1. Why is Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus a unique insect repellent?

You may think that a sustainably sourced insect repellent like Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus, which contains an active ingredient derived from an essential oil, might not work. You may be concerned that botanically sourced products are not be tested as thoroughly as more established, synthetic repellents. But Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus is one plant based repellent that entomologists and regulators around the world agree is truly effective without raising the growing concerns about potential toxicity of certain synthetic products.

This active ingredient is sold under the brand name Citriodiol® and known generically as either Eucalyptus citriodora oil hydrated, cyclized, EC Oil (H/C) or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE). Citriodiol® is made from the sustainably produced essential oil from the eucalyptus citriodora tree. Unlike other essential oil based products, it has passed the most rigorous safety and efficacy tests. For example, it has met the highest standards obtaining unconditional registration at the following agencies:

Citriodiol® is also currently being evaluated under the European Biocidal Products Regulation.

You may think that insect repellents are similar to moisturisers or face creams in terms of the tests they have to pass to be brought to market. In fact, the tests for insect repellents are much more comprehensive and strict. For example, insect repellents must pass comprehensive human health (and often environmental) risk assessments by the relevant authorities, neither of which are required for cosmetics.

So, if you are looking for a family-friendly insect repellent which not only works really well, but also supports the planet, Citriodiol® is for you. Look for the Citriodiol® logo on the back of many major brands of insect repellent or buy Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus.

2. Can I use Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus as an anti-viral product?

No, while there is recent research by the UK government showing Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus can kill viruses, this is only preliminary work and does not support its use as an anti-viral agent. Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus should only be used as an insect repellent and in accordance with the label instructions. We strongly support hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers as the best defence against the virus in accordance with government guidelines.

3. What is DEET?

DEET is an old fashioned insect repellent which was registered for public use in 1957. It is derived from coal tar and is the most well known insect repellent. It is a synthetic chemical and powerful solvent.

4. DEET versus DEET free?

The main difference is the active ingredient. The active ingredient in Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus is Citriodiol®. Unlike DEET which is a synthetic chemical active, Citriodiol® is plant based, also known as EC Oil (H/C). Other differences relate to the problems associated with DEET.

In recent years, concerns have surfaced about the use of the insect repellent DEET. There have been a small number of serious neurotoxic effects reported in small children, as well as documented mosquito resistance and accumulation of DEET in some US public waterway. Many consumers also object to DEET’s strong, chemically smell and the fact that it melts plastic upon contact. This has prompted consumers to seek DEET free alternatives.

Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus products are all entirely DEET free. They don’t melt plastic, they contain an active that is biodegradable and there is no known accumulation in any public waterways. In addition, the most recent toxicity safety profile being reviewed by the European authorities show it is appropriate for use on children at 6 months.

5. What are the problems associated with DEET and how do they compare to Citriodiol®?

There are five main areas of concern about DEET. These concerns do not apply to Citriodiol® which is the plant based active in Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus.

A powerful solvent
As a powerful solvent, DEET can damage plastics, paints and synthetic fabrics, causing permanent damage and it will make colours run. DEET should be kept away from climbing ropes, watches, compasses, cameras, fishing tackle and sports equipment.
Rapidly absorbed
DEET is rapidly absorbed through the skin. This can lead to problems especially in young children. As a result there are restrictions on children under the age of 12 using DEET and guidelines suggest you should only use DEET 1-2 times a day. In contrast, very little Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus is absorbed through the skin so children as young as 6 months can use Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus and there are no restrictions on how often it can be used.
Resistance is developing
There are now reports of mosquito resistance to DEET. They have never been seen to show any tolerance of Citriodiol® products like Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus.
Environmental concerns
DEET is a synthetic chemical and powerful solvent that has been detected in a number of major waterways. Citriodiol®, is rapidly biodegradable, it is not a solvent, and, most importantly, it does not introduce any new substances into the ecosystem because it contains only those botanical components found in essential Eucalyptus citriodora oil.
The DEET experience
Many people find the oily feel and smell of DEET unpleasant and skin reactions are common.

6. Is Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus as effective as DEET based repellents?

Yes. The active ingredient in Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus is Citriodiol®, nature’s most effective insect repellent. Our efficacy data shows that Citriodiol® works just as well as DEET, giving 6-8 hours Complete Protection Time compared to 6-10 hours Complete Protection Time from DEET based repellents. And the Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus Spray Extra can provide up to 10 hours of protection. So Citriodiol® in Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus is on par with the performance of synthetic repellents but without the associated concerns — it is a whole lot better for you and Mother Nature.

7. How can I be sure Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus will work?

More than 35 studies have been conducted on products like Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus that contain the active ingredient Citriodiol® (also known as EC Oil (H/C). Each of these reflect a level of efficacy that far exceeds that of any other plant-based repellent and is in fact on par with synthetic repellents like DEET.

You can feel confident that this wealth of data translates to strong protection because it has been proven robust enough to support product approvals with some of the strictest authorities, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, where it is known by its generic name in the US, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

8. Why do Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus products have the irritating to eyes warning label?

You will find the ‘irritating to eyes’ warning on all Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus products because Citriodiol®, the active ingredient in Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus, stings when it gets in your eyes. There is sufficient quantity of Citriodiol® in Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus products to have this stinging effect. Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus Spray and Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus Spray Extra also contain isopropyl alcohol which can irritate the eyes if sprayed directly to the eyes. According to EU legislation which govern packaging and labelling, we meet the criteria for a category two eye irritant which requires us to display a hazard warning. Most products designed for use on the skin will irritate the eyes if applied directly on, or too close to the eyes. This warning simply alerts you to this fact.

9. Why do the Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus Sprays have a flammable warning?

According to EU legislation the Spray products are a category three flammable liquid which requires the flammable warning you see on Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus Spray and Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus Spray Extra. This means if these two products are directly ignited they can catch fire. You will find the ‘flammable’ warning on the Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus Spray and Spray Extra (and not on the Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus Stick or Roll-on) because the spray products contain flammable alcohol content in the same way that products like deodorant and hair spray do.

10. Does Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus contain any allergens?

The allergens, citronellol (ca. 7%), linalool (<0.5%) and limonene (<0.5%) are all present in EC Oil (H/C), an ingredient found in Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus. Therefore, these allergens are also found in Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus and consumers with heightened sensitivity to these allergens should avoid using Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus.

11. Is Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus a good fit for plants, animals and our planet?

Unlike synthetic substances which may upset the balance of our ecosystem by adding chemicals that Mother Nature never had in her plan, the active substance in Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus (Citriodiol®, also known as EC Oil (H/C)), is derived from the Eucalyptus citriodora tree. Use of our plant based active ingredient in this mosquito repellent will not upset the earth’s natural balance.

Citriodiol® is also rapidly biodegradable, which is important to the well-being of plants and animals. Instead of building up to potentially harmful high levels in waterways or soil, it simply breaks down over a relatively short period of time. This is in contrast to other repellents, like DEET, that have been recorded at noticeable levels in some public waterways. We also work hard to ensure Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus products are ethically and sustainably sourced.

We have never tested the effect of Mosi-guard® Lemon Eucalyptus on pets or any other animals. We would therefore recommend against using these products on animals.