With increasing awareness around synthetic chemicals, many people are turning to natural insect repellents as a safer alternative. But here's the truth that most brands won't tell you: not all natural repellents are created equal—and many simply don’t work well enough to keep you safe from biting insects like mosquitoes, midges and ticks.
The Natural Repellent Myth
Natural doesn’t always mean effective. While essential oils like Geranium, lavender, citronella, peppermint, and tea tree are often marketed as “natural insect repellents,” they lack the proven efficacy needed to provide reliable protection—especially in high-risk environments or where insect-borne diseases are a concern.
Worse still, some of these oils can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, or photosensitivity, making them not only ineffective but potentially harmful when applied directly to the skin.
What Really Works? PMD – The Gold Standard in Natural Repellents
When it comes to natural repellents that actually work, there is one standout active ingredient: PMD (para-menthane-3,8-diol). This is the only natural repellent that meets the strict efficacy and safety standards set by UK and EU regulatory bodies, including the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) and ECHA (European Chemicals Agency).
PMD is a naturally derived compound that delivers proven, long-lasting protection—comparable to synthetic alternatives like DEET—without the harsh chemicals.
The Most Effective Form: Citrepel® 75
Not all PMD is equal either. The most advanced and effective formulation is Citrepel® 75, a highly refined PMD-rich oil produced by distilling Java Citronella oil.
Citrepel® 75 offers:
-
Up to 8 hours of protection against biting insects in THEYE Extra Strong Lotion Formula
-
Approval for use in Europe and the UK under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR)
-
A more skin-friendly, naturally derived alternative to synthetic repellents
In short, if you're looking for a natural repellent that actually works, Citrepel® 75 is the only ingredient worth trusting.
Why Other Natural Ingredients Fall Short
Despite their popularity, many other "natural" insect repellent ingredients don’t hold up under scientific scrutiny:
-
Lavender oil: Smells nice but offers minimal protection
-
Peppermint oil: Short-lived effects and high potential for skin irritation
-
Tea tree oil: Can aggravate sensitive skin and is not effective as a repellent
-
Pure citronellal: Volatile and offers only a short window of protection lasting only minutes
These ingredients might offer some level of deterrence in very short timeframes or low-risk areas, but they simply do not provide the consistent, long-lasting protection needed—especially if you're travelling, camping, or dealing with high mosquito populations.
Choose Smart, Stay Protected
If you're committed to going natural, make sure your repellent actually does its job. Look for products that contain PMD, especially Citrepel® 75, to ensure you're getting real protection backed by science and regulation.
Key Takeaway
Not all natural repellents are equal. Most essential oil-based products are underwhelming and unreliable when it comes to keeping biting insects at bay. PMD, particularly in the form of Citrepel® 75, stands alone as the only truly effective, natural, and approved insect repellent in the UK and EU.
Looking for a natural repellent that actually works? Make sure it’s powered by Citrepel® 75. Anything else is just not worth the bite.