No-see-ums are tiny biting insects, and the right repellent can make outdoor time more comfortable. The products below use plant-based ingredients, including essential oils, in mist or lotion form. Compare the application style, bottle size, and label directions to find an option that fits your plans. No repellent guarantees complete protection, so follow the product label and use other sensible precautions, such as covering exposed skin.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Format | Notable details | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Bee Brothers Shake + Shield Body Mist, 2-Pack | Two 2 oz mists | Lemongrass, geranium, and peppermint oils; reclaimed ocean plastic bottles | Travel and compact outdoor kits |
| Best Bee Brothers Shake + Shield Gnat Spray Set | 8 oz and 2 oz mists | Plant-based essential oil formula; two bottle sizes | Home use plus a smaller bottle for outings |
| Best Bee Brothers Mist and Lotion Set | 2 oz mist and 4 oz lotion | Essential oil mist with a moisturizing lotion | Shoppers who want two application types |
| Lakota Naturals GeraniolX-24 Spray | Two 4 oz sprays | Geraniol-based formula; label claims up to 10 hours of protection | Longer outdoor activities, subject to label directions |
| Best Bee Brothers Soothe + Shield Lotion | 4 oz lotion | Essential oils plus moisturizing ingredients | Those who prefer lotion to a spray |
Our Picks: Best Insect Repellent For No See Ums reviews
Best for Travel: Best Bee Brothers Shake + Shield Body Mist, 2-Pack
This two-pack is a compact choice for beach bags, day packs, and travel kits. Each 2 oz bottle is described as providing more than 370 sprays. The formula uses lemongrass, geranium, and peppermint essential oils, and the bottles are made with reclaimed ocean plastic.
The mist is designed for exposed skin and clothing. The label directions call for shaking the bottle and applying one or two pumps; reapply as directed when needed. A fine mist can be convenient when you want quick coverage, though you may need to take care to apply it evenly to the areas you want to protect.
Compared with the larger set below, this pack offers less total product but is easier to split between bags or carry on outings. It may suit people who value portability and want two small bottles rather than one larger bottle.
Pros:
- Two compact bottles for travel or sharing between bags
- More than 370 sprays per bottle, according to the product description
- Plant-based essential oils and a non-greasy mist format
- Bottles made with reclaimed ocean plastic
Cons:
- Small bottle size means more frequent replenishment than a larger format
- Essential oil scent may not suit everyone
Verdict: Choose this two-pack if portability matters more to you than having a large supply at home.
Best Size Variety: Best Bee Brothers Shake + Shield Gnat Spray Set
This set pairs an 8 oz bottle with a 2 oz travel-size bottle. The product description lists about 1,000 sprays for the larger bottle and 370 for the smaller one. Both use a plant-based essential oil formula and are intended for application to exposed skin and clothing as directed.
The larger bottle makes this set a practical pick for regular outdoor use at home, while the smaller one can go in a pack or beach bag. The instructions describe shaking the bottle and applying one or two pumps. Reapplication is listed as every few hours, but use the product label for the directions that apply to your situation.
This is a more versatile quantity option than the two-small-bottle pack. The trade-off is that the 8 oz bottle is less compact for travel, and the formula’s natural scent may be noticeable to people sensitive to essential oils.
Pros:
- Includes both a larger bottle and a travel-size bottle
- Plant-based essential oil formula
- Mist application is designed for exposed skin and clothing
- Useful for outdoor activities such as fishing, beach days, and barbecues
Cons:
- The larger bottle is less convenient to carry than the 2 oz option
- The product description calls for reapplication every few hours
Verdict: This set is a strong fit if you want a home-size bottle and a smaller one for outings in the same purchase.
Best for Mist-and-Lotion Flexibility: Best Bee Brothers Mist and Lotion Set
This set combines a 2 oz Shake + Shield mist with a 4 oz Soothe + Shield lotion. Both products use peppermint, lemongrass, and geranium essential oils. The lotion also includes grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, and vitamin E, and is described as moisturizing and non-greasy.
Having two formats gives you options: the mist is designed for quick application, while the lotion can be massaged onto exposed skin. The lotion’s moisturizing ingredients may appeal to people who prefer a creamier feel, but the set is not a single-format solution for shoppers who want only a spray or only a lotion.
The supplied product information lists this set as unavailable. Availability can change, so check the listing before making plans to buy it. If you find it available, compare the combined set with the separate lotion or mist options to decide whether having both formats is worth it for you.
Pros:
- Includes both a quick-application mist and a lotion
- Uses peppermint, lemongrass, and geranium essential oils
- Lotion includes moisturizing ingredients such as grapeseed oil and vitamin E
- Made in the USA, according to the product description
Cons:
- Listed as unavailable in the supplied product information
- Includes two formats, which may be unnecessary if you prefer one application style
Verdict: Consider this set if you want both mist and lotion and can confirm that it is available; otherwise, the separate lotion or mist products are simpler alternatives.
Best for a Longer Labelled Protection Window: Lakota Naturals GeraniolX-24
This two-pack contains 4 oz bottles with a geraniol-based formula. The product description says its microencapsulated technology is designed for slow release and claims up to 10 hours of protection. Treat that duration as a product claim rather than a guarantee, and follow the label for application and reapplication instructions.
The formula is described as DEET-free, alcohol-free, and non-greasy. It is intended for skin, clothing, and gear, according to the product information. That broader application range may be useful for outdoor activities, but check the label for any surface-specific instructions and precautions before applying it to gear.
Compared with the Best Bee Brothers options, this product uses geraniol as its highlighted active ingredient rather than a blend of peppermint, lemongrass, and geranium oils. It may suit shoppers looking for a two-bottle set with a longer stated protection window, but people who prefer a specific active ingredient should read the full label carefully.
Pros:
- Two 4 oz bottles provide a larger supply than travel-size options
- Geraniol-based formula is described as DEET-free
- Product claims up to 10 hours of protection
- Described as non-greasy and alcohol-free
Cons:
- The stated protection duration is a product claim, not a guarantee
- Geraniol may not be the preferred ingredient for shoppers seeking another formula
Verdict: Pick this two-pack if you want a geraniol-based spray and value the longer protection period stated in its product description.
Best Lotion-Only Option: Best Bee Brothers Soothe + Shield
This 4 oz lotion is an alternative for people who would rather apply repellent by hand than use a mist. Its formula includes peppermint, lemongrass, and geranium oils, along with grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, glycerin, and vitamin E. The product description characterizes it as moisturizing and non-greasy.
Apply it to exposed skin before outdoor activities and follow the label’s directions for use and reapplication. A lotion makes it easier to place product directly on selected areas, but it takes more hands-on application than a spray. Wash your hands after applying if the label directs you to do so.
Unlike the mist-and-lotion set, this is a single-format option. It may make sense if you want a 4 oz lotion on its own and do not need a separate spray. Its essential oil scent is described as light and fresh, though scent preferences vary.
Pros:
- Lotion format for shoppers who prefer hand application
- Includes moisturizing ingredients such as glycerin and vitamin E
- Uses peppermint, lemongrass, and geranium oils
- 4 oz bottle is suitable for keeping with outdoor gear
Cons:
- Hand application takes longer than using a mist
- Not the right format if you want a spray for clothing or gear
Verdict: Choose this lotion if you prefer a moisturizing, hand-applied formula and do not need a spray bottle.
How to Choose an Insect Repellent for No-See-Ums
Pick the application style you will use correctly
Mists are convenient for quick application and are designed for exposed skin and, for some products, clothing. Lotions let you apply product by hand to selected areas and may suit people who prefer a moisturizer-like feel. Consider where you plan to use the repellent and which format will make it easiest to follow the label directions.
Check the active ingredients
The products here use different plant-based ingredients. Several rely on peppermint, lemongrass, and geranium oils, while Lakota Naturals highlights geraniol. Read the full ingredient list and product label before buying, especially if you know you are sensitive to particular ingredients or scents. “Plant-based” does not mean a product is right for every person.
Match bottle size to your plans
A 2 oz bottle is easier to pack for a day trip, while a larger bottle may be more convenient for frequent use at home. Sets that include both large and small bottles offer flexibility, but take up more storage space overall. Think about how often you go outdoors and whether you want to carry the product with you.
Pay attention to application and reapplication directions
Protection time and application instructions vary by product. One product in this guide claims up to 10 hours, while another description calls for reapplication every few hours. Those details are not interchangeable. Follow the specific label for how much to apply, where it can be used, and when to reapply.
Consider scent and skin feel
Essential oil formulas can have a noticeable natural scent. The mists are described as lightweight, while the lotions include moisturizing ingredients and are described as non-greasy. Since scent and texture are personal, choose based on your preferences and discontinue use if you have a reaction, following the label’s safety guidance.
Use the label’s age and safety guidance
Some product descriptions say their formulas are suitable for children when used as directed, but you should always check the individual package for age limits, application instructions, and precautions. Avoid assuming one product’s directions apply to another, and keep repellents out of reach of children unless the label says otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are no-see-ums?
No-see-ums are tiny biting insects, often difficult to spot. They can be active in outdoor areas where people spend time, so a repellent specifically described for no-see-ums may be worth considering along with clothing that covers exposed skin.
Which product in this guide is easiest to pack?
The Best Bee Brothers 2 oz, 2-pack is the most travel-focused option here. The 2 oz bottle in the 8 oz and 2 oz set is another compact choice, while its larger companion is better suited to home storage.
Is a mist or lotion better for no-see-ums?
Neither format is best for everyone. A mist is designed for quick application, while lotion allows you to apply product by hand to selected areas. Choose the format you are most likely to apply according to its label.
How often should I reapply repellent?
It depends on the product. Follow the specific package directions rather than assuming all repellents last the same amount of time. The product details in this guide include different application and reapplication information.
Can these repellents be used on clothing?
Some of the mists are described as suitable for exposed skin and clothing, and Lakota Naturals also lists clothing and gear. Check the exact product label before applying repellent to clothing or equipment, since directions can vary.
Are essential oil repellents suitable for children?
Some product descriptions state that their formulas can be used on children when used as directed. Always check the product label for age guidance and precautions, and follow its instructions carefully.
Which option should I choose if I want a lotion?
The Best Bee Brothers Soothe + Shield is the lotion-only choice in this guide. The mist-and-lotion set offers both formats, but the supplied product information lists that set as unavailable, so check its listing before relying on it.
Final Recommendation
For a convenient travel option, the Best Bee Brothers Shake + Shield 2-pack stands out for its compact bottles. If you want both a larger supply and a portable bottle, consider the 8 oz and 2 oz set. Choose Lakota Naturals if its geraniol-based formula and stated protection window match your needs, or select the Soothe + Shield lotion if you prefer hand application. In every case, follow the product label and choose the format and ingredients that work for your plans.