See All Insect Repellent

Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

*Est. $8 for 4 oz.

Reviewed

June 2011

by ConsumerSearch

Best natural insect repellent

Pros

Contains no DEET
Long-lasting protection
Won't damage plastics or synthetics
Plant-based ingredients

Cons

Not for use on children under age 3
Strong odor
Can stain leather
Not available as a spray

Where to Buy

for $12.60

Our Analysis
Specs
89 Amazon Reviews

Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent repels insects naturally using oil of lemon eucalyptus, an ingredient approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Reviewers say this all-natural repellent can protect for eight hours or longer, which is comparable to repellent containing 25 percent DEET. Unlike DEET, it won't damage synthetic materials (although it can stain leather) and doesn't need to be washed off after returning indoors. On the downside, some people really don't like the smell of this formula. If you need to apply repellent to a child under age 3 or want the convenience of a spray, BiteBlocker Organic Xtreme Insect Spray (*Est. $9 for 6.7 oz.) contains soybean oil and is safe to use on people of all ages.

A review at ConsumerReports.org and an older study in the Journal of Medical Entomology compare many bug repellents, including Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent. Slate.com and Backpacker magazine also test numerous mosquito repellers, but use only a single test subject. Insect repellent reviews by users, like those found at Amazon.com and Drugstore.com, provide useful information on effectiveness for a wider range of people as well as the scent and feel on the skin.

Bite Blocker Organic Insect Repellent Spray, 6 Oz

from Amazon.com

New: $7.50 $5.55

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Where To Buy

Repel 94109 Lemon Eucalyptus Natural Insect Repellent, 4-Ounce Pump Spray

(101 reviews)
Buy new: $14.99 $8.70 14 New from $5.22

Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

ConsumerReports.org editors test Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent among 10 bug repellents, including products containing DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil and IR3535. Editors use four volunteers to test these products with two species of mosquitoes common in the U.S., as well as with deer ticks.

Review: Best Ways to Keep Bugs at Bay, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, July 2010

2. Journal of Medical Entomology

Twelve mosquito repellers, including Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, are tested in this study. Results show that some mosquito repellents protect as long as seven or eight hours for one tester, but only four hours for another.

Review: Laboratory Evaluation of Mosquito Repellents, Donald R. Barnard and Rui-De Xue, July 2004

3. Slate.com

Andria Lisle and friends compare nine mosquito repellents. Informal testing occurs at backyard cookouts and on the bluffs of the Mississippi. Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is the second pick.

Review: Bug Off! Which Mosquito Repellents Work Best?, Andria Lisle, July 26, 2005

4. Backpacker Magazine

Writer Berne Broudy presents the results after testing 15 mosquito repellents on 200 mosquitoes held inside a tank. Each mosquito repeller is sprayed on a single tester's arm, which is inserted into the tank of mosquitoes. The mosquito repellents are ranked according to length of effectiveness. Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent lasts for four hours and is ranked third. Testers describe the smell as "delicious."

Review: Bug Off! Get the Straight Dope on the Best Mosquito Repellents, Berne Broudy, June 2007

5. Amazon.com

More than 65 users have written reviews about Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, giving it a high average rating of 4.0 stars out of 5. Nearly everyone agrees it works well to prevent mosquitoes and ticks from biting, and even works on pesky sand fleas. It receives mixed reviews on the scent, which is also long lasting.

Review: Repel HG-406T Lemon Eucalyptus 4-Ounce Insect Repellent Pump Spray, Contributors to Amazon.com

6. Drugstore.com

Drugstore.com publishes user ratings and reviews of bug repellents. Repel Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent gets an above average rating of 4 out of 5 stars from 55 users. Most agree it works on mosquitoes and ticks. Some say the odor is too strong, while others say it dissipates. Reviewers say it feels better on the skin than other repellents they have used in the past.

Review: Repel Plant Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, Contributors to Drugstore.com

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