Peppermint oil

The evidence

Some field and lab studies suggest moderate repellent activity against mosquitoes.

• Plant-based insect repellents: a review of their efficacy, development and testing
  2011ReviewWell-supported evidence

  Review of the efficacy, safety, and formulation of plant-based repellents including citronella, lemongrass, geraniol, peppermint, cedar, thyme, and clove.

• Larvicidal and mosquito repellent action of peppermint (Mentha piperita) oil
  2000LabLimited evidence

  Laboratory evaluation of peppermint (Mentha piperita) oil for larvicidal activity and for human-skin repellency against Anopheles annularis, Anopheles culicifacies, and Culex quinquefasciatus.

• Repellency of essential oils to mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)
  1999LabWell-supported evidence

  Laboratory skin tests of geranium, cedarwood, clove, peppermint, and thyme oils (5-100%) and combinations against Aedes aegypti and Anopheles albimanus.

Regulatory notes

EPA minimum risk (FIFRA 25(b)) approved active ingredient; matched to SRS registry entry.

The best products built on it

All products using it

• BUGGINS Original Insect Repellent

  0.5% · Active repellent

• The Superbloc Bloc & Chill Mosquito Repellent Spray

  Concentration not listed · Inert (cooling agent)

• The Superbloc Bloc & Chill Mosquito Repellent Wipes

  Concentration not listed · Inert (cooling agent)

• Herbal Armor DEET-Free Natural Insect Repellent Pump Spray

  2% · Active repellent

• Anti-Bug Shake & Spray

  1% · Active repellent

• The Entomologist Insect Repellent Spray

  Concentration not listed · Active repellent (botanical)

• Insect Repellent Spray

  Concentration not listed · Active repellent

• Bugvaya Cinnamon Insect Repellent

  Concentration not listed · Active repellent

• Bugvaya Cinnamon Sensitive Skin Insect Repellent

  Concentration not listed · Active repellent

• Bugvaya Lemongrass Insect Repellent

  Concentration not listed · Active repellent

• Bugvaya Lemongrass Sensitive Skin Insect Repellent

  Concentration not listed · Active repellent

• Babyganics Mosquito Repellent Lotion – Fragrance Free

  0.60% · Active repellent

• Summary Botanical Bug Spray

  0.02% · Active repellent

• Buzz Away Insect Repellent

  Concentration not listed · Essential oil (not a labeled active)

• Grandpa Gus Mosquito Repellent Spray

  Concentration not listed · Active repellent (brand says included to deter bees)

• The Bug Balm

  0.04% · Active repellent

• Mosquito Repellent Balm Stick

  2.0% · Active repellent

• Mosquito Repellent Wipes

  1.4% · Active repellent

• Buzz Away Extreme Spray

  0.40% · Active repellent

• Primally Pure Nature Spray

  Concentration not listed · Active repellent

• Para'Kito Mosquito Repellent Roll-On Gel

  0.135% · Active repellent

• Lo & Behold Naturals Lemon & Eucalyptus Bug Spray

  0.35% · Active repellent

• Outside Balm

  Concentration not listed · Active repellent

• Geraniol Bug Repellent Balm

  Concentration not listed · Active repellent

• Skeeter Screen 4 oz. Personal Spray

  Concentration not listed · Active repellent