If you’re looking for a natural way to repelling mosquitoes, consider oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). This substance is extracted from the leaves of lemon eucalyptus trees and enriched with para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD), an active ingredient that repels mosquitoes and ticks. Often confused with lemon eucalyptus essential oil, OLE is the recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Keep reading to learn what makes OLE different, how to use it safely, and which Murphy’s Naturals products use OLE to help protect your time outside.
How is OLE made?
At Murphy’s Naturals, oil of lemon eucalyptus is harvested sustainably through a partnership with Citrefine®, a family-run company that includes only the original essential oil components found in the eucalyptus citriodora oil during harvesting. Citrefine harvests the oil from groves of eucalyptus citriodora trees that are maintained without any pesticides or herbicides. Murphy's Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Mosquito & Tick Repellent Spray only contains three ingredients: Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, water, and corn ethanol.
Benefits of oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
Oil of lemon eucalyptus does more than just smell good—it is a proven repellent active with multiple advantages.
- Lighter feel and more pleasant scent—OLE-based sprays go on dry, without a sticky or greasy residue, and have a fresher scent than many synthetic repellents, making them easier to wear for everyday outings.
- Effective mosquito and tick protection—OLE has been shown to reduce mosquito feeding, including species that can transmit dengue, and is also known to repel mosquitoes and ticks that carry Zika virus, West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Protection that lasts for hours—Oil of lemon eucalyptus is effective as DEET and other chemical alternatives and repels mosquitoes for up to six hours.
- EPA-approved for safety and efficacy—Unlike lemon eucalyptus essential oil, which hasn’t undergone testing for safety and efficacy, OLE is approved to use by the EPA and doesn’t cause harm to humans or the environment.
How to use oil of lemon eucalyptus
In general, most OLE repellents will come in a spray form. However, some repellents may also come in the form of lotions, balms, or creams. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the product label before using and reapply as directed.
Tips for using oil of lemon eucalyptus safely and effectively:
- Apply only to exposed skin and clothing, never on broken, irritated, or injured skin.
- For your face, spray the repellent into your hands first and then gently apply, avoiding the eyes and mouth.
- If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first, allow it to absorb fully, and then apply your OLE repellent on top.
- Wash treated skin with soap and water after coming indoors and avoid over-applying more often than the label recommends.
Why choose Murphy's Naturals for OLE Repellents?
Murphy’s Naturals builds on the strength of oil of lemon eucalyptus with thoughtfully designed, plant-based formulas. The company focuses on celebrating nature and creating products that are effective, responsible, and enjoyable to use.
Core principles behind Murphy’s Naturals repellents:
- Natural products that actually work, using proven active ingredients like OLE.
- Made with plant-based ingredients that are better aligned with people- and planet-friendly values.
- A business rooted in celebrating the outdoors and giving back, with a portion of revenue supporting environmental and community causes.
- Formulas that are tested for effectiveness and crafted with meaningful concentrations of active ingredients.
Top Murphy's Products
If you’re looking for natural mosquito repellents, here are some top sellers offered by Murphy’s Naturals:
Top Murphy's OLE Products
- Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Mosquito and Tick Repellent Spray: This EPA-registered spray uses 30% oil of lemon eucalyptus as the active ingredient and provides up to six hours of protection against mosquitoes and multi-hour protection against several tick species when used as directed. It is made with just three ingredients—oil of lemon eucalyptus, water, and corn ethanol—and is designed not to harm outdoor gear or most fabrics.
-
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Mosquito and Tick Repellent Mist: This mist format uses the same plant-derived active to repel mosquitoes and ticks for hours while offering a fine, even application that feels light on skin. It is a good option for people who prefer a softer, more diffuse spray experience while still getting OLE-based protection.
Other plant-based mosquito repellents from Murphy's Naturals
- Mosquito Repellent Wipes: Each pack comes with 10 wipes and includes plant-based oils, such as lemongrass and rosemary. These wipes are easy-to-use, fast-absorbing, and travel-friendly.
- Mosquito Repellent Balm: This non-greasy balm goes on smooth and repels mosquitoes for six hours.
- Mosquito Repellent Balm Stick: This travel-friendly balm is easy to use and includes responsibly sourced, plant-based ingredients.
- Mosquito Repellent Candle: Free of petroleum, palm wax, dyes, synthetic fragrances, and parabens, this candle repels mosquitoes for up to 30 hours, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space all day long.
- Mosquito Dodger Zone Repellent: This zone repellent creates a roughly 15-foot dome of protection using a blend of plant-based essential oils as a natural alternative to synthetic area solutions. It is sleek, rechargeable (with a charge that lasts about 5.5 hours), flame-free, and features a built-in light with a summery citrus-and-herb scent designed for effortless outdoor comfort.
