With summer comes mosquito season.
This time, we will introduce how to keep mosquitoes away using essential oils (essential oils/aroma oils).
It's a great product that smells great and also helps you beat the heat!

The benefits of aromatherapy for mosquito repellency

The essential oils used in aromatherapy are extracted from plants.
Plants are living organisms that need to survive in the natural world, so they are equipped with survival devices.

One of them is a component that has a repellent effect through its fragrance.
This is a substance that repels insects.
Depending on the type of plant, its components are said to be effective in repelling mosquitoes.
Using essential oils containing this ingredient can help repel mosquitoes.



The scent of the essential oils doesn't give the impression of being an insect repellent, but rather has a refreshing scent that will refresh your mood and also help eliminate sweat odor.

Lemongrass essential oil is the best

The best essential oil to use to repel mosquitoes is lemongrass.
It is called lemongrass because it is a grass that smells like lemon.

It is a grass family herb that is popular in Southeast Asian cuisine and tea.
Depending on the manufacturer, lemongrass essential oil can be purchased for around 1,000 yen in a 10ml size.

It has a slightly pungent scent that some people find a little strong, but it is diluted when used so it is not a problem.
Citronella, which is also a member of the grass family, has a slightly more refreshing scent than lemongrass. Both lemongrass and citronella have long been used to weave into mosquito nets.

What are the benefits of lemongrass?

According to data published by the Aroma Environment Association of Japan (AEAJ), a 10% mixture of essential oils (lemongrass and citronella) in a base material (in this case, absolute ethanol) has been confirmed to have 100% mosquito repellent properties (*). That's impressive!

However, it's important to note that the concentration is 10%, which is too high for application to the skin.
Typically, when applied to the skin, it is used at a concentration of 1% to 1.5%, and the AEAJ recommends a concentration of 1% or less. Considering various situations (skin type, age, etc.), the 1% concentration can be said to be the safest concentration for use.

However, that doesn't mean that essential oils are completely ineffective unless they are at a 10% concentration. The announcement also states that lemongrass essential oil has a 40% repellent rate even at a 1% concentration (citronella essential oil has a 0% repellent rate). Based on this, I would recommend using a 1% concentration if possible.

If you are using it without applying it to your skin, 2% may be fine, but please take safety precautions, such as ventilating the area as much as possible.

Make it at home! Two types of aroma insect repellent

We will show you how to make two types of insect repellents that can be used for different purposes.
Both recipes are 1% concentration, but do not apply to small children or pets.

Lemongrass insect repellent spray

Because it contains a lot of water, you can spray it on your skin, spread the essential oil ingredients in spaces such as your entrance or balcony, or spray it on your bag, arm covers, hat, stroller, etc. when you go out. Because it has a slight color, be careful when using it on white clothing. If it stains, washing it immediately will usually remove the stain.

<Materials (finished product approx. 50ml)>
Lemongrass essential oil...10 drops
5ml of absolute ethanol
45ml purified water (or soft mineral water)

<How to make>
1. Pour the measured amount of absolute ethanol into a glass beaker and add the essential oil, drop by drop, without shaking the bottle.
2. Stir well with a clean glass rod (a disposable bamboo skewer will also work).
3. Add purified water, mix further, and pour into a clean spray bottle.
Shake well before use and spray.

Lemongrass insect repellent balm

White petrolatum is used as the base material. Petrolatum is made from mineral oil and is often used in medical settings and as a base for medicines. Petrolatum also has moisturizing and protective effects on the skin. It is a soft ointment that can be applied to the skin.

<Materials (finished product approx. 10g)>
2 drops of lemongrass essential oil
White petrolatum...10g

1. Add the essential oil to the measured amount of white petrolatum.
2. Stir well with a clean glass rod (a disposable bamboo skewer will also work) to mix the lemongrass essential oil as evenly as possible.
3. Pour into a clean cream container and you're done.

About preservation

Use them all within about two weeks. The spray in particular contains a lot of water. Do not store it in a hot, humid place.