Why are most conventional bug sprays bad for your health?

What you spray on your skin, clothes and in the air can effect your health the same as when you ingest something.

Most conventional bug sprays contain ingredients that are toxic for both humans and pets. One of the most common, that I'm sure most people have heard of, is DEET. While the CDC says it is generally safe when used as directed, it can cause neurological issues with high concentrations or ingestion. Most people apply bug repellents multiple times a day, which is where most of the danger comes in. But even in small amounts, why would we want to put something on our skin that knowingly causes neurological issues?

Another common ingredient is, Pyrethrins. This ingredient can cause breathing problems if inhaled. Pyrethroids, synthetic pesticides, can also be toxic to the nervous system.

The list goes on and on. In my opinion, the only way to avoid toxic ingredients is to avoid synthetics. When the CDC says it's safe, they do not take into consideration the other products you may have on your skin and in your environment. When all combined they can cause all sorts of health issues. This is why I always recommend avoiding toxic stuff where you can. Because there's so much around us we cannot avoid. And it's getting worse as time goes by.

It's not just synthetic ingredients you need to be careful with. There are natural ingredients that can also cause health concerns. One bug repellent ingredient I have seen issues with it oil of lemon eucalyptus, or OLE. (OLE is not the same as lemon eucalyptus essential oil) I haven't done a lot of research but it seems to have similar risks as DEET.

When formulating our bug spray I wanted it to be effective and also smell good. Each ingredient was chosen because bugs don't like the smell but have little or no risk of any health concerns or irritation. It is important to note, this is not recommended for children under 3 and you should never apply products with essential oils to infants. (unless the product is formulated for infants). Children can be extra sensitive to skin irritation, even with all natural ingredients. Once I can do more research I will be adding a kid safe option. For now, please use caution if you opt to use this on kids under 3.

Here are the highlights of what's in our Bug Spray and why

• Lavender hydrosol

  • gentle on skin, insects don't like the smell

• Witch hazel

  • gentle on skin, used as a base and emulsifier, helping to distribute essential oils and other ingredients evenly

• Neem oil (.5% dilution)

  • the smell can deter insects, preventing them from approaching your skin, or area. 

Our EO blend (3% dilution)

• Citronella

  • contains compounds like citronellal and geraniol, which are believed to disrupt insects' ability to detect humans, making them less likely to bite or land on you.

• Cedarwood

  • contains compounds like cedrol and thujone, which are known to deter insects, including mosquitoes. 

  • can also kill or harm insects by dissolving their exoskeletons, interfering with their breathing, or disrupting their body chemistry. 

• Lemon Eucalyptus

  • disrupts the mosquito's ability to detect human scent, making it harder for them to find a host to bite. 

• Lemongrass

  • contains compounds like neral and geraniol that insects find unpleasant, making it a deterrent

• Rosemary

  • compounds, such as camphor and cineol, disrupt the physiological processes of insects, causing disorientation and reducing infestations.

• Bergamot Mint

  • a fresh, citrusy aroma with minty undertones, making it a more appealing scent for humans than some other insect repellents. Not as strong as other mints commonly used.

(other ingredients used as emulsifiers and preservatives include, sugar cane alcohol, vegetable glycerin and Leucidal® SF MAX)

*please note, the first batch of Bug Spray does not include the sugar cane alcohol or Bergamot Mint essential oil.

After I made the first batch I decided to make a small adjustment to the formula. I'm adding organic sugar cane alcohol to help keep the essential oils from separating. I'm also adding bergamot mint to the eo blend. So, the first batch (which still works great) is 20% off! 

My hobby became a business because of my valued followers like you. It's very important to me to know what people want. Please feel free to reach out to me and share what products you would love to see. If you have used any TSF products I would love to hear your experience. The good and the bad. These products are made for YOU. So if they are not working for you I want to know.