Kid-safe Essential Oils to Use for Bug Repellents
Have you ever been told to use Peppermint as a bug repellent?
Maybe you’ve seen Lemongrass suggested as the go to for bug repellent? Let’s talk about why those might not be the safest options, and see what oils might be a better option.
Peppermint and Lemongrass (Menta piperita and Cymbopogon flexuosus) both come with some safety warnings and aren’t really intended for small children either. Peppermint is one not to use under 6 due to the menthol content and Lemongrass shouldn’t be used topically under the age of 2 since it is so irritating. Lemongrass also has a topical max of .7% as it can be a very irritating oil, this isn’t one that I really for topically anyways, and when I do so I make sure that I am using an appropriate dilution as to not cause any kind of sensitivities or reactions. So what are some alternatives that you can use instead, especially for younger children?
Essential Oils that are safe ages 6 months+ that work as a natural bug repellent:
Atlas Cedarwood Cedrus atlantica
Citronella Cymbopogon winterianus, Cymbopogon nardus
Peppermint Eucalyptus Eucalyptus dives
Frankincense Boswellia carterii
Geranium Pelargonium graveolens, Pelargonium x asperum
Spanish Lavender/Spike Lavender Lavandula stoechas/Lavandula latifolia, Lavandula spica
Lemon Citrus limon (Phototoxic, use at a max dilution of 2% topically)
Lime Citrus x aurantifolia (Mexican), Citrus x latifolia (Persian) (Phototoxic, use at a max dilution of .7% topically)
Patchouli Pogostemon cablin, Pogostemon patchouly
Spearmint Mentha spicata, Mentha cadiaca, Mentha crispa, Mentha viridis
Tea Tree Melaleuca alternifolia, Melaleuca linariifolia var. alternifolia
All of these essential oils are great as an insect repellent and are safe for all ages, I do recommend not using topically until at least 6 months however (and keep the dilution for infants to .5% for occasionally use). However if DIYs aren’t your thing, then I have a product recommendations for you. DIYs can be really hard with essential oils, especially when making something with a liquid base. You can always make a bug repellent balm instead, but if making products with a water base make sure to have an emulsifier and consider using a preservative as well to ensure the shelf life of the product remains stable. If you don’t want to use preservatives, store products in a cool dry location and it should last 3-6 months but watch for contaminants.
Bug repellents I love that are natural and kid safe:
Okay so as much as I hate to drop one product and leave it at that, there are not a lot of bug repellents that are kid safe and natural. If you’re looking for that deet free option Earthely is the way to go. I have looked at so many other repellents and they contain peppermint or lemongrass, and I Just don’t like those for small children.
Hopefully this helps, always keep safety in mind when looking for those natural products. DIYs are a great option to get the best product for your family, but not every one wants to or can do DIYs.
