Bugvaya
Bugvaya Lemongrass Insect Repellent
Spray · FIFRA 25(b) minimum risk repellent product
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Pros
- A straightforward lemongrass-forward botanical that names its oils up front.
Cons
- Concentrations are undisclosed, so its real strength can't be checked or modeled.
- Lemongrass and clove oils carry a high sensitization risk.
- No proven mosquito protection in our analysis.
The full review
A straightforward lemongrass-forward botanical that names its oils, though it lands not recommended for an undisclosed formula and no proven mosquito protection. With the concentrations left off the label, no protection window can be estimated, which holds effectiveness near the floor and keeps transparency low. Safety is a drawback, driven by high sensitization risk from lemongrass and high irritation risk from clove oil, alongside a pregnancy caution. The claim audit is modest, with just 1 of 6 reviewed claims rated strong. The lightweight, RIPT-tested mist and clean-label feel are the selling points, but without disclosed concentrations or demonstrated protection it does not earn a recommendation.
Scorecard
Expand any pillar to see exactly why it scored what it did.
Effectiveness45%10Mosquitoes: protection cannot be modeled because the active concentration is undisclosed. Ticks: protection cannot be modeled because the active concentration is undisclosed. Protection times are modeled from the actives, concentration, and format (see methodology). Scored on a saturating curve (each added hour counts less than the last), 65% mosquito / 35% tick, with lower confidence.
Mosquitoes: protection cannot be modeled because the active concentration is undisclosed. Ticks: protection cannot be modeled because the active concentration is undisclosed. Protection times are modeled from the actives, concentration, and format (see methodology). Scored on a saturating curve (each added hour counts less than the last), 65% mosquito / 35% tick, with lower confidence.
Evidence & honest claims25%47Lemongrass oil is well-supported by published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 43). Of 6 marketing claims audited: 1 strong, 4 moderate, 1 weak, 0 unsupported (+4).
Lemongrass oil is well-supported by published evidence, weighted by how close its concentration is to the studied effective dose (base 43). Of 6 marketing claims audited: 1 strong, 4 moderate, 1 weak, 0 unsupported (+4).
Safety15%60From published dermal toxicology (EPA/CIR/IFRA), scaled by each active's concentration against its leave-on limit: high skin-sensitization risk from Lemongrass oil (−18); high irritation risk from Clove oil (−12); caution advised in pregnancy (−6); moderate aquatic toxicity (−4).
From published dermal toxicology (EPA/CIR/IFRA), scaled by each active's concentration against its leave-on limit: high skin-sensitization risk from Lemongrass oil (−18); high irritation risk from Clove oil (−12); caution advised in pregnancy (−6); moderate aquatic toxicity (−4).
Transparency15%20This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 0% of active concentrations (+0); discloses 0% of all ingredient concentrations (+0); inert ingredients are not fully accounted for (0).
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 0% of active concentrations (+0); discloses 0% of all ingredient concentrations (+0); inert ingredients are not fully accounted for (0).
Every pillar is scored from published rules. Read how we score.
How long it protects
Complete protection ends when the first bite gets through; partial protection keeps reducing bites as repellency decays. EPA label times are verified; the rest are modeled from the actives, concentration, and format.
Mosquito estimate basis (low confidence)
No protection time estimated — this product's label doesn't disclose the active ingredient's concentration, and protection depends on both the ingredient and its strength.
Tick estimate basis (low confidence)
No protection time estimated — this product's label doesn't disclose the active ingredient's concentration, and protection depends on both the ingredient and its strength.
Ingredient disclosure
This product publishes an ingredient list (+20); discloses 0% of active concentrations (+0); discloses 0% of all ingredient concentrations (+0); inert ingredients are not fully accounted for (0).
Only active ingredients are disclosed. The full ingredient list (inerts/carriers) is not published, so this may not be the complete formula.
Active ingredient concentrations are not published for this product.
- Cedarwood oilActive
Active repellent · concentration not disclosed
- Clove oilActive
Active repellent · concentration not disclosed
- Lemongrass oilActive
Active repellent · concentration not disclosed
- Peppermint oilActive
Active repellent · concentration not disclosed
Claims audit
What the marketing says, versus what the evidence supports.
“Never tested on animals (cruelty-free)”
SafetyModerateBrand page.
“RIPT-tested for skin compatibility”
SafetyModerateCompany-reported repeat insult patch testing; results not published.
“Naturally repels mosquitoes and flies”
EfficacyWeakLemongrass/clove/peppermint/cedarwood oils have limited peer-reviewed efficacy data; product efficacy has not been reviewed by EPA.
“No synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, or sulfates”
NaturalModeratePer manufacturer; full inert ingredient list is not disclosed online.
“DEET-free plant-based formula”
Deet FreeStrongNo DEET in labeled actives; brand prominently markets 'No DEET'.
“Up to 2 hours of protection per application”
DurationModeratePer manufacturer FAQ. Modest duration claim that is plausible for essential-oil blends, but not EPA-reviewed.
How to apply it
Shake well before each use. Mist exposed skin and clothing from about 6 inches away. Reapply every 2 hours, or sooner after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. Avoid contact with eyes and mouth.