Every year in May, we release our Bug Away Box, which features a natural insect repellent, among other things. And every year I get questions about how well it works and what insects it works on, so I’d like to cover some of that information here. š I will do my best to present all of the information I’ve found, not just the information that supports my product.
Here in the US, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, consistently point to three main ingredients as effective for repelling insects. Those are: DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus.
ONE of these options is a botanical, non-synthetic ingredient. But does it work?
Well, yes, it does. According to a 2024 trial by Consumer Reports, repellents containing Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), came in as a close second to DEET, outperforming picaridin at repelling ticks also. OLE is considered a biopesticide by the EPA, which means it’s a naturally occurring substance, with lower risk than more conventional pesticides.
So what is DEET?
Bug Away is not DEET. DEET is probably the most widely used insect repellent around the world, actually N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide… so it’s no wonder we just call it “DEET.” It’s a synthetic chemical compound that’s effective at repelling mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects. It does not kill the insects, but deters them from landing on you. Most of the insect repellents you find in stores will contain DEET.
What is picaridin?
Bug Away is not picaridin, either. Picaridin is a more recently developed synthetic insect repellent, seeking to provide an option that is less sticky, near odorless, and feels better on the skin. It’s effective at repelling mosquitoes, ticks, flies, and chiggers. Before I started using Bug Away, I used a product from my Avon friend that contains picaridin, and I felt like it worked pretty well.
And what is Bug Away? (Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus)
Bug Away is a spray made with oil of lemon eucalyptus. OLE is a naturally derived, plant-based insect repellent that comes from the lemon eucalyptus tree. OLE is not an essential oil. It is the only plant-based repellent that is recognized by major health agencies as comparable to DEET in efficacy. It is effective at repelling mosquitoes, ticks, flies, gnats, midges, and chiggers, and is generally ranked between DEET and picaridin.
Bug Away is also made with peppermint essential oil which is additionally repelling to mosquitoes, ants, spiders, flies, gnats, fleas, mites, and roaches.
Why would someone choose a DEET-free, natural insect repellent?
Many families are choosing to reduce the amount of synthetic chemicals they use on their bodies. While many chemicals may be safe to use, the load of one chemical after another can feel like it pulls our wellness down over time. Knowing how quickly our skin absorbs products from skincare to shower products to insect repellent, really makes me think about what’s touching my skin.
Bug Away is blended into an aloe leaf juice, witch hazel, water base. It should be shaken before use to make sure all ingredients are still well blended (you know, oil & water don’t mix), and should not be used on children under age 3. It is recommended that you use your Bug Away within two years for full efficacy. I have heard of some people using it on pets, also, but I prefer to use caution with products containing essential oils on my pets. Do your research or ask your vet.
The May 2026 Joyful Jordan Box is where you will find the Bug Away Spray. The box includes a full-size spray and a travel-size spray, as well as a Skin Relief Stick (with lavender) in case you forget to apply your repellent or have other skin irritations. Joyful Jordan can be purchased as a monthly subscription box, allowing you to try a variety of new products, or as a one-time purchase. You can also make the one-time purchase without the pretty box. (These boxes make great gift boxes, though!)
As of the week of May 4 through 10, Bug Away ingredients are also available in our Weekly Wow Lotion Bar.
I use my Bug Away Spray every time I go out to walk my dog in the evening nowadays. I tell my husband that I must be extra sweet, because biting insects like me so much more than him! So far, the only time I’ve gotten bit by mosquitoes or chiggers was when I forgot to apply my Bug Away!
Special Offer: Next month (June 2026), I’m going to send one person that ordered a Bug Away Joyful Jordan Box from my website a fun summer-themed surprise! Who doesn’t love happy mail surprises??? š While you’re shopping, feel free to click the image below to take a peek at our flip-catalog to see all of the great items we have!
Have you been looking for affordable, clean ingredient skincare? Topical magnesium solutions? Products that support your health & wellness instead of add to your toxic load? Do you love our products and already suggest them to others? Have you been looking for a business to work from home to bring in some extra income for your family, without being gone from the ones you love the most?
This month, when you join me in this business, you’ll receive an additional $25 product credit! I am so blessed to be a part of the Dream Team, a group of ladies who come together regularly to encourage and build each other up as we work on a common goal!! If you’re interested in this business opportunity, you will not be alone! š I’d love to talk to you more about it!
The Growing Hale 