Amazon
The only thing worse than getting covered in itchy, irritated bug bites is being covered in sticky, noxious bug spray. If you’re looking for some better smelling protection from mosquitoes this summer without the fumes, you’ll be happy to hear about natural bug sprays.
All-natural insect repellents aren’t nearly as effective as those that contain DEET, which is safe to use in proper concentrations but doesn’t have the most pleasant aroma. A 2002 study showed that most botanical repellents offered protection for less than 20 minutes. But natural bug sprays use essential oils and plant-based products like beeswax and castor oil to keep the bugs away, so they smell better, can be great for short trips outside or frequent re-spraying, and some are said to even work on pets and plants.
To help you step up your natural bug spray game, we’ve rounded up plant-based bug sprays that smell great. They’re all safe for kids, though recommendations for infants and little ones vary, so be sure to give that a look before you buy. For each bug repellent, we’ve listed the scent notes and a positive review from other natural bug spray lovers.
HuffPost may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
1.
A lemon eucalyptus spray that smells like an expensive yoga studio
A few sprays of this lemon eucalyptus bug spray, and you'll think you're at a luxury spa.
Promising review: "Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus insect repellent is one of my favorite summer products for many reasons; it's made with clean, woodsy-scented natural lemon eucalyptus, it is non-greasy and clear, absorbing right into your skin; and best of all, it REALLY WORKS at repelling all flying summer bugs including mosquitoes, flies & gnats. I am an outdoor early a.m. gardener, so besides spraying exposed skin, I lightly spray my clothes with this product and there is never a stain and barely the mildest scent." — Jancal
Promising review: "Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus insect repellent is one of my favorite summer products for many reasons; it's made with clean, woodsy-scented natural lemon eucalyptus, it is non-greasy and clear, absorbing right into your skin; and best of all, it REALLY WORKS at repelling all flying summer bugs including mosquitoes, flies & gnats. I am an outdoor early a.m. gardener, so besides spraying exposed skin, I lightly spray my clothes with this product and there is never a stain and barely the mildest scent." — Jancal
2.
A lavender bug spray for people and pets
Keep annoying bugs away from your kids and your fur kids with this lavender bug repellent. A plant-based product made with essential oils and aloe vera, it can be used on pets, horses and humans alike.
Promising review: "For our honeymoon in the Bahamas the mosquitos were really bad in the evenings and this spray was the only thing that seemed to keep them away and it smells great. I immediately bought more when we got back. The name brand ones like Off didn’t do a thing to ward them off." — KSMoore
Promising review: "For our honeymoon in the Bahamas the mosquitos were really bad in the evenings and this spray was the only thing that seemed to keep them away and it smells great. I immediately bought more when we got back. The name brand ones like Off didn’t do a thing to ward them off." — KSMoore
3.
Lemon insect repellent that's naturally mellow and budget-friendly
Try a natural bug spray without totally breaking the bank. This lemon-scented option from Target is made with essential oils and citronella. It's the perfect thing to keep around the yard or in your summer bag.
Promising review: "Smells great! Would recommend. Mostly effective at keeping mosquitos away but I particularly like that I don’t smell like chemicals." — Anonymous
Promising review: "Smells great! Would recommend. Mostly effective at keeping mosquitos away but I particularly like that I don’t smell like chemicals." — Anonymous
4.
Essential oil bug spray wipes that are easy to pack
Enter the bug wipe, an easy, kid-friendly way to apply bug repellent with no risk of accidentally spraying your eyes or mouth. These wipes can be used on babies as little as six months, and are meant to ward off bugs with cedarwood, geranium and citronella essential oils.
Promising review: "This has been a very buggy summer in CT. We’ve had so much rain and the skies have been overcast. Therefore hiking has been a constant battle due to mosquitoes-that is until I found these wipes. They work great. Love that they come in a dispenser. So easy to use and much safer to use than spray-esp with the grandkids definitely recommend!" — Rebecca O.
Promising review: "This has been a very buggy summer in CT. We’ve had so much rain and the skies have been overcast. Therefore hiking has been a constant battle due to mosquitoes-that is until I found these wipes. They work great. Love that they come in a dispenser. So easy to use and much safer to use than spray-esp with the grandkids definitely recommend!" — Rebecca O.
5.
A citrus-vanilla bug spray that people will assume is perfume
Kinfield's "Golden Hour" insect repellent looks and smells more like a perfume than a bug spray. With hints of citrus and vanilla, it keeps you smelling fresh all day.
Promising review: "The summers in the south are filled with bugs, and this repellent really works! Non-greasy, refreshing smell. People have asked me what perfume I'm wearing, and I say bug spray!" — Southern_Charm
Promising review: "The summers in the south are filled with bugs, and this repellent really works! Non-greasy, refreshing smell. People have asked me what perfume I'm wearing, and I say bug spray!" — Southern_Charm
6.
A baby-friendly bug spray for sensitive skin
Made with citronella and lemongrass essential oils, this insect repellent is safe for babies over six months and loved by kids, teens and adults. It has calendula and aloe vera to soothe existing itchy bites, too.
Promising review: "Works really well and smells delicious. Safe to use on all my babies, even my one-year-old." — Irma O.
Promising review: "Works really well and smells delicious. Safe to use on all my babies, even my one-year-old." — Irma O.
7.
Soothing bug spray with lemongrass
An all-natural bug spray made in the USA? Sign me up! A blend of vanilla and lemon, this bug spray isn't oily or sticky and is great for outdoor activities and sports.
Promising review: "Finally something that works! I've been browsing around for natural alternatives and this came up during my search. I'm leery of anything that has that many good reviews but thought why the heck not, I'll try it. Surprisingly, this Bug Soother spray smells awfully nice, like, nice enough to be a body spray and I didn't think it would work. But I sprayed this stuff all over me while camping this past weekend in the humid Minnesota summer and it worked! Hallelujah it worked! I only got one little bite but I will take it! Super happy with this product!!" — MissM
Promising review: "Finally something that works! I've been browsing around for natural alternatives and this came up during my search. I'm leery of anything that has that many good reviews but thought why the heck not, I'll try it. Surprisingly, this Bug Soother spray smells awfully nice, like, nice enough to be a body spray and I didn't think it would work. But I sprayed this stuff all over me while camping this past weekend in the humid Minnesota summer and it worked! Hallelujah it worked! I only got one little bite but I will take it! Super happy with this product!!" — MissM
8.
A 2-pack of herbal bug sprays available in four scents
If you like rosemary, cedarwood, lemongrass or peppermint, you'll love these Wondercide all-natural bug sprays. They're clear and non-sticky and said to work for up to two hours.
Promising review: "This is an amazing product. First bought to hike the jungles of Hawaii.......no mosquitoes bothered us. Our daughter took it with her to Costa Rica......no mosquito bites for her. Then I used it at my dad's farm. Each fall they are plagued with ladybug looking bugs that come in for the winter. I sprayed all the windows and door frames. The bugs were repelled and I found that spiders were repelled also by this product, not killed, repelled. I am now using it on my deck furniture to keep bugs/spiders from making their homes in the cracks.......it works!! No staining or residue at all. Safe to spray on walls.....once dry it disappears but keeps working. I can't promote this product highly enough. It is AWESOME!!!!!!" — scarlet ohara
Promising review: "This is an amazing product. First bought to hike the jungles of Hawaii.......no mosquitoes bothered us. Our daughter took it with her to Costa Rica......no mosquito bites for her. Then I used it at my dad's farm. Each fall they are plagued with ladybug looking bugs that come in for the winter. I sprayed all the windows and door frames. The bugs were repelled and I found that spiders were repelled also by this product, not killed, repelled. I am now using it on my deck furniture to keep bugs/spiders from making their homes in the cracks.......it works!! No staining or residue at all. Safe to spray on walls.....once dry it disappears but keeps working. I can't promote this product highly enough. It is AWESOME!!!!!!" — scarlet ohara
9.
A lemongrass and cedarwood spray for the whole family
For a plant-based insect repellent in an easy spray bottle, look no further. This has a mix of natural ingredients like citronella, lemongrass and cedarwood oils, and its air-powered bottle helps maximize coverage.
Promising review: "The smell is clean and I use this on my daughter for daycare." — acs5245
Promising review: "The smell is clean and I use this on my daughter for daycare." — acs5245
10.
A lemongrass and vanilla spray you'll use all summer long
Spritz on this all-natural insect repellent for a burst of lemongrass and vanilla. It's non-sticky and lightweight.
Promising review: "That is my favorite. The Best of the Best. I used the first time when i was in Costa Rica rainforest during rainy season and no mosquitos come closer to me and everyone was asking me what perfume you are wearing. I said no perfume just insect repellent. I left the rest for them and just glad I got a new one for my next trip." — Montserrat F.
Promising review: "That is my favorite. The Best of the Best. I used the first time when i was in Costa Rica rainforest during rainy season and no mosquitos come closer to me and everyone was asking me what perfume you are wearing. I said no perfume just insect repellent. I left the rest for them and just glad I got a new one for my next trip." — Montserrat F.
11.
A lemongrass, rosemary and peppermint balm that's easy to spread
If you're sick of sprays and want more control over where your product goes on your body, let me introduce you to repellent balm. It's made in the USA from natural products like beeswax, olive oil, castor oil and peppermint. Spread it on your ankles, wrists and other pesky places bugs can reach.
Promising review: "So excited to see this balm available at my favorite retailer! This stuff smells amazing and better yet, it works!" — Kristin F
Promising review: "So excited to see this balm available at my favorite retailer! This stuff smells amazing and better yet, it works!" — Kristin F
12.
A hydrating lemongrass bug spray dry skin will love
If you have dry skin, you probably need this hydrating insect repellent made with vitamin E, glycerin and castor oil. It will keep your skin and nose happy with lemongrass oil and hints of vanilla.
Promising review: "Medella Naturals is a delightful to ensure a pleasant evening outside. Its scent is refreshing, and it keeps the bugs from biting!" — Helen Ledgerwood
Promising review: "Medella Naturals is a delightful to ensure a pleasant evening outside. Its scent is refreshing, and it keeps the bugs from biting!" — Helen Ledgerwood