The ingredients that actually repel bugs
A short list does the heavy lifting. EPA-registered synthetic actives like DEET and picaridin have decades of efficacy review behind them; minimum-risk botanicals like citronella and cedarwood oil skip that review but show up in plenty of “natural” sprays. Here’s every ingredient we actually evaluate, with the safety and evidence that matters.
Look up any EPA-registered chemical →
51 ingredients
Water
Water as disclosed on the product label.
Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) — primary active in refined OLE
Yes. It's the only plant-derived active with synthetic-class performance. Refined to 30% (standardized for PMD, its active molecule), it delivers 4–6 hours of complete mosquito protection. Two honest caveats: it underperforms against ticks, and it's not for children under 3.
Fragrance
Fragrance as disclosed on the product label.
Proprietary essential oil blend (undisclosed)
Undisclosed proprietary blend of essential oils used as the repellent-active component; the manufacturer does not publish the specific oils or percentages.
Organic non-GMO sugarcane alcohol
Organic non-GMO sugarcane alcohol as disclosed on the product label.
Aloe barbadensis extract
Aloe barbadensis extract as disclosed on the product label.
Eucalyptus Citriodora Oil (Lemon eucalyptus oil)
Eucalyptus Citriodora Oil (Lemon eucalyptus oil) as disclosed on the product label.
SD Alcohol 40-B
SD Alcohol 40-B as disclosed on the product label.
Extra virgin olive oil (organic)
Extra virgin olive oil (organic) as disclosed on the product label.
Juniper berry oil
Juniper berry oil as disclosed on the product label.
Chamomile oil
Chamomile oil as disclosed on the product label.
Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) Oil
Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) Oil as disclosed on the product label.
Methyl nonyl ketone
2-Undecanone
2-Undecanone (methyl nonyl ketone) is a biochemical repellent active derived from wild tomato plants (Lycopersicon hirsutum), where it serves as a natural defense against insects. It also occurs naturally in bananas, cloves, ginger, and guava. Registered by the EPA as a biochemical pesticide, it was the first new repellent active ingredient approved in over 25 years and is used in DEET-free formulas against mosquitoes and ticks.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Seed Oil
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Seed Oil as disclosed on the product label.
Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) Flower Extract
Chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) Flower Extract as disclosed on the product label.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil as disclosed on the product label.
Fir Needle (Abies siberica) Oil
Fir Needle (Abies siberica) Oil as disclosed on the product label.
Alcohol
Alcohol as disclosed on the product label.
Alcohol Denat.
Alcohol Denat. as disclosed on the product label.
Aloe barbadensis leaf oil
Aloe barbadensis leaf oil as disclosed on the product label.
Ambrette (Hibiscus abelmoschus) Seed Oil
Ambrette (Hibiscus abelmoschus) Seed Oil as disclosed on the product label.
Andiroba seed oil
Andiroba seed oil as disclosed on the product label.
Apple Cider Vinegar (Acetic Acid)
Apple Cider Vinegar (Acetic Acid) as disclosed on the product label.
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) Kernel Oil
Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) Kernel Oil as disclosed on the product label.
Avocado (Persea gratissima) Oil
Avocado (Persea gratissima) Oil as disclosed on the product label.
Blue tansy flower/leaf/stem oil
Blue tansy flower/leaf/stem oil as disclosed on the product label.
Buddha Wood (Eremophila mitchellii) Oil
Buddha Wood (Eremophila mitchellii) Oil as disclosed on the product label.
C14-22 Alcohol
C14-22 Alcohol as disclosed on the product label.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) Flower Extract
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) Flower Extract as disclosed on the product label.
Cetyl alcohol
Cetyl alcohol as disclosed on the product label.
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) Oil
Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea) Oil as disclosed on the product label.
Flaxseed seed oil
Flaxseed seed oil as disclosed on the product label.
Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Seed Oil
Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Seed Oil as disclosed on the product label.
Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) Wood Oil
Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) Wood Oil as disclosed on the product label.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Hydrosol
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Hydrosol as disclosed on the product label.
Lavender flower water
Lavender flower water as disclosed on the product label.
Lime
Lime as disclosed on the product label.
Linalool
Linalool as disclosed on the product label.
Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) Wood Oil
Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) Wood Oil as disclosed on the product label.
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) Leaf Oil
Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) Leaf Oil as disclosed on the product label.
Quillaja saponaria extract (soap bark)
Quillaja saponaria extract (soap bark) as disclosed on the product label.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Extract
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Extract as disclosed on the product label.
Safflower Oil
Safflower Oil as disclosed on the product label.
SD Alcohol 40
SD Alcohol 40 as disclosed on the product label.
Spinach leaf extract
Spinach leaf extract as disclosed on the product label.
Sweet Almond (Prunus amygdalus dulcis) Oil
Sweet Almond (Prunus amygdalus dulcis) Oil as disclosed on the product label.
Tamanu seed oil
Tamanu seed oil as disclosed on the product label.
Vanilla Planifolia Oleoresin
Vanilla Planifolia Oleoresin as disclosed on the product label.
Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) Root Oil
Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) Root Oil as disclosed on the product label.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Distillate
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) Distillate as disclosed on the product label.
Witch hazel water
Witch hazel water as disclosed on the product label.