Bug bite season is upon us, but that's no reason to hide indoors. There are lakes to splash in, grills to fire up, and starlit soirees to mingle at. Sure, those red welts are unsightly -- not to mention uncomfortable -- but there are plenty of mosquito repellant products on the market to solve your bug bite woes. From natural insect repellants that'll suit most summer needs to DEET bug sprays approved for jungle territory (as well as effective DEET alternatives), here are our top 15 recommendations to keep you bug-bite-free in every situation.
This bug spray is formulated with natural ingredients that make insects want to stay far, far away. It contains lavender hydrosol, a natural insecticide, as well as bergamot, orange, lemon and litsea essential oils for a refreshing scent that will further deter bugs. It also contains tea tree oil, which is an antiseptic and soothing ingredient that prevents and treats bites. Spray onto your face, hair and body every two hours for maximum protection.
The Honest Company Bug Spray offers another natural mosquito repellent that's gentle, hypoallergenic and kid-approved. It contains a natural blend of rosemary, citronella and wintergreen organic essential oils, which effectively keep bugs from invading your personal space. It comes in a lightweight recyclable bottle, too.
If citrus or herbal scents aren't your thing, try Isola's Lavender + Vanilla Bean Perfume Body Oil. It's technically a perfume, but doubles as an insect repellant thanks to the inclusion of both lavender and vanilla, two ingredients that insects don't want anything to do with. Yep -- you can have your perfume and bug-free summer, too.
For another DEET-free bug spray, we recommend Burt's Bees Herbal Insect Repellent. It combines a hearty fusion of natural oils that bugs loathe, including rosemary, lemongrass, citronella, cedar, peppermint, clove, and geranium. These are contained in a base of castor oil, which helps soothe, soften and hydrate the skin.
