Insect Repellent Essential Oil Set of 4, 15ml — Lemon Eucalyptus, Lemon, Citronella & Lemongrass

The four plant oils most associated with keeping insects at a distance, in separate 15 ml bottles: citronella and lemongrass, the pair behind most garden candles; lemon eucalyptus, the citriodora species used in natural repellent blends worldwide; and lemon for brightness. DEET-free and undiluted, meant for diffusers, doorway sprays and diluted skin blends you make yourself.

What’s in this set

What each one brings

• Lemon Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus citriodora) — Lemony and camphorous — a different species from common eucalyptus. Citriodora is the one traditionally used in natural repellent blends rather than in steam.
• Lemon (Citrus limon) — Clean, sharp and instantly recognisable. The kitchen and living-room oil. Cold-pressed citrus is photosensitising, so keep it off skin that will see sunlight.
• Ceylon Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) — The oil most people already know from garden candles. Traditionally used on verandahs, balconies and doorways as a natural insect deterrent.
• Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) — Bright, grassy citrus. A staple of Indian home sprays and mop water, and traditionally used outdoors as a natural insect deterrent.

How to use

Doorway and balcony spray. In 100 ml: 25–30 drops total, 10 ml witch hazel or alcohol to disperse, topped up with water. Shake before every use.

Diffuser for evenings indoors. 5–8 drops. Citronella and lemongrass together, with a drop of lemon.

Skin blend for adults. 2% in a carrier oil — about 4 drops per 10 ml. Reapply every 1–2 hours; plant oils evaporate faster than synthetic actives.

Around the house. 10–15 drops in mop water, or on cotton pads near windows and bins.

Dilution guide

Safety & storage

• Never apply undiluted essential oil to skin. Dilute in a carrier oil first.
• Patch test on the inner forearm and wait 24 hours before wider use.
• Not to be taken internally. Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets. Consult a doctor if pregnant, nursing or under medical care.
• Store upright in the closed amber bottle, away from sunlight and heat. Flammable — keep away from open flame.

Frequently asked questions

Will this replace a chemical repellent?

Not in a high-risk area. Plant oils are gentler and pleasant to live with, but we do not claim a protection duration or an effectiveness figure. Where mosquito-borne illness is a real risk, use a tested repellent.

How do I turn these into a spray?

In a 100 ml spray bottle: 20–30 drops total of essential oil, 10 ml of alcohol or witch hazel to disperse it, topped up with water. Shake before every use — oil and water separate.

Citronella or lemongrass — which one?

Both are traditional insect-deterrent oils and most people use them together; citronella is the sharper, more resinous of the two, lemongrass the brighter and more lemony. Blending gives a rounder scent that lasts better in a room.

How long does a natural repellent last?

Plant oils evaporate faster than synthetic actives, so reapply every 1–2 hours outdoors. We do not claim a protection duration or an effectiveness percentage — if you are in a high-risk area for mosquito-borne illness, use a tested repellent.

Is it safe for children?

Not for infants. For children over two, halve the dilution and keep it off hands and faces. Ask your paediatrician first — and never apply undiluted oil to a child's skin.

Can I use these in a diffuser instead of on skin?

Yes, and for indoor evenings it is the easier option. 5–8 drops in the water tank of an ultrasonic diffuser scents a normal-sized room.

Buy these oils individually

Every oil in this set is also sold on its own: Lemon Eucalyptus oil, Lemon oil, Ceylon Citronella oil and Lemongrass oil. See the full range in Essential Oil Combo Sets and Aromatherapy Essential Oils, or pick a base from our carrier oils.