When looking for safe, toxin free insect repellents or products to help sooth the bug bites, make sure not only that you have safe ingredients, but that the active ingredients also WORK.
Outdoor Care
When it comes to DEET-free insect repellents that actually work, they all have one thing added to them in common..sesame oil or soy bean oil. When you use sprays and repellents that are made solely of water and essential oils, they stop becoming effective at around 30 minutes. If you don't mind re-applying every 30 minutes, that's great! But..when I spend 2 hours out in the woods, I need something that lasts. The most effective formulas contain Sesame Oil, Soy Bean Oil or Lemon of Eucalyptus (this is different than an essential oil).
INGREDIENTS MATTER MORE THAN YOU THINK
This is what I use. It is made with sesame oil, citronella and other essential oils. It is a clean repellent that was clinically proven to repel mosquitos, fleas and ticks. It WORKS. This one bottles last forever, you only need a little bit. It is oily! That's why it works. This comes in individually packaged wipes as well that are so convenient that throw in your backpack or pocket.
Young Living
other NON-toxic options:
INSECT REPELLENT
IN STORE FINDS:
In a 2 ounce glass spray bottle, sprinkle in a pinch of sea salt and add 7 drops each of Citronella, Lavender, Purification, Cedarwood and Lemongrass. Let is sit for 5 minutes so the salt soaks up the oils and then fill with distilled water. Shake & spray on any exposed skin while outside and re apply every 30 minutes.
Use code SHAREYL if it's your first order & get all the oils HERE. (click "add all to cart" and you'll see the discount). These oils will last you a very, very long time.
Make Your Own:
It is so important that you know that these options will only last 30-45 minutes and MUST be reapplied regularly.
use code shareyl for 10% off your first order
other NON-toxic options WITH SESAME OIL :
uses Lemon of Eucalyptus
Cedarside comes in a large spray bottle and uses 10% soybean oil, so I'd be comfortable using up to 4 hours. They have a tickshield that is a higher strength as well. Easy to spray on pets.
I prefer Wondercide because it uses other essential oil repellents other than cedarwood as well, but with only .1% sesame oil, it won't last as long. I spray on my dog when walks are under an hour.
shop my CLEAN bugs & bites amazon storefront
Bugs & Bites in the Amazon Shop
You can find all of the bug repellents and bite remedies featured here (plus a few extras!) in one place in my Shop.
Cedarcide & Wondercide
These brands use plant-based ingredients like essential oils to help repel and kill pests without using harsh toxic chemicals. Options for your home, yard, and pets. It feels like a much more manageable, non-toxic approach to dealing with things like fleas, ticks, ants, and mosquitoes, especially if you have kids or pets around.
