REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent

Last updated: April 4, 2023


Lemon eucalyptus oil is the only plant-based active ingredient approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for use in insect repellent to prevent mosquito-carried diseases. The refreshing scent and six-hour duration make this insect repellent a pleasant alternative to DEET-based sprays.

We looked at the top Mosquito Repellents and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Mosquito Repellent you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: If you’re concerned about the effects of long-term or high-concentration exposure to DEET, this mosquito repellent is a safe alternative.

In our analysis of 12 expert reviews, the REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent placed 3rd when we looked at the top 7 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Outdoor enthusiasts know that when the going gets tough, so should their insect repellent. However extreme the activity or terrain, there’s a Repel insect repellent designed to offer dependable coverage that lasts as long as you need it to. Repel products make effective mosquito protection simple under any circumstance—so you can heed the call of the wild wherever the trail takes you. DEET-free Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent provides protection for a range of activities, from your backyard to your travel destinations. Find a bug spray that fits your needs and enjoy protection that lasts for hours. This formula is made with oil of lemon eucalyptus, a plant-based ingredient that is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This insect repellent won’t leave you greasy or sticky, making it a great spray-and-go option for busy weekends. Repel mosquitoes that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses without the DEET. If you’re looking for a DEET-free alternative to create a mosquito barrier, then oil of lemon eucalyptus is a great option. Derived from the leaves of the Eucalyptus citriodora tree, oil of lemon eucalyptus repels mosquitoes for up to six hours. You can use oil of lemon eucalyptus-based products on children 3 years and older.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

Made with oil of lemon eucalyptus to provide DEET free protection for up to six hours. Has refreshing botanical scent that does not smell like chemicals. Not greasy or sticky. Spray is easy to apply
Well, while OLE is unpredictable, REPEL uses it to its full effect, delivering a full 6.5-hours when applied, 30 minutes more than REPEL’s promised duration.
Repel’s plant-based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is a top—albeit strongly scented—choice.

What reviewers didn't like

Some people are not fond of the smell
We made the mistake of giving it a single squirt in a closed room, and we could still smell it an hour later. We found it to be even more unpleasant when it was on our arms.
It lasts a decent amount of time, but still not as long as DEET or picaridin, leaving you wondering why you’d buy this. Combine that with the concern for eye irritation and you’re better off buying a chemical repellent.
Also important to note: Though this formula repels mosquitos, it’s not marketed as being able to deter other types of insects like flies, ticks, or chiggers.
The scent of this lemon eucalyptus spray was polarizing for our testers: One loved the herby tones and the other was left coughing because of its strong and pungent smell.
View our Mosquito Repellent buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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