Warm summer evenings bring with them wonderful outdoor moments, but also uninvited guests. The persistent buzzing around your ears and unpleasant bites can ruin a trip to the terrace or the garden. However, nature provides us with effective solutions.

At Ellemental, we look at aromatherapy and skincare through the lens of cosmetic chemistry. Plants produce essential oils as their own defense mechanism against pests. When we understand which molecules work and how they react on the skin, we can create natural, pleasant-smelling DIY recipes that assist us in our daily lives.

How do natural repellents work?

Mosquitoes don't find us by chance. They are attracted to the air we exhale, body heat, and molecules in sweat.

Essential oils mask these chemical signals. Volatile substances such as geraniol, citronellal, or citral interfere with the olfactory receptors of mosquitoes, preventing them from finding their target. Essentially, they create an aromatic aura that makes us "invisible" but also repulsive to certain insects.

Essential oils used against insects

If you explore our range of essential oils, you will find a wide variety to choose from. For protection against mosquitoes and insects in general, the following are the most commonly used.

1. Citronella: The classic ally

When it comes to fighting insects, Citronella Essential Oil sounds familiar to everyone. It is, without a doubt, one of the most potent in this category.

Its profile is dominated by the substances citronellal, geraniol, and citronellol. This combination creates a strong citrus scent that mosquitoes automatically avoid. It is the optimal choice for repellent sprays or aromatherapy lamps on the terrace.

2. Eucalyptus Lemon: Eucalyptus, but citrussy

With an intense and fresh olfactory profile, Lemon Eucalyptus Essential Oil is also an excellent choice. Unlike regular eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus) with its specific, well-known scent, the Lemon variety (eucalyptus citriodora) contains mostly citronellal - which is active in such applications.

This substance is one of the most effective against insects among all plant essences. It has a lemony, sweetish, slightly fresh scent.

3. Lemongrass: Citrus, purifying

Rich in citral (a natural mixture of geranial and neral), Lemongrass Organic essential oil  brings a vibrant, energizing note.

In addition to its ability to mask body odors that attract mosquitoes, lemongrass also has stimulating properties. 

4. Geranium: Floral, versatile

Geranium Bourbon essential oil also contains effective repellent substances. It has a strong, floral scent reminiscent of roses, and contains significant amounts of geraniol and citronellol.

If you are not fond of the specific and characteristic scent of citronella, Geranium essential oil balances it out, bringing a bright, soft note.

5. Patchouli: The aromatic anchor

Its presence on this list might surprise you, but Patchouli Essential Oil plays a dual role. First of all, its main compound, patchoulol, is unpleasant to many insect species.

Then, from the perspective of the olfactory note, patchouli is a heavy base note. It works as a natural fixative in essential oil blends. When you combine it with citronella or lemon eucalyptus, it slows down the evaporation rate of lighter molecules, extending the active duration of the repellent.

Comparative table - properties and olfactory notes

How to prepare your own repellent spray at home (DIY Recipe)

Creating an insect spray is a simple project to put into practice.

Required ingredients (for 100 ml solution):

• Purified water or floral water: 85 ml

• Solubilizing agent: 10 ml Polysorbate 20 (necessary to mix the oil with water)

• Essential oil blend (maximum 5 ml total): 70 drops Citronella, 35 drops Lemon Eucalyptus, 15 drops Geranium, 10 drops Patchouli

Preparation method:

1. First, mix the essential oils with the solubilizer.

2. Gradually add the water, mixing until homogenous.

3. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

Shelf life: up to 7 days if no preservative is added, and at least 3 months if you add 30 drops of Cosgard.

If you prefer a skin-only repellent in the form of an oil, you can dilute the same essential oil synergy in a carrier oil such as  Caprilis Oil or Almond Oil .

Precautions and safety measures

Even though they are 100% natural, essential oils are concentrated and highly potent products. At Ellemental, we recommend observing a few simple precautions and safety measures:

• Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin. Dilution in a carrier oil or using a solubilizer for water-based preparations is mandatory.

• Perform a tolerance test:  Apply a drop of the prepared product to the crook of the elbow and wait 24 hours to observe if any irritation or redness appears.

• Contraindications: Blends with strong essential oils, such as those listed above, are contraindicated in pregnancy and for children under 6 years of age.

• Areas to avoid: Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes, do not apply the repellent solution to the face.