Best All Natural Mosquito Repellents – Non-Toxic Bug Sprays and Repellent Showdown

Starting from top to bottom, BugMace is our pick for this year’s best natural^‡ mosquito repellent. Its updated formula brings together nine botanical active ingredients totaling 22.7%, creating a concentrated and impressively well-rounded active blend. Even better, 100% of BugMace’s active ingredients are certified organic, backed by current certifications. That combination of certified-organic actives, thoughtful formulation and an inviting fragrance makes BugMace an especially appealing choice for people who want serious outdoor protection without DEET. Now that’s nice!

Packed with powerful insect-repelling ingredients, this formula is powered by natural^‡, plant-based actives and is designed to repel mosquitoes, ticks, biting flies, gnats, no-see-ums, chiggers, ants and fleas when used as directed. The nine-active blend combines geraniol with citronella, lemongrass, thyme, clove, cedarwood, rosemary, peppermint and geranium oils. It applies smoothly, dries clear and is easy to use on exposed skin and clothing as directed. The fresh herbal, lemon-and-vanilla fragrance opens with a bright lemon-forward burst, then settles into a lighter, more comfortable aroma that is far more pleasant than the sharp medicinal scent associated with many conventional repellents.

Compared with many other botanical repellents, BugMace stands out for the concentration, breadth and transparency of its active blend. Rather than relying on just one or two plant-based actives, it combines nine complementary ingredients at a total active concentration of 22.7%. For shoppers comparing natural^‡ mosquito repellents, BugMace offers a compelling balance of concentrated botanical actives, enjoyable fragrance and everyday usability, without DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or permethrin.

BugMace now comes in one convenient, travel-ready size: a 100 mL / 3.38 fl oz non-aerosol fine-mist bottle. The 100 mL format is compliant with TSA’s carry-on liquid size limit and aligned with the common 100 mL cabin-liquid limit used in many countries, making it an especially convenient choice for domestic and international travel. Its compact, protective green-coated aluminum bottle slips easily into a backpack, beach bag, tackle box or travel kit. As with any carry-on liquid, place it in the required liquids bag and follow the rules of your departure, connection and destination airports.

For families who spend time outdoors, BugMace is an easy product to keep close and reapply whenever needed. Use it on exposed skin and clothing exactly as directed, spray into the hands before applying to the face or neck, and avoid the eyes and mouth. Reapply every 2-3 hours or as needed. The compact travel-ready bottle, concentrated 22.7% active blend, 100% certified-organic active ingredients and fresh lemon-and-vanilla fragrance are just a few of the reasons I feel it earns the top position among the best natural^‡ mosquito repellents. [Read full reviews]

If you are on a mission to avoid chemical formulated mosquito repellents but need to make sure you are going to be protected, here’s another bug spray that ranks as one of the best natural^‡ mosquito repellent formulas that might do the trick! It has a formidable blend of natural oils and provides solid protection for several hours without the odor associated with DEET and the like.

Again, its active ingredients are natural^‡, and it is described as safe for children and pets too. Well know and found in most grocery stores nationwide, 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. This is most likely due to the fact that it’s entirely made of oils acting as active and inert ingredients. 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]

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. 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 labels are Geraniol and Soybean Oil that discourage insects from entering your space. 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, makes sure that you aren’t on the buffet.

The combination of natural^‡ repellents and sufficient water content allow for a smooth feel after application, and you will not experience the tacky-oily sensation that some other repellents exhibit. It goes on as a white spray mist and blends in well after rubbing into your skin.

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.

Cutter is also well known for offering a full line of mosquito and insect repellents that are chemical based. And, with several of their 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^‡ bug repellent for the rapidly 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]

OUT! Natural Care Mosquito Repellent is another essential oil based product containing lemongrass oil and geraniol; proven 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. Now 7% active ingredients may seem a tad bit low to some people, But I have found other natural repellents that included even less actives, and they didn’t make the list because of their ultra-weak contents. I would have liked to have seen a higher concentration of oils, but then again, I’m just the reviewer :).

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.

On a positive not, 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 uses natural^‡ active ingredients is a big plus. [Read full reviews]

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]