering a full line of mosquito and insect repellents that are chemical based. And with several different repellents including various concentrations of DEET, Picaridin and lemon eucalyptus, it is nice to see that this company has decided to release a natural repellent for the growing majority of people trying to stay away from chemical based solutions.
Cutter Natural* Insect Repellent is a proven product that shields against mosquitoes. It works well, isn’t oily and does what it is intended to do. [Read full reviews]
4. OUT! Natural Care Mosquito Repellent

Rating: 3.5 out of 5
OUT! Natural Care Mosquito Repellent is another essential oil based product containing lemongrass oil and geraniol, shown to keep bugs and insects at bay. Containing 93% water, this spray does not feel very oily and doesn’t pose a problem with staining or tackiness since only about 7% of the active ingredients are present.
It is kind of neat that the spray bottle is capable of spraying upside-down and in a 360 degree motion so you won’t have to worry about getting just the right angle to have your spray come out. This formula is listed as safe for children 2 years of age or older, and for pets that are older than 12 months of age. You need to shake well before application and reapply as needed after every two hours. Comprised of natural plant extracts, it is DEET free and contains no other harsh chemicals or pesticides like picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Out! comes in a 12 oz. container that will last a good while and you will have enough to protect the entire family many times over. With 2 active ingredients, this product offers a solid repellent factor and the fact that it is all natural is a big plus. [Read full reviews]
5. EcoSMART Organic Personal Insect Repellent

Rating: 3.25 out of 5
Organic and natural, EcoSMART Organic Personal Insect Repellent also includes some pretty well known plant based mosquito and insect repellents and does a fine job keeping pesky insects at bay.
Steering clear of DEET, picaridin and Lemon Eucalyptus pesticides, EcoSMART botanical formulas only use natural ingredients that have strong repellency characteristics to ward off new bugs from entering your area. It is great to be able to protect your skin and the area around you with a solution that permeates around your ‘zone’.
Smart consumers have been searching for years for a practical solution that can do the job without the potential risk of adding odd sounding chemicals to their skin. Plant based repellents are all the rave lately, especially with mosquitoes now carrying more than just an annoying “Bite”.
This product is also safe around children and pets and will not contaminate groundwater. It contains blends of essential plant oils that work by blocking specific neural pathways called Octopamine receptors. These ‘sensors’ only exist in insects so, they have no problem smelling the formula – and staying away! [Read full reviews]
6. Repel 100 Insect Repellent

Rating: 4.6 out of 5
The EPA registered Repel 100 Insect Repellent contains 98.11% DEET and contains the highest concentration on DEET we could find. The manufacturer claims that this product provides protection against mosquitoes for up to 10 full hours due to it’s ultra-high concentration of active DEET. For many, maximum chemical protection is a must especially in the ever-expanding ZIKA zones across the globe. With that being said, this product does not provide sweat protection. So, for those using it under such conditions, frequent re-application is a must.
Repel 100 Insect Repellent ward off all kinds of insects such as mosquitoes, chiggers, ticks and biting flies. And following suit with other repellent manufacturers, Repel comes in various sizes large enough to shield your entire family, and smaller sizes for travel.
Keep in mind, if you are not a big fan of DEET, you may want to pass on this one as it is extremely potent. But for the brave, this powerhouse is unmatched in DEET strength and keeps even the nastiest of biting insects at bay. [Read full reviews]
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7. Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin

Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Sawyer’s Premium Insect Repellent with Picaridin holds a very solid reputation for keeping biting and annoying insects far away. With various convenient sizes of this product available, those on-the-go will find instant relief as well as those planning the vacation of a lifetime. This formidable EPA registered pesticide contains the active ingredient ‘Picaridin’ which competes heavily with other chemical based products such as DEET and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Different from DEET, this product has little to no odor other than the initial ‘bust’ of fragrance that accompanies practically all capable repellents.
Talk about long lasting too! This product is known to outlast DEET and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, and can repel ticks and mosquitoes for up to 12 hours. And of course, other biting and flying insects are swatted away for about 8 hours. Picaridin goes on clear and once rubbed in, it is for the most part, unnoticeable. It has a clear, colorless texture and dries fast without any oily or tacky sensation.
This repellent is not harmful to gear or most other equipment so it’s multiple uses are a nice trait. And because it is safe for gear, many campers and hikers stock up on it before starting their journey. [Read full reviews]
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8. OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent

Rating: 4.2 out of 5
The original OFF! Deep Woods Repellent has been around for ages. Nearly everyone has tried this product at least once or twice during a mosquito attack and with a long history of refining their formula, this manufacturer knows how to chase away mosquitoes and insects. With 25% DEET listed as it’s active ingredient, OFF! provides hours of protection just when you need it most. As a fast acting repellent, this product guards against mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies and most other bothersome insects and is safe for your entire family when used as directed.
The EPA maintains stringent control over chemical based repellents and does not condone exaggerative claims and promises regarding product performance. That being said, this product was approved as an EPA registered pesticide and guards against attacks consistent with its labeling. OFF! is not overwhelming in the odor department and while it does have a chemical scent, it’s not overcoming and dulls down as it soaks into your skin.
Packaged in assorted sizes, this product makes for a great companion for your next African safari adventure, or one closer to home such as mowing the lawn. [Read full reviews]
9. Cutter Backwoods Insect Repellent

Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Ready to fight back mosquito attacks and go easy on the DEET? Well, then Cutter Backwoods Unscented Insect Repellent might just be exactly what you are looking for. This 25% DEET formula stays on pretty well when sweating and in humid conditions. This product is formulated to be ‘unscented’, which means that the manufacturer has not added any fragrances to mask or enhance the smell of the formula. Even so, the odor is about the same as any other DEET based aerosol spray with this level of concentration.
Perfect for cookouts and camping trips, Cutter does a fine job keeping away mosquitoes, chiggers, ticks and most general flying and biting insects. The label states that this product protects for up to 10 full hours which is provided peace of mind for those planning on spending a lot of time outdoors. Keep in mind though, while the label may claim a specific protection time, it is always best to use your own observation when applying any insect repellent. While some people may experience the full protection time listed on the manufacturers label, others find that natural and chemical based repellents rarely live up to the label claims. So, personal experience should always overrule label claims as far as repellency duration is concerned.
We located 3 different sizes available ranging from the convenient ‘pen’ size which is great as a personal carry item, to the larger aerosol size spray can for larger areas or multiple person protection. [Read full reviews]
10. Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent

Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent is one of the hottest selling mosquito repellents year over year. While it is labeled as an EPA registered Bio-Pesticide, it is considered by many to be an excellent alternative to DEET and Picaridin as it contains compounds extracted from eucalyptus trees. The primary repellent ingredient in this product is Lemon eucalyptus, a potent insect repellent extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree.
The scent it produces is very strong and effectively keeps the mosquitos at bay. A single application lasts for hours and fends off a combination of insects that can cause life- threatening diseases like sand flies, ticks, flies, and midges and mosquitoes. While the repellent produces a strong smell to its users, the benefits outweighed the risks since it scares the mosquitos away and keeps then out of sight for a decent amount of time.
Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent is made of 30% oil from lemon eucalyptus. The other ingredients are ethanol, a hydrocarbon propellant, and isoparaffin. The broad spectrum insect repellent is almost as effective as DEET based products and is less toxic on clothes and gear. The reason why the product is rated at an average of 4.0 is that the ethanol ingredients are irritating to the eye, and its use is restricted to children above the age of 3. [Read full reviews]
Types of Mosquito Repellents & How They Stack Up
Selecting the best all natural mosquito repellent starts with knowing every option on the shelf—from essential-oil sprays to ultrasonic gadgets. Each category below explains how it works, who should use it, and what the science says.
All Natural Mosquito Repellents
Plant-based sprays rely on FDA-recognized essential oils that lab studies show can equal or beat DEET for short-term protection. Check labels for potent blends of citronella, lemon eucalyptus, cedar, and clove—and test a small patch if you have allergies.
» READ MORE: Top Rated All Natural Mosquito Repellents
Chemical or Bio-Pesticide Mosquito Repellents
Sprays with DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 remain gold-standard choices for deep-jungle trips. They undergo strict EPA review, but can irritate skin or damage plastics. Always follow label warnings and limit use on children.
» READ MORE: Chemical Mosquito Repellent Guide
Mosquito Bracelets & Wristbands
Wristbands promise hands-free protection, but peer-reviewed studies show limited efficacy. If you try one, pair it with a proven spray for real bite defense.
Ultrasonic Mosquito Repellents
Lab tests from Arizona researchers found some devices attract more mosquitoes than they repel. Evidence is weak, so stick with topical repellents for dependable protection.
How to Apply Mosquito Repellent the Right Way
Applying All Natural Sprays
Most essential-oil products use pump sprayers. Coat all exposed skin and clothing (test fabrics first). Keep spray out of children’s eyes and mouths, and wash hands after application.
Applying Chemical & Bio-Pesticide Sprays
DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus are EPA-registered bio-pesticides. Follow label warnings precisely—keep away from flames, avoid eyes, and wash off after your outing.
Extra Tips for Maximum Bite Protection
- Apply outdoors or in well-ventilated areas.
- Never use oil of lemon eucalyptus on children under 3.
- Spray hands first, then rub onto the face to protect eyes.
- Cover every patch of exposed skin—mosquitoes hunt for missed spots.
- Reapply only as often as the label recommends.
- Do not confuse gear repellents like permethrin with skin formulas.
- If pregnant or nursing, consult your healthcare provider before use.
Conclusion: Choose the Best All Natural Mosquito Repellent & Travel Bite-Free
Your perfect repellent depends on skin sensitivity, destination, and how long you’ll be outside.
Test a few plant-based sprays, read every label, and combine common sense with these expert tips.
Choose wisely and the best all natural mosquito repellent will shield you from itchy bites and mosquito-borne diseases wherever adventure takes you.