Insect Repel Cream – The Avo Tree’s natural insect repellent

Why use insect repellent?

Insects may be fascinating little creatures, but they can also be annoying, irritating, or even deadly.

In New Zealand, most of our biting insects include mosquitoes and sandflies, which usually only cause mild itching and irritation.  But in warmer countries such as Australia, the Pacific Islands, and many parts of Asia and Africa, bugs can be a lot more dangerous. Some can cause severe reactions or even spread serious diseases. That’s where repellent comes in handy.

Topical insect repellent is often a tricky thing. You want something that keeps you safe from pesky bugs – but you don’t want to smother your skin in nasty substances that can affect your health. Unfortunately, many commercial products use chemicals such as DEET, IR3535, MGK-326, MGK-264, or Picaridin. These formulas work by blocking the insects’ ability to pick up human scent. While this can be quite effective in preventing bugs from landing on you, the chemicals can also cause irritation to the skin or in the eyes (which rather defeats the purpose of using them!).

Worse still, DEET has been associated with environmental risks and side effects such as neurotoxicity, irritation, and allergies, especially in children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Good news: there’s a natural option.

Benefits of a natural insect repellent:

Power to the plants! Humans have been using volatile plant compounds to repel insects since ancient times, when it was first discovered that certain extracts could reduce the risk of bites.

These days, natural insect repellents are better than ever. Unlike commercial products, they use herbs and plants to help deter insects and protect your skin.

Some of the most effective plant deterrents include essential oils from citronella and eucalyptus. Like DEET, these oils work by ‘masking’ your scent, which is what hungry bugs are attracted to. Both citronella and eucalyptus are very effective at this, and research has shown they are active against a wide variety of biting insects, including mosquitoes and sandflies.

But unlike DEET, these fantastic oils have a much lower risk of toxicity. Which means they’re less likely to irritate your skin, nose, or eyes.

And that’s exactly why The Avo Tree created the Insect Repel Cream.

Why use the Avo Tree Insect Repel Cream?

This all-natural skin cream isn’t just for deterring mozzies and other skin-biters. It also helps your sore, bitten skin to heal.

First of all, the Avo Tree natural insect repellent really does keep the bugs away – naturally. Using the combined powers of citronella and eucalyptus essential oils, this gentle cream sends those pesky creatures packing! But totally without the nasty side-effects of chemical-based products. Perfect for kids and adults, and all skin types.

But the real joy of this cream is that it’s also a moisturiser and healer. It contains skin-nourishing omega fats from cold-pressed extra-virgin avocado oil and vitamin E. Avocado oil is rich in everything that damaged skin needs: beta carotene, essential fatty acids, lecithin, and vitamins A, D, and E. The extra dose of vitamin E also helps to hydrate the skin and strengthen skin barrier function.

At the same time, antioxidant-rich witch hazel helps to relieve inflammation and itching, which is very welcome after a mosquito encounter. Witch hazel also has antiseptic properties and naturally soothes irritation and redness caused by bites or other annoyances.

The Avo Tree Insect Repel Cream also smells wonderful – fresh, clean, and herb-y. It’s non-greasy and absorbs beautifully, leaving your skin feeling soft and protected. Just what you need after an attack of the bug-related kind.

Keep it in your bag and enjoy the great outdoors with happier skin! Shop our Insect Repel Cream here.