What you should know when choosing non-toxic bug spray on Welpr:

  • Only the cleanest products make it onto Welpr.
  • We use a score called the Welpr Rating to rank each product.
  • The Welpr Rating is based on math, not opinion, ensuring it's free from human bias.
The Welpr Rating is determined by a scoring formula. The formula takes into account the products safety, user satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing. Click here to learn more.
Our Methodology and Ratings

Find Non-Toxic Bug Spray

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Bug Repellent - Badger

Bug Repellent - Badger
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.95
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon

Certifications

tooltip icon
<p>The USDA Organic certification confirms that agricultural products meet strict organic standards, ensuring sustainable practices from farm to consumer.</p>
<p>The B Corp certification indicates that a company meets high social and environmental standards. <a href="https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/ws-badger-co-inc/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

tooltip icon
<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$6.99

Product Details

arrow down
  • Provides safe, natural bug protection using organic essential oils.
  • DEET-free, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.
  • Resistant to sweat and water.
  • Offers a pleasant scent of citronella and lemongrass.
  • Tested to repel mosquitoes and flies for up to 3.5 hours.
  • Incorporates organic olive oil and beeswax to soften skin.
  • Suitable for use by the whole family, including toddlers and kids.
  • Comes in a convenient, lightweight, and recyclable tin that is TSA approved for travel.
  • Produced in a solar-powered facility in the USA by a women-owned, family-run business.
  • Lab-tested and proven to be effective against mosquitoes and stable flies for at least 3 hours.
  • Infinitely recyclable metal tin contributes to sustainable packaging efforts.
  • Made without synthetic chemicals.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Portable
  • Pleasant-smelling

Cons Mentioned

  • Pricey

Ingredients

arrow down

Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Organic Castor Oil, Organic Citronella Oil, Organic Cedar Oil, Organic Lemongrass Oil, Organic Rosemary Oil, & Organic Geranium Oil, Inactive Ingredients: Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil And Organic Beeswax

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Anti-Bug Shake & Spray - Badger

Anti-Bug Shake & Spray - Badger
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.75
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon

Certifications

tooltip icon
<p>The USDA Organic certification confirms that agricultural products meet strict organic standards, ensuring sustainable practices from farm to consumer.</p>
<p>The B Corp certification indicates that a company meets high social and environmental standards. <a href="https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/ws-badger-co-inc/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

tooltip icon
<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$11.99

Product Details

arrow down
  • Provides 3-hour protection from mosquitoes using natural ingredients.
  • Free from DEET and other synthetic chemicals; also gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.
  • Uses Citronella, Rosemary, and Lemongrass essential oils for natural repellency.
  • Suitable for use by the whole family, including toddlers and kids.
  • Comes in a rugged, lightweight, infinitely recyclable aluminum bottle.
  • Manufactured in a solar-powered facility in the USA by a women-owned, family-run business.
  • Safe to apply on skin, clothes, and outdoor gear without staining.
  • Independently lab-tested and proven to be effective for at least 3 hours.
  • Available in TSA-approved travel sizes for easy transportation.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Natural
  • Pleasant-smelling

Cons Mentioned

  • Attracts

Ingredients

arrow down

Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Organic Soybean Oil, Organic Castor Oil, Organic Citronella Oil, Organic Cedar Oil, Organic Lemongrass Oil, Organic Rosemary Oil, Organic Geranium Oil, Organic Peppermint Oil, Inactive Ingredients: Water, Organic Wintergreen Oil

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Organic Bug Spray for Body - Sky Organics

Organic Bug Spray for Body - Sky Organics
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.75
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon

Certifications

tooltip icon
<p>The USDA Organic certification confirms that agricultural products meet strict organic standards, ensuring sustainable practices from farm to consumer.</p>
<p>The B Corp certification indicates that a company meets high social and environmental standards. <a href="https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/find-a-b-corp/company/sky-organics/" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

tooltip icon
<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$19.99

Product Details

arrow down
  • Made without DEET, alcohol, and other harsh additives
  • Formulated with natural plant-based ingredients such as citronella and lemongrass essential oils for natural insect repellence
  • Free from DEET, alcohol, parabens, phthalates, silicones, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, and dyes
  • Recommendation for use: Apply by spraying directly on exposed skin and apply to the face by first spraying into hands, while avoiding eyes and mouth; adult supervision required for application to children
  • USDA Certified Organic
  • Responsibly made in small batches with high-quality ingredients

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Organic
  • Non-greasy

Cons Mentioned

  • Smelly

Ingredients

arrow down

Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil* 23%, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil* 10%, Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) Oil* 7%, Cymbopogon Citratus (Lemongrass) Oil* 4%, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil* 3%, Cedrus Altantica (Cedarwood) Oil* 2%, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Oil* 2%, Water 49%

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Natural Bug Repellent Spray - California Baby

Natural Bug Repellent Spray - California Baby
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.7
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon
tooltip icon

Highlights

tooltip icon
<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$12.99

Product Details

arrow down
  • Effective, DEET-free formula: Uses citronella and lemongrass essential oils, which repel mosquitoes and insects based on scent; recommended reapplication every 30 minutes.
  • Safe for babies 6 months and older: Utilizes essential oils instead of harsh chemicals for repellency; safe for head-to-toe application.
  • Pleasant citronella and lemongrass scent: Infused with essential oils that provide a lovely scent and effective bug repellency.
  • Allergy tested: Free from common allergens like gluten, soy, sesame, oat, dairy, peanuts, and tree nuts (except coconut); no risk of cross-contamination.
  • Established and trusted brand: Developed over 28 years ago, manufactured in California Baby's own FDA Registered facility in Los Angeles, family-owned and operated.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Pleasant-smelling
  • Safe

Cons Mentioned

  • Pricey

Ingredients

arrow down

Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Active Ingredient Ingredients (INCI): Pure Essential Oils Of *Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella) 5%, *Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) .5%, *Cedrus Atlantica (Cedar) .5%

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

TerraShield Essential Oil Outdoor Blend - Doterra

TerraShield Essential Oil Outdoor Blend - Doterra
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.65
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon
tooltip icon
tooltip icon

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$20.00

Product Details

arrow down
  • Acts as an effective natural barrier for outdoor protection.
  • Contains a blend of essential oils including Ylang Ylang, Cedarwood, Catnip, Lemon Eucalyptus, Litsea, Arborvitae, Nootka, and Vanilla Bean Absolute.
  • Formula includes Tamanu oil which supports the blend and enhances effectiveness.
  • Sourced through doTERRA's Co-Impact Sourcing initiative, benefiting harvesters in Madagascar.
  • Safe for use by the entire family.
  • Can be applied to legs, arms, and neck before outdoor activities or diffused on patios.
  • Useful for camping trips, outdoor events, and for spraying around doors, window seals, and tents.
  • Helps calm and soothe dry, scratchy throats.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros Mentioned

  • Intoxicating
  • Refreshing
  • Versatile

Cons Mentioned

  • Strong

Ingredients

arrow down

Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Ylang Ylang Flower, Nootka Wood, Cedarwood Wood, Catnip, Lemon Eucalyptus, Litsea Fruit, Arborvitae Wood Essential Oils And Vanilla Bean Absolute In A Base Of Fractionated Coconut Oil And Tamanu Seed Oil

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent - Cutter

Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent - Cutter
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.65
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon
tooltip icon
tooltip icon

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$5.89

Product Details

arrow down
  • DEET-free formula repels mosquitoes, including those that may carry West Nile virus.
  • Active ingredient derived from the leaves of the Lemon Eucalyptus tree.
  • Provides protection for up to 6 hours against mosquitoes.
  • Features a fresh, clean lemon eucalyptus scent.
  • Non-greasy and non-oily feel when applied.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Refreshing
  • Pleasant

Cons Mentioned

  • Strong

Ingredients

arrow down

Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Oil Of Lemon Eucalyptus, Ethanol

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Natural Insect Repellent - Buggins

Natural Insect Repellent - Buggins
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.65
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon
tooltip icon

Highlights

tooltip icon
<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. An EXCELLENT user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the top third of the best products.
Est. Price
$22.69

Product Details

arrow down
  • Plant-based active ingredients include geraniol, peppermint, lemongrass, and clove.
  • Offers a pleasant vanilla mint and rose scent.
  • Provides up to 2 hours of protection against gnats, no-see-ums, and flies.
  • DEET-free formula suitable for users who prefer not to use DEET.
  • Non-sticky and non-greasy texture, ideal for family use.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Smells
  • Non-sticky

Cons Mentioned

  • Ineffective

Ingredients

arrow down

Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Plant-Based Active Ingredients - Geraniol, Peppermint, Lemongrass And Clove

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Golden Hour Spray - Kinfield

Golden Hour Spray - Kinfield
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.55
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon

Certifications

tooltip icon
<p>The Plastic Neutral Certified label indicates that a brand has measured and offset its plastic footprint by supporting equivalent plastic waste recovery and recycling efforts. <a href="https://repurpose.global/brand-partners/kinfield" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>
<p>The Leaping Bunny certification assures that products are genuinely cruelty-free, verified through rigorous audits and a comprehensive Supplier Monitoring System. <a href="https://www.leapingbunny.org/brand/kinfield" target="_blank">Source</a>.</p>

Highlights

tooltip icon
<p>The Vegan label indicates that a brand says their product does not contain animal-derived ingredients, but without certifications such as Certified Vegan, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$24.00

Product Details

arrow down
  • Contains a unique strain of citronella proven more effective than other repellents.
  • Formulated with natural ingredients like citronella, lemongrass, clove bud, lauric acid, and vanillin.
  • Free from DEET, picaridin, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates.
  • Provides long-lasting protection against mosquitoes, flies, and other insects for over 3 hours.
  • Easy to apply and requires re-application every 2 hours for maximum effectiveness.
  • Safe for facial use when applied with hands.
  • Cruelty-free and vegan formulation, reflecting a commitment to ethical standards.
  • Eco-friendly packaging that is recyclable, supporting environmental sustainability.
  • Developed using clean, responsibly sourced ingredients, backed by research.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Natural
  • Non-toxic

Cons Mentioned

  • Smelly

Ingredients

arrow down

Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Citronella Oil (10.00%), Lemongrass Oil (1.00%), Clove Oil (0.01%), Inert Ingredients (88.99%): Isopropyl Alcohol, Lauric Acid, Water, Vanillin

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Mosquito, Tick, Fly, and Insect Repellent with Natural Essential Oils - Wondercide

Mosquito, Tick, Fly, and Insect Repellent with Natural Essential Oils - Wondercide
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.5
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon
tooltip icon

Highlights

tooltip icon
<p>The Cruelty-Free label indicates that a product says their product is free from animal testing, but without certifications such as PETAs Beauty Without Bunnies or Leaping Bunny, it cannot be verified.</p>
<p>The Made in USA label indicates that a product has substantial U.S. content and manufacturing.</p>

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$23.98

Product Details

arrow down
  • Repels 98% of mosquitoes and protects against gnats, ticks, fleas, no-see-ums, spiders, and other biting flies using a proven spray formula.
  • Safe and gentle for all ages, including kids, babies, and seniors, providing quick, head-to-toe protection.
  • DEET-free and made from plant-based ingredients, offering a versatile alternative to traditional sprays, bracelets, lotions, candles, and torches.
  • Free from artificial colors, fragrances, and harmful pesticides; cruelty-free and biodegradable.
  • Effectively kills and repels pests with a natural essential oil formula, safe for use on adults, children, and pets when used as directed.
  • Available in four natural essential oil scents: lemongrass, rosemary, cedarwood, and peppermint.
  • Manufactured in the USA using sustainable, plant-based ingredients.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Pleasant-scented
  • Non-greasy

Cons Mentioned

  • Malfunctioning

Ingredients

arrow down

Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: 4.2% Cedar Oil, 2.2% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (Coconut And/Or Palm Oil Derived), 1.5% Lemongrass Oil, 0.1% Sesame Oil, Inert: 92% - Water, Polyglyceral Oleate, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Ethyl Lactate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Vitamin E

Third-party certifications are key indicators of a product's safety, ethics, and environmental impact. Click the icon to verify the certification.

Highlights aren't always verifiable, so you're trusting the brand when they say "lead free", etc. If the highlight icon is "clickable", it means we've verified the highlight.

User satisfaction is calculated using online reviews and a Bayesian average across all personal care and cosmetic products on Welpr.

Buzz Away Extreme Insect Repellent - Quantum Health

Buzz Away Extreme Insect Repellent - Quantum Health
Welpr Rating
tooltip icon
Welpr rating icon
4.45
/5
Buy Now
Buy Now
on Amazon
tooltip icon
tooltip icon

User Satisfaction

tooltip icon
We only include products on Welpr that are the best of the best. A GOOD user satisfaction score indicates the product is in the bottom third of the best products.
Est. Price
$16.59

Product Details

arrow down
  • Provides relief from mosquitoes and ticks for extended outdoor activities such as park visits, beach outings, backyard time, or camping.
  • Utilizes a blend of natural essential oils including citronella, cedarwood, and lemongrass for effective insect repellency.
  • DEET-free formula makes it safe and gentle for use on children's skin and clothing.
  • Complies with strict safety and effectiveness regulations, ensuring reliable protection against insects all year round.
  • Free from harsh chemicals, artificial preservatives, or toxins, making it environmentally friendly.
  • Includes a proprietary blend of essential oils that not only repel insects but also provide a pleasant scent.
  • Convenient packaging suitable for travel.

Pros & Cons

arrow down

Pros Mentioned

  • Effective
  • Natural
  • Pleasant

Cons Mentioned

  • Sticky

Ingredients

arrow down

Ingredients can vary by product variation and may change at any time by the manufacturer. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.


To analyze individual ingredients, use INCIDecoder.


Ingredients: Castor Oil (8%), Geranium Oil (6%), Soybean Oil (3%), Cedarwood Oil (1.5%), Citronella Oil (1.0%), Peppermint Oil (0.5%), Lemongrass Oil (0.25%), Inert Ingredients: (79.75% Total): Purified Water, Coconut Oil, Glycerin, Lecithin, Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Vitamin E, Wintergreen Oil

Our Product Rating System

Our Product Rating System

First, Camille (co-creator of Welpr) hand picks cleaner product options from a variety of sources.

Next, we collect information about each product's safety, consumer satisfaction, and eco-ethical standing.

Finally, we run all this information through an algorithm that calculates the Welpr Rating.

Welpr Rating:

5.0/5

The Welpr Rating takes into account 3 things:

  1. Product Safety
  2. Consumer Satisfaction
  3. Ethics & Environment
Product safety

Part 1: Product safety

We evaluate safety information from 3rd party organizations (e.g. EWG, Made Safe, etc.). Instead of relying solely on any one of these companies for safety information, we assess all of them.

Consumer satisfaction

Part 2: Consumer satisfaction

We scour the web for consumer ratings and reviews to verify products are not only cleaner options, but also effective. Products can either be Above Average, Average, or Below average for their respective category (e.g. cleaning products).

Ethics & Environment

Part 3: Ethics & Environment

When you buy a product, you’re supporting that company with your dollars. We believe it’s important to support ethical companies, so we pool together certifications that verify a company's ethics and environmental impact.

Common Harmful Chemicals in Bug Spray

Chemical Name

Why it’s harmful

Diethyltoluamide

DEET is a nearly colorless broad-spectrum insect repellent, used on humans, clothing, and horses. Most reports following DEET exposure highlight skin-related issues such as irritation and contact dermatitis, with more severe reactions like blistering and weeping skin areas under specific conditions. Rare cases of toxic encephalopathy have been reported following ingestion or dermal application, and DEET has shown a genotoxic response in specific tests. Animal studies revealed various adverse reactions, including renal lesions in rats and clinical signs in dogs. In terms of ecotoxicity studies, DEET had significant effects on fish, including changes in red blood cells and mean corpuscular volume.

Phthalate

Phthalates, linked to endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and cancer, are banned in the European Union but remain prevalent in U.S. cosmetics. They are widely used in personal care products, such as nail polish, fragrances, and eyelash glue and other products. A significant loophole allows phthalates to be added to fragrances without disclosure. Health concerns include endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and potential carcinogenicity.

d-Limonene

d-Limonene is a liquid with a lemon-like smell, often used as a solvent to substitute for more volatile and toxic organic solvents. When it comes into contact with air, it can oxidize, and this oxidized form is a known skin sensitizer, capable of irritating skin and eyes. The combination of d-limonene and l-limonene is known as limonene or dipentene. The estimated lethal dose for humans is between 0.5 to 5 g/kg, and studies have shown that it can cause diarrhea and liver effects when ingested in high doses.

about icon

About The Author

Camille May

Hey, I’m Camille, co-creator of Welpr and your clean living guide. After selling my last company in the health food space, I went non-toxic to heal an autoimmune condition. It did wonders for my health, but navigating which products to buy wasn’t easy. We created Welpr to make that journey feel a little bit easier. When I’m not working on Welpr, you can find me at the farmers market or unwinding in the sauna, always in bed at 9pm with a good book. I live in my hometown of Austin, TX with my pit bull, Romeo.