• The formula combines multiple aromatic essential oils that help interfere with the scent cues insects use to locate people. Cedarwood, peppermint, thyme, lemongrass, geranium, citronella, and clove oils work together to make treated skin less attractive to ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects.

Yes. Published studies have evaluated the insect-repellent activity of each essential oil used in Botanical Bug Defense. These studies examine the individual oils or their active constituents under specific laboratory or field conditions: 

• Cedarwood Oil: Research has evaluated cedarwood oil against several hard-tick species and reported repellent and toxic activity. 
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35076809/ 
• Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil has demonstrated repellent activity against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, and another study found that it reduced mosquito attraction to human odor. 

  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23569733/ 
• Thyme Oil: Thyme-derived compounds demonstrated mosquito repellency in a human-forearm bioassay, while thyme oil has also shown activity against ticks. 
  
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15825766/ 
• Lemongrass Oil: Topical lemongrass-oil formulations have demonstrated mosquito-repellent activity, and laboratory research found that lemongrass oil reduced mosquito attraction to human odor. 

  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12046869/ 
• Geranium Oil: Multiple geranium essential oils demonstrated repellent activity against lone star tick nymphs, and geranium oil has also been evaluated against ticks in laboratory and field settings. 

  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23528036/
• Citronella Oil: Human-subject research found that citronella oil provided protection against several mosquito species, although its duration of protection depends heavily on concentration and formulation. 
  
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21073057/ 
• Clove Oil: Clove oil has demonstrated repellency against mosquitoes and ticks, including prolonged protection in controlled mosquito studies. 

  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16041723/ 

Most botanical repellents are delivered as traditional sprays, oily droppers, or roll-ons. Botanical Bug Defense dispenses as a lightweight foam that stays in your hand, spreads evenly, and gives you greater control over where the product is applied. It also minimizes airborne overspray, dripping, and oily residue.

No. The formula is designed to spread easily and dry down without the oily or sticky feel associated with many essential-oil repellents.

No. Botanical Bug Defense is DEET-free and relies on a blend of plant-derived essential oils.

No. The product’s aroma comes from its essential-oil ingredients rather than synthetic fragrance. 

Reapply every two hours or as needed, especially during extended outdoor activity.

It may be applied to children one year of age and older with adult supervision. Do not apply it to children’s hands. It should not be used on children under one year of age. 

Do not use this product on dogs or cats. Consult your veterinarian before applying it to or around any pets.

The botanical oils in the formula may stain light-colored clothing. Apply carefully and allow the product to settle on the skin before contacting clothing. 

Each bottle contains 3.3 fluid ounces, or 98 milliliters. 

The efficacy of this product has not been reviewed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It qualifies for exemption from federal EPA registration under FIFRA Section 25(b).