[toc]Finding a great all-natural insect repellent is getting easier and easier these days since many people realize that long term insecticide use might not be too wise for your body and health. And, while searching for quality repellents to review for the site, this repellents quickly jumped out at me as one of the better brands. At last, Burt’s Bees All-Natural Herbal Insect Repellent takes on the task and we have to say – performs quite well.
This pH balanced product comes in a spray form and emits as more of a ‘stream’ type application which you will need to rub in well. When it comes to sprays or streams, a lot of consumers are not too concerned so much as they are searching for strong protection rather than focusing on spray patterns. This formula consists on 100% oils, so you will not find too much water in this solution. Now, as it is fully oil based, you may feel a bit ‘tacky’ at first, but that sensation generally lessens as the repellent absorbs into your skin. As a not of caution,
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!
The main ingredient in the item is castor oil which makes up 10% of the formula, followed by rosemary oil and lemongrass oil and other essential oils to help steer insects and mosquitoes away from you and your family. Many natural and chemical based mosquito repellents use a fair amount of water to help emulsify the oils to avoid a sticky feel. Burt’s pulls it off without any aqua and does not have an over-oily feel.
Sticking with my never biased opinion, I give this repellent a 4.2 stars rating.
>> READ MORE: Best All Natural Mosquito Repellents
Burt’s Bees All-Natural Herbal Insect Repellent
Pros
- Contains 8 active ingredients.
- It is an all-natural insect repellent.
- It is not overly diluted with water or fillers.
- The fragrance is not overwhelming.
Features and specifications
- Natural Herbal Oil Based Repellents
Burt’s Bees includes 7 different essential oil based insect repellents and no water. Now, to be clear, water is an excellent additive for many repellents and we do not want to give the wrong impression here. The problem is, when manufacturers add ultra-high levels of water and use it more or less like a filler, we take issue with that. A good repellent always contains a fairly high amount of ‘active ingredients’ since those are the ones that are actually doing the protecting and repelling. This repellent is almost 20% active ingredients, and that’s a very good amount.
- Applies as a stream, rather than a spray
This repellent spray application is that of a stream type and not so much of a spray. With 100% of the product being oil based, you will need to rub this in a little to avoid a sticky feel. With any 100% oil based product, you will surely want to test a small area of clothing or gear before application, just to make sure that damage or staining isn’t an issue. Once blended in though, you should be good to go.
Burt's Bees All-Natural Herbal Insect Repellent
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Pesticide Free & All Natural
Burt’s Bees All-Natural Herbal Insect Repellent contains plant based oils blended perfectly to repel annoying insects. With main ingredients such as castor oil, rosemary oil and lemongrass oil, this product is chemical free and contains only ingredients considered minimum risk and safe.
Active Ingredients
Burt’s Bees includes 7 different essential oils including; castor oil 10%, rosemary oil 3.77%, lemongrass oil 2.83%, cedar oil 0.94%, peppermint oil 0.76%, citronella oil 0.57%, clove oil 0.38% and geranium oil at 0.19%. The inactive ingredients are also oil based making this product a 100% oil based repellent.
This repellent has a moderate to strong initial odor of citronella with tones of lemongrass and rosemary. Repellents have a tendency to come on strong and fade somewhat once rubbed into the skin well.
Key Features
All Natural Herbal Ingredients with Lemongrass, Castor Oil and Rosemary as the three main engredients.
Applies evenly and clear once rubbed in well
High percentage of active insect repelling ingredients compared to other reviewed brands
Soothing castor oil and lemongrass smell
Capacity
4 ounce.
Cons
Tends to be a little too oily for some people.
Applies as a stream of oil, can take some work to rub it in completely and must be tested on gear and clothing before application.
Conclusion
This insect repellent is definitely one of the better brands on the market that I reviewed and it is packed with active ingredients. Burt’s Bees is a name you can trust and the company is well know for creating earth friendly, family safe products ranging from face creams to lip balms. My final score for this repellent is a 4.2 stars rating which was easy to conclude based on online reviews and the hearty ingredient list.
Burt’s Bees All-Natural Insect Repellent comes in a 4 oz. size which is perfect for all around general use as well as traveling. Most airports will allow a 4 oz. container as a carry-on so you shouldn’t have any trouble checking in. This repellent does a fine job of repelling most nuisance insects and is easy to apply. It is another fine product for the chemical-conscious and is a solid performer.
>> READ MORE: Best Natural Mosquito Repellent