Insect Repellents for the Whole Family

I am so lucky to live in beautiful Australia, but there is one little downside... the creepy crawlies. While some areas are hit harder than others, one of the only perils of living in Australia is dealing with bugs, flies, mozzies and other insects practically all year long. A good insect repellent can keep them at bay, but mainstream bug sprays aren't always the most natural formulations... I don't want to be spraying who-knows-what on my family, on surfaces in my home or accidentally spritzing it over food – yuck! That's why I've made the switch to natural, toxin-free insect repellents, which use all-natural ingredients like essential oils instead.

Adult, teen and children's skin are totally different, so the other thing we need to consider is that different age groups may need different insect repellent formulations. I like to have a few different natural insect repellents on hand to ensure our household has all bases (and skin types) covered.

Best Natural Insect Repellents for Adults

Perfect Potion Outdoor Body Spray Natural Insect Repellent

The Perfect Potion Outdoor Body Spray Natural Insect Repellent is one of my favourite natural insect repellents as it helps keep mozzies far, far away – even for those of us who seem to be mosquito magnets! This spray is made entirely from plant-derived, natural ingredients, including Citronella Oil, Peppermint Oil, Broad-leafed Tea Tree Oil and Blue Mallee Eucalyptus Oil, so it has a really clean and fresh scent too.

Lemon Myrtle Fragrances Natural Insect Repellent

Another favourite is the Lemon Myrtle Fragrances Natural Insect Repellent which smells deliciously beautiful thanks to Citronella, Tea Tree Oil, Eucalyptus Oil and Lemon Myrtle Oil. This is also a great product to have in your medicine cabinet as it doubles as an antibacterial and antiseptic spray to help relieve itches. For a tropical strength option, try the Lemon Myrtle Fragrances Naturally Tropical Strength Mozzie & Sandfly Repellent, specially formulated for humid tropical climates.

Best Natural Insect Repellents for Teens

Nature's Botanical Spray Lotion

For teens, I'm a fan of the Nature's Botanical Spray Lotion as it's so fast and easy to apply. Available in a spray-on lotion, this formulation is designed to disappear completely into the skin, leaving no oily residue behind. Instead of Tea Tree Oil and Citronella Oil, this repellent actually utilises a combination Rosemary and Cedarwood Oil to repel annoying insects just as effectively.

Nature's Botanical Roll-On Lotion

Teens will also appreciate using the Nature's Botanical Roll-On Lotion, which features the same formulation as the above spray but in another handy form of application – a roll-on bottle.

Best Natural Insect Repellents for Children

Nature's Botanical Crème

A great option for kids is the Nature's Botanical Crème, which is formulated in a nourishing cream. Ideal for simultaneously soothing children's delicate skin, this moisturising cream is free from Tea Tree and Citronella, and is designed to leave no oily residue on the skin. Not recommended for children under 2 as they may rub it into their eyes or mouth.

Biologika Bug Another Insect Repellent Spray

Another Nourished Life bestseller is the Biologika Bug Another Insect Repellent Spray, which contains a blend of Citronella, Lavender, Lemon Myrtle, Peppermint and Sage essential oils as well as soothing Aloe Vera. This Certified Organic bug spray is designed to be safe for all ages.

Bug-grrr Off Natural Insect Repellent - Jungle Strength Formula Spray

The Bug-grrr Off Natural Insect Repellent - Jungle Strength Formula Spray is a great full strength bug spray for the kids if you're headed off on a hot and humid tropical getaway, designed to keep pesky insects away for up to 6 hours. This spray is suitable for children over the age of 12 months (please patch test on children before applying to the whole body.)