Natural and Effective Mosquito Repellents

[Image credit: The Colorful Dot]

As summer sets in, so do pesky mosquitoes. Effective bugs repellents are essential, but as many people out there are doing, you may want to reduce your exposure to certain chemicals. The main ingredient you want to avoid in mosquito repellents is DEET (N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide).

“A 2013 analysis of about 4,000 DEET-related calls to poison control centers found that 450 people needed medical treatment after applying DEET; two died. Most cases of seizures, slurred speech, coma and other serious side effects have occurred in people who ingested DEET or applied it for three or more days in a row, or used products with 95 percent DEET or more. It’s unclear whether lower doses pose the same risks, especially if you follow directions. Still, our experts urge children, seniors and those with weakened immunity to use it with extra caution” As reported by the Washington Post

Two other harmful ingredients to look out for in the list of ingredients are: Cyfluthrin and Pyrethroids. Both are linked to Neurotoxicity and the latter to endocrine disruption.

There are Plant Extracts that are effective in repelling insects like Citronella, Lemongrass, Clove oil, Eucalyptus, Geraniol, Linalool, Neem, and Thyme. Essential oils do the same thing the DEET does, but essential oils do not expose your body to toxic chemical when used correctly. The mosquito is smart enough to know that essential oils come from plants, trees, and flowers and since these items do not have blood moving through them, they move onto something else.

There are effective natural bug repellents in the market like the ones below:

Parakito has two options if you don’t like spraying on your skin. A refillable band that can be worn around the wrist or ankle, or a refillable clip that can be attached to a purse, belt, or anywhere where is needed. A single refill pellet fits in the mesh pocket and as the natural oils’ active ingredients are released mosquitoes can’t find you.

Ingredients as listed on their website:
INERT INGREDIENTS:
Vanillin
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Citronella oil, Rosemary oil, Geranium oil, Mint oil, Clove oil, Peppermint oil

Aromaflage is a fine fragrance that combines notes of citrus fruit, warm cedarwood, and silken vanilla that also repels insects. They also produce soy wax candles with lead free cotton with the same formula and a ceramic bracelet that you spray with the fragrances in order to repel the mosquitoes.

Ingredients as listed on their website:
Alcohol denat, Water, Parfum (essential oils of vanilla, cedarwood, orange, patchouli, vanillin

Dr. Fedorenko True Organic Stick has the texture of a balm and its designed to protect and nourish skin at the same time, while keeping mosquitoes and other insects at bay.

Ingredients as listed on their website:
Active ingredients: 2.5%*Cymbopogon Shoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil, 2%*Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil, 2%*Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, 1.48%*Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Oil, 1%*Cedrus Atlantica (Cedar) Oil, 0.81%*Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Oil, 0.10%*Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil

Inactive Ingredients: *Cera Alba (Beeswax), *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, *Vanilla Flavor, *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, *Nepeta Cataria (Catnip) Oil, *Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange Peel) Oil, *Piper Nigerum (Black Pepper) Fruit Oil, *Prunus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E), *Eucalyptus Citriodora (Lemon Eucalyptus) Oil, *Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract

Ingredients Marked (*) are Organic.

Palo Santo incense/stick is an aromatic wood that after ignited, the smoke repels mosquitoes, ants and other insects. It can be used as an alternative to citronella candles around the house or backyard. The scent of Palo Santo is extremely soothing and transmits a powerful energy.

The most important is to be informed and know the risks around your area so you can choose the right bug repellent for you and your family. If you decide to stick to DEET, avoid those formulas that have more than 30 percent DEET and spray it on your clothes instead of your skin.

Natural Deodorants that Work

Natural deodorants have a bad rap for not working properly and not controlling sweat. The conversation about body odor is not one people often have or want to have. But it happens, and you should know that the odor actually comes from bacteria and there are ways to prevent it.

The thing about natural deodorants is that they are not meant to stop sweating, anti-perspirants do that, by blocking your glands entirely with the help of aluminum. This is the problem with antiperspirants and the aluminum in them:

“Studies have suggested that aluminum can alter DNA and cause epigenetic changes, both of which support its potential role in cancer development. Moreover, breast biopsies have demonstrated aluminum levels within the breast tissue and the breast fat, with higher quantities seen in the outer regions of the breast.”

I must confess that I have not worn conventional deodorants and neither anti-perspirants in many years. I have not lost any family members or friends yet – So I can only assume that I am not offensively stinky. I would never go back to conventional anti-perspirants or deodorants because my health is far more important that just smelling fresh.

As I mentioned above, it is bacteria that causes the stinkiness in your armpits. Staphylococcus hominis to be exact (Google it: University of York + Staphylococcus hominis).

Yes, sometimes I can get stinky, but so does people who wear conventional deodorants or anti-perspirants. Sweating is natural and it is how your body detoxes. If you agonize about the smell this is how you cope: wash your armpits regularly and wear a natural deodorant. Also, do not keep your razor inside the shower, make sure it is dry and clean to avoid bacteria or mold buil up.

Yes, until your body adjusts, you may stink, but don’t blame it on the natural deodorant. Carry cleansing wipes with you if you have to.

You may need to give your body a “detox” of a week before you apply the natural deodorant. Use a small loofah to gently scrub dead cells while you shower. You can apply coconut oil to moisturize and protect the skin. Coconut oil is a natural antibacterial. If you shave, try your best to do it the night before to give your skin a rest.

I have tried these 4 deodorants below in different scenarios, from yoga to a sweltering beach, first dates, walking down Lincoln road at noon in July, not showering, chasing a cab in Times Square in August. I put these deodorants to work and they delivered.

Please know and understand that there will be no “sweat stopping” from your armpits. Only “unpleasant odors” preventing. For me, they all worked well, but some better than others. Remember that everyone is different - from different P.H. and foods that you eat affect your sweat - so what works for me may not work for you and vice-versa:

Soapwalla Deodorant Créme 2 oz glass jar / $14 / vegan
 

There are 2 versions: Unscented and Citrus
When I bought it I was told it was unscented. That’s why I chose it, because I prefer body care without a fragrance. But it does smell like tea tree oil, well because it is part of the ingredients. Not a strong smell that would stop me from using it as it fades away.

These are the ingredients:
Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil*; Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil*; Rosehip Seed Oil*; Butyrospermun parkii (Shea) Butter; Corn Starch*+; Sodium Bicarbonate+; Kaolin Clay; Vegan Kosher Glycerin*+; a custom blend of essential oils, including: Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender)*; Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree)*; Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange); Mentha Piperita (Peppermint)*; Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergaptene-free Bergamot)*; Non-GMO Soy lecithin*+; Non-GMO Vitamin E*+.

This deodorant (either scent) is a favorite among natural deodorant users, and the evidence is in the reviews. In the picture it looks like it is hard, but it is actually a crème. It absorbs quickly so it doesn’t leave a white spot. In the website it says that it may melt, but that was never my experience. It does have baking soda, so if you are sensitive it may not work for you. You may need to wait a few hours after you shaved so you can use it. I am telling you this because it happened to me, and I screamed. But it really works!

Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant Cream 2.4 oz glass jar / $14 / vegan

There are 4 versions: grapefruit or lavender baking soda free, and tea tree and lavender with baking soda.

These are the ingredients:
maranta arudinacea (arrowroot) powder, *butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, magnesium hydroxide, *cocos nucifera (virgin coconut) oil, *simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil, citrus paradisii (grapefruit) essential oil, citrus bergamia (bergamot) essential oil, *citrus sinensis (sweet orange) essential oil, *citrus limon (lemon) essential oil

I tried the grapefruit scent, without baking soda and clay, designed for sensitive skins. Instead, it has dietary magnesium and arrowroot powder to help control moisture and odor. It is also safe to use right after you shave as it won’t sting at all. I like the subtle grapefruit scent and that it spreads easily, moisturizing the arm pit as it is creamy. It does “melt” under warm conditions, and it says so in their website. This one didn’t perform too well on me during sweltering weather. But I would definitely buy it again and use it in cooler days.  You only need a little and it lasts for a long time. I like that the container is made of glass and not of plastic like the others. They also have these paper tube versions for a zero waste option.

Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant 2.4 oz glass jar / $9.99 / vegan /gluten free

There are many scents and one unscented to choose from. The one you see in the pic is the travel size. The 2.4 oz size comes in a glass jar with a little spatula to help you apply. The jar can be sent back to Schimidt’s to be recycled as part of their recycling club.
These are the ingredients:
Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), Maranta arundinacea (arrowroot) powder, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Salvia sclarea (clary sage) essential oil, Lavandula (lavender) essential oil, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Humulus lupulus (hop) extract

I actually chose the Lavender + Sage since lavender is my favorite scent. It smells clean and it is not overpowering. You do have to dig into the jar with your finger to apply the product. You have to rub it first in your fingers to melt it and then you can apply. Otherwise it will just clump on your pit. But not a big deal, once it melts it absorbs quickly. If that is too much work just opt for the stick. It will keep you odorless for many hours. The price makes it attractive enough to try it as your first natural deodorant.

Blissoma Natural Deodorant  2oz stick  / $16 / vegan

There's only an Unscented stick that comes in two sizes.
These are the ingredients:
Sodium bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) Oil*, Mangifera indica (Mango) Butter, Diatomaceous Earth, Bentonite, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Euphorbia cerifera (Candelilla) wax, Maranta arundinacea (Arrowroot) powder*, Ricinus communis (Castor) oil*, Zinc Oxide, Caprylic/Capric/Palmitic/Stearic Glycerides, Lecithin* (Soy), Sorbitan Stearate

The bentonite makes for a weird looking pit if you are wearing a sleeveless shirt. But who cares if your deodorant is keeping you fresh and odor free? It has zinc oxide that calms sensitive skin. It also has baking soda and arrowroot like the ones above. In the picture it looks hard to apply, but since it has mango butter it glides and absorbs easily. I liked that it has no scent, and that their formula works wonders for odor protection.