Non-toxic mosquito repellent – what actually works?

Summer brings so much anticipation. Soft evenings, garden conversations at dusk, and the scent of grilled lemon and freshly cut grass. But also something we'd rather forget – mosquitoes. Small, silent, destructive elements in what is otherwise so beautiful.

At Remoair, the question of mosquito protection has never just been about function. It has been about feeling. What does a summer evening truly smell like? And why should we have to choose between protecting ourselves or feeling at home in our environment?

We wanted to create something different. Something non-toxic, plant-based, and yet genuinely effective. Here, we share what we have learned – and why we chose Citrepel® as the active ingredient in our mosquito candles.

How do non-toxic mosquito repellents work?

Most natural mosquito repellents are based on essential oils – substances that plants produce as protection against insects, fungi, and bacteria. And yes, they do work. To some extent.

• Citronella has been used for generations in candles and oils to keep mosquitoes at bay.
• Lavender has a mild repellent effect, while also being calming.
• Eucalyptus, especially the citriodora variety, is known to be the most effective of the natural alternatives.
• Patchouli and thyme have shown interesting results in laboratory tests.

The only problem is that the effect is often short-lived. Many studies show that the scent of individual oils is effective for 10–30 minutes, depending on concentration and environment [Source: Malaria Journal, 2010]. On a still summer evening, that might be enough – but as soon as there's a breeze, humidity increases, or skin sweats, the protection quickly diminishes.

Therefore, essential oils alone are not enough for us.

What are DEET, synthetics, and side effects?

DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) has long been the gold standard for mosquito protection. It was invented in the 1940s by the US military and provides strong protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects.

But there's a downside.

• DEET has been linked to skin irritation, eye problems, and in some cases neurological reactions – especially at high doses and with prolonged use.
• The scent is chemical, pungent, and difficult to combine with other fragrance profiles.
• It is not biodegradable and is classified as potentially harmful to aquatic organisms [Source: WHO, 2020].

We believe that one should not have to compromise on either health or aesthetics to enjoy a mosquito-free evening. And that's where we discovered something better.

Citrepel® ⎯ a plant-based alternative that delivers on its promises

Citrepel®, or PMD (para-menthan-3,8-diol), is a substance extracted from the oil of lemon eucalyptus. It is one of the few plant-based substances that studies have shown to be as highly effective as DEET, but without its negative properties.

• Protection for up to 6 hours against mosquitoes – even in humid or active conditions [Source: ECHA, 2022]
• Approved as a biocide within the EU – including for children over 3 years old
• Mild scent and can be used in fragrance compositions without dominating
• Not toxic to the environment or aquatic organisms
• Not classified as skin irritating

In Citrepel®, we found what we were looking for: an active ingredient with real effect, which could still work in a product designed to create presence, not just protection.

Remoair's philosophy: Non-toxic, effective, and with a fragrance profile we can stand by

For us, scent is always about experience. Therefore, even our functional products must meet the same standard as the rest of our range – aesthetically, tactically, and olfactorily. This also applies to our mosquito candles.

We chose to combine Citrepel® with carefully selected essential oils, which not only enhance the effect but also create a rounded and subtle fragrance profile. No screaming citrus notes. No artificial colors. No ingredients we cannot stand by.

Our goal is not just to keep mosquitoes away. Our goal is for you to want the candle lit even if there were no mosquitoes nearby. That's where we set the bar.