The Best Nontoxic Bug Repellent Solutions to Keep Your Skin Happy This Summer

Kinfield Golden Hour Mosquito Repellent ($22)

You may have seen this first-of-its-kind spray on Shark Tank circa 2018, and it’s been a best-seller ever since. Founder Nichole Powell encountered a unique strain of Indonesian citronella on a trip to Bali that she calls “more effective than any other we’ve found” and it’s been proven in double-blind testing by independent labs. “It was effective against mosquitoes, grown locally on an island in Indonesia, and smelled delicious,” she adds. No more nasty bug spray scents—this one has a citrusy-vanilla vibe that customers love—and the protection lasts about three hours, on average.

Mustela Mosquito Repellent Lotion ($16)

This deet-free insect repellent comes in lotion form, which is nice if you want to hydrate your skin (or your kids’) while also keeping it protected. It’s lightweight, nongreasy, fragrance-free, protects against mosquitoes and ticks, and lasts for up to eight hours.

Kate McLeod The Bug Balm Natural Insect Repellent ($28)

For those who refer a balm format (it looks like a little deodorant), this bug-repelling stick contains cocoa butter, citronella, geranium and cedarwood, and also moisturizes skin. It’s wax-free, nongreasy and spill-proof—a camping, hiking and beach trip staple for sure.

Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelet ($13 for 10)

For those with sensitive skin who prefer bug protection without having to apply any lotion, spray, balm, etc., this handy little bracelet is infused with citronella, geranium and lemongrass oils. It’s stretchy and looks like a hair tie (you could also use it that way if you wanted to). The citronella scent is rather strong (be aware if you’re not the biggest fan), but nonetheless, it’s a great option for all ages, and mess-free!

Moon Rabbit Natural Bug Repellent Essential Oil Roller ($15)

Founder Gudrun Snyder created this deet-free, botanical-based essential oil roller to naturally repel insects while also doubling as “an elegant, unisex, wearable fragrance.” Inspired by the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the formula contains fir needle, grapefruit, lemon-eucalyptus, patchouli, sandalwood, jasmine, citronella, rose geranium, orange, vetiver, and Bi Cheng Qie (Litsea Cubeba) in organic fractionated coconut oil.

ZAPPP! Mosquito Repellent Stickers ($10 for 30 stickers)

Though most purchased for kids, anyone can use these convenient stickers to help keep pesky bugs at bay. Infused with citronella oil, they offer an easy, mess-free solution for up to eight hours of protection—you can also put them on beach bags, strollers, tents, etc. For babies under 2, the brand recommends placing one or two stickers on their clothing, mid-back where they can’t reach it. The number of stickers needed increases according to the child’s age.

Hanni Water Balm ($34)

You may have seen this product on your social feeds, as people are praising it as the ultimate summer multitasker. Not only do you get a deeply hydrating but super lightweight body mist, but because it’s made with essential oils (including citronella), it doubles as a natural mosquito repellent. This is great for the person who doesn’t want to advertise that they’re applying bug spray, but needs some bug defense (i.e. your friend’s outdoor dinner party).

Sarna Bug Bite Patches ($8.50 for 24)

If you do happen to get a bug bite, pop on one of these hydrocolloid patches (just like a pimple patch) to get soothing relief from aloe, witch hazel and chamomile. So smart! Plus, they’ll help to keep you from scratching and picking, which can lead to irritation, and even scars.

Murphy’s Naturals Bite Relief Balm ($10)

Another bite-relief option, this one comes in the form of a soothing balm. Chock-full of natural ingredients like cocoa seed butter and andiroba oil, it lets you get back to your outdoorsy fun without going nuts from all the itching and scratching.

Bug Bite Thing Suction Tool and Tick Remover Combo Pack ($20)

Let’s face it, even with all the bug bite protection you apply, the time may come when those nasty little critters finally get ya. Or, someone else in your family, etc. Be the lifesaver in the group with these two easy-to-use tools.

First, the Bug Bite Thing Suction Tool (you may have seen it on Shark Tank in 2019) can remove insect venom, saliva and other irritants left under the skin after bites. This helps alleviate the itching, stinging and swelling they cause as well. Second, the Tick Remover is a dual-ended tool with fine-tipped tweezers on one end for removing small ticks, and a slotted scoop on the other end for larger ones.