Skin-applied active

Catnip oil

Nepeta cataria oil

Catnip oil is an EPA-registered repellent active, a refined oil of Nepeta cataria from the mint family.

Source and detail: Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, US EPA, US EPA accepted label

Catnip oil, refined oil of Nepeta cataria, is an EPA-registered repellent active from a member of the mint family, with 4 products on EPA's ingredients page and a technical grade registration granted December 5, 2008. Feaster and colleagues report that the essential oil of catmint contains nepetalactones. The thing most often gotten wrong is to hand the study results for hydrogenated derivatives at 10 percent to the 15 percent consumer products, which carry their own label figure: up to 7 hours against mosquitoes and blackflies.

Catnip oil -- EPA pesticide regulatory information (Nepeta cataria, also known as catmint) (4 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

The active ingredient is a refined, multi-component extract of Oil Nepeta cataria which is a member of the mint family of plants (Labiatae).
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

On December 5, 2008, the Agency granted the registration for a technical grade Refined Oil of Nepeta cateria product, containing 100% by weight active ingredient. The product mentioned above, is the only registered biochemical pesticide product containing Refined Oil of Nepeta cateria as an active ingredient.
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

The essential oil of catmint, Nepeta cataria L., contains nepetalactones, that, on hydrogenation, yield the corresponding dihydronepetalactone (DHN) diastereomers.
Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks. J Med Entomol. 2009;46(4):832-40. PMID 19645285

Both DHN 1 and DHN 2 at 10% (wt:vol) conferred complete protection from bites for significant periods of time (3.5 and 5 h, respectively), with DHN2 conferring protection statistically equivalent to DEET.
Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks. J Med Entomol. 2009;46(4):832-40. PMID 19645285

Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15.0% Other Ingredients 85.0%
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, 03/10/2017

Repels mosquitoes and blackflies for up to 7 hours.
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, 03/10/2017

EPA statusRegistered; 4 products in EPA's tool

Protection, per EPA's tool7 h mosquitoes; ticks not listed

Youngest ageNo minimum age stated

GearA label claims it won't harm plastics, and says do not get it on clothing.

PetsOnly EPA's general rule applies: nothing on pets unless the label says so.

Product counts and hours are what EPA's repellent search tool listed on 2026-08-18; the other three lines are the agencies' words, sourced below.

Eleven questions.

One line each. Open any source for the full text and the exact quote.

What is it, and where does it come from?

EPA calls it a refined extract of oil of Nepeta cataria, a mint-family plant also known as catmint.

Source and detail: Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, US EPA

Catnip oil is a refined, multi-component extract of oil of Nepeta cataria, a member of the mint family, according to EPA's December 2008 fact sheet, and EPA's skin-applied ingredients page lists it as Nepeta cataria, also known as catmint. Feaster and colleagues, Journal of Medical Entomology, 2009, state that the essential oil of catmint contains nepetalactones, which on hydrogenation yield dihydronepetalactones.

The active ingredient is a refined, multi-component extract of Oil Nepeta cataria which is a member of the mint family of plants (Labiatae).
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

Catnip oil -- EPA pesticide regulatory information (Nepeta cataria, also known as catmint) (4 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

The essential oil of catmint, Nepeta cataria L., contains nepetalactones, that, on hydrogenation, yield the corresponding dihydronepetalactone (DHN) diastereomers.
Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks. J Med Entomol. 2009;46(4):832-40. PMID 19645285

How does EPA treat it?

Registered: EPA lists 4 products; a technical grade registration was granted December 5, 2008.

Source and detail: US EPA

Registered. EPA's skin-applied ingredients page lists catnip oil with 4 products, and EPA's 2008 fact sheet records that on December 5, 2008 the Agency granted registration for a technical grade refined oil of Nepeta cataria product, then the only registered biochemical pesticide product with that active.

Catnip oil -- EPA pesticide regulatory information (Nepeta cataria, also known as catmint) (4 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

On December 5, 2008, the Agency granted the registration for a technical grade Refined Oil of Nepeta cateria product, containing 100% by weight active ingredient. The product mentioned above, is the only registered biochemical pesticide product containing Refined Oil of Nepeta cateria as an active ingredient.
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

What strengths are registered, and does strength change protection?

15 percent on the record: a label states 15 percent, and EPA's tool lists a 15 percent lotion.

Source and detail: NPIC, US EPA, US EPA accepted label

15 percent on the record: the EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 352-905 identifies the active as refined oil of Nepeta cataria at 15.0 percent, and EPA's search tool lists a 15 percent lotion, Refined Oil Of Nepeta Cataria 15% Lotion, under EPA Reg. No. 71654-23. NPIC says higher concentration repellents may protect for longer but are not better at keeping insects away.

Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15.0% Other Ingredients 85.0%
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, 03/10/2017

Refined Oil Of Nepeta Cataria 15% Lotion | 7 | X | Catnip Oil | 15 | E.I. Dupont de Nemours and Company | 71654-23
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Higher concentration repellents may protect people for longer. However, they are not better at keeping insects away. 5,6,7 Repellents with less than 10% of an active ingredient may only offer protection for short periods of time (1-2 hours).
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

How long does EPA say it protects?

EPA's tool lists 7 hours for mosquitoes and no tick registration.

Source and detail: US EPA, US EPA accepted label

7 hours for mosquitoes, no tick registration: EPA's search tool lists a 15 percent lotion, EPA Reg. No. 71654-23, at 7 hours for mosquitoes and an X for ticks, which the tool's legend defines as not registered for tick protection. EPA says those times were approved for labels from company data, from a database last updated in June 2019. The accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 352-905 says reapply after 4 to 6 hours or as needed; EPA's 2008 fact sheet says reapplication after six hours will be necessary.

Refined Oil Of Nepeta Cataria 15% Lotion | 7 | X | Catnip Oil | 15 | E.I. Dupont de Nemours and Company | 71654-23
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

An "X" indicates that the repellent product has not been registered for protection from ticks.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Reapply after 4 -6 hours (or as needed).
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, 03/10/2017

For the active ingredient to be effective, reapplication after six hours will be necessary.
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

The information in this database was last updated in June 2019.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

Protection Times - These protection times have been approved for product labels. These times are based on the technical information provided by the company on the effectiveness of the product against mosquitoes and/or ticks.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

The registration number means the company provided EPA with technical information on the safety of the product and its effectiveness against mosquitoes and/or ticks. While this technical information is based on scientific testing guidelines and approved study methods, there are variations in the resulting protection times because of differences in the testing conditions.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026

Which pests do accepted labels name, and what does CDC say those pests carry?

A label names mosquitoes and blackflies; EPA's tool shows no tick registration.

Source and detail: US EPA, US EPA accepted label

Mosquitoes and blackflies. The EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 352-905 says the product repels mosquitoes and blackflies for up to 7 hours, and EPA's 2008 fact sheet says the active is intended for a skin-applied repellent to repel black flies, mosquitoes and other biting insects. EPA's search tool shows an X in the tick column for the 15 percent lotion, meaning not registered for protection from ticks.

Repels mosquitoes and blackflies for up to 7 hours.
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, 03/10/2017

Target pests: The technical grade Hydrogenated Catmint Oil (HCO) is intended for use in the manufacture of a dermal applied insect repellent for direct application to human skin to repel black flies, mosquitoes and other biting insects.
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

Refined Oil Of Nepeta Cataria 15% Lotion | 7 | X | Catnip Oil | 15 | E.I. Dupont de Nemours and Company | 71654-23
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

An "X" indicates that the repellent product has not been registered for protection from ticks.
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

What do the agencies say about children?

No minimum age from any agency or label; a label says children must not apply it themselves.

Source and detail: CDC Yellow Book, US EPA accepted label

No minimum age appears on the label or in any agency statement read for this active. The EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 352-905 says only that children must not be allowed to handle the product or apply it to themselves. CDC's statement that certain actives can be used on children without age restriction names DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and 2-undecanone, and does not mention catnip oil either way.

Do not allow children to handle the product or apply it to themselves.
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, 03/10/2017

Insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and 2-undecanone can be used on children without age restriction
CDC Yellow Book, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-19)

What do CDC and WHO say about pregnancy?

No CDC, WHO or EPA statement found; CDC's pregnancy list of actives does not include catnip oil.

Source and detail: CDC Travelers' Health

No statement from CDC, WHO or EPA on catnip oil and pregnancy was among the sources read. CDC's statement that EPA-registered repellents are proven safe and effective for pregnant and breastfeeding women when used as directed is attached to a named list of actives that does not include catnip oil.

When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. If also using sunscreen, always apply insect repellent after sunscreen. DEET Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US) IR3535 Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) Para-menthane-diol (PMD) 2-undecanone
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites

What do NPIC and EPA report about absorption and toxicity?

A label warns of substantial but temporary eye injury; EPA says eye irritation drives its strict application directions.

Source and detail: US EPA, US EPA accepted label

The accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 352-905 says the product causes substantial but temporary eye injury and must not get in eyes or on clothing. EPA's 2008 fact sheet classifies the technical grade active ingredient in Toxicity Category III for acute oral toxicity and primary eye irritation, and Category IV for acute dermal, acute inhalation and skin irritation, and says that eye irritation potential is why the Agency requires stringent application directions.

Causes substantial but temporary eye injury. Do not get in eyes or on clothing.
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, 03/10/2017

The technical grade active ingredient is classified in Toxicity Category III for acute oral toxicity and primary eye irritation and Toxicity Category IV for acute dermal, acute inhalation and skin irritation.
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

Since Hydrogenated Catmint Oil (HCO) has the potential for eye irritation, the Agency is requiring stringent application directions.
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008

Does it damage plastics, fabrics or gear?

A label claims it won't harm plastics, and says do not get it on clothing.

Source and detail: US EPA accepted label

The EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 352-905 permits the optional marketing claim that the product won't harm plastics, and the same label says do not get the product on clothing. No agency test of catnip oil on plastics, fabrics or gear was among the sources read.

Won't harm plastics
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, optional marketing language, 03/10/2017

Causes substantial but temporary eye injury. Do not get in eyes or on clothing.
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, 03/10/2017

What do the agencies say about pets?

Only EPA's general rule applies: nothing on pets unless the label says so.

Source and detail: EPA, US EPA

EPA's page on using insect repellents says not to use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals. Nothing read from EPA, CDC or NPIC addresses catnip oil repellent and cats or other pets, so that general instruction is the whole of the record.

Do not use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals. Most insect repellents do not work against lice or fleas.
US EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively

Do not use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals.
EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively

Which studies are on the record?

One 2009 trial tested isolated catmint compounds at 10 percent, not the registered products: 3.5 and 5 hours.

Source and detail: Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, US EPA accepted label

Feaster and colleagues, Journal of Medical Entomology, 2009, tested two dihydronepetalactone diastereomers derived from catmint oil at 10 percent: each conferred complete protection from bites for a significant period, 3.5 and 5 hours respectively, the second statistically equivalent to DEET. Those figures are for the isolated compounds at 10 percent, not for the 15 percent refined oil of Nepeta cataria products EPA registers.

Both DHN 1 and DHN 2 at 10% (wt:vol) conferred complete protection from bites for significant periods of time (3.5 and 5 h, respectively), with DHN2 conferring protection statistically equivalent to DEET.
Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks. J Med Entomol. 2009;46(4):832-40. PMID 19645285

The essential oil of catmint, Nepeta cataria L., contains nepetalactones, that, on hydrogenation, yield the corresponding dihydronepetalactone (DHN) diastereomers.
Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks. J Med Entomol. 2009;46(4):832-40. PMID 19645285

Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15.0% Other Ingredients 85.0%
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, 03/10/2017

Put it beside another.

Catnip oil vs DEETCatnip oil vs PicaridinCatnip oil vs Permethrin

All ten actives 631 products by ingredient

Sources on this page.

10 sources. Every quote was fetched on or before 2026-09-22 and is stored with the page. Last reviewed 2026-09-22.

US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/skin-applied-repellent-ingredients
US EPA, Hydrogenated Catmint Oil Fact Sheet, PC Code 004801, December 29, 2008. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-004801_29-Dec-08.pdf
Feaster JE et al. Dihydronepetalactones deter feeding activity by mosquitoes, stable flies, and deer ticks. J Med Entomol. 2009;46(4):832-40. PMID 19645285. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19645285/
US EPA accepted label, Refined Oil of Nepeta cataria 15% Liquid, EPA Reg. No. 352-905, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, 03/10/2017. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/000352-00905-20170310.pdf
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22. https://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect_s/search_results.cfm
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018. https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/repellents.html
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, last updated September 8, 2026. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you
CDC Yellow Book, Mosquitoes, Ticks, and Other Arthropods (Wayback Machine capture 2026-09-19). https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/environmental-hazards-risks/mosquitoes-ticks-and-other-arthropods.html
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites
US EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/using-insect-repellents-safely-and-effectively