Why choose natural repellent?

We often get asked why we are so passionate about all-natural insect repellents, and the truth is, we believe in protection without the compromise.

At THEYE, we believe you shouldn't have to choose between keeping your family safe from bites and keeping them safe from harsh chemicals. For decades, synthetic repellents like DEET have been the "standard," but as parents and outdoor enthusiasts, we started asking: at what cost?

When you look closely at the ingredients in some of the most popular insect repellent sprays out on the market, the "hidden risks" become hard to ignore.

This is why we’ve committed to a 100% naturally derived active ingredient - Citrepel75.

Citrepel75 is a highly refined PMD-rich oil, developed to overcome the drawbacks associated with older PMD oils like Citriodiol. Through advanced purification processes, Citrepel75 delivers a significantly higher PMD content, typically around 75%, with far fewer impurities.

The Truth About Synthetics

Many conventional repellents use powerful synthetic chemicals in their formulations. While they do keep bugs away, they bring baggage that doesn't belong on your skin - in particular the delicate skin of a child or those who are pregnant and particularly at risk.

  • DEET: The most famous of the bunch. It’s effective, but it’s also a powerful solvent. If it’s strong enough to melt plastic sunglasses or damage your synthetic clothing, do you really want it absorbing into your skin? DEET has been linked to skin irritation, rashes, and in rare cases, neurological concerns. Most experts recommend avoiding it entirely for young children.
  • Picaridin & IR3535: These were created to be "gentler" alternatives to DEET, but they are still synthetic compounds. Picaridin can be toxic to aquatic life, and IR3535 is classified as a severe eye irritant. For infants under 2 years, the options for these chemicals are often limited or not recommended.

We can't quite believe the impact that DEET can have - and when we ran our own test, we saw some really scary results. Take a look:

The THEYE Difference

We didn't just want a "safer" option; we wanted one that works just as well and keeps everyone safe from harmful mosquitos, ticks, midges, horseflies and more. That’s why we use PMD (Citriodiol) - the only naturally derived active ingredient recommended by the CDC and WHO to repel mosquitoes.

Why PMD is the Gold Standard for Families:

  • Safe for the Littlest Adventurers: Unlike DEET, which is often restricted for kids, our PMD-based range is gentle enough for babies as young as 6 months old.
  • Kind to Sensitive Skin: If your child suffers from eczema or allergies, you know how scary new sprays can be. Our plant-based formula is non-greasy and gentle, providing peace of mind for sensitive skin. We also have a number of different products in the range - from sprays, to wipes, to creams - to suit every preference. 
  • 8-Hour Protection: "Natural" doesn't have to mean "reapplying every 20 minutes." THEYE products provide up to 8 hours of protection against mosquitoes, ticks, midges and more.
  • Planet-Friendly: Our formulas are biodegradable and vegan, and sustainably sourced. That means that you’re protecting your family without harming the ecosystems you’re out there exploring.

Enjoy the Outdoors, Worry-Free

Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a damp morning walk in the UK or Ireland (hello, midges!), or a family holiday abroad, you deserve natural protection that keeps you all safe.