Skin-applied active

Oil of lemon eucalyptus

OLE, refined Corymbia citriodora oil

Oil of lemon eucalyptus is an EPA-registered repellent active from lemon eucalyptus leaves that contains PMD.

Source and detail: CDC Travelers' Health, NPIC, US EPA, US EPA accepted label

Oil of lemon eucalyptus is an EPA-registered repellent active that EPA's ingredients page lists with 6 products, noting it contains PMD but is a separately regulated pesticide chemical. An EPA-accepted label says the active is derived from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree, and NPIC calls it a man-made ingredient based on a chemical that occurs in nature. The thing most often gotten wrong is the age rule: CDC says not under 3 years, while EPA says certain products with oil of lemon eucalyptus as sole active at 30 percent or less carry no under-three restriction.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (contains pmd, but is a separately regulated pesticide chemical) (6 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites

The active ingredient in Mosi-guardTM Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is derived from the leaves of the Lemon Eucalyptus tree.
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025, EPA notification letter January 06, 2026

Oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are based off of chemicals that occur in nature but are man-made ingredients. Because they are related to substances found in nature, they are both considered to be biopesticides . Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) may also be listed on products by its chemical name, p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD).
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old.
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites

According to the product labels, some oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children under the age of three . There are no restrictions for use on children under three years of age for certain insect repellent products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus as their sole active ingredient at concentrations of 30% or less.
US EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively

EPA statusRegistered; 13 products in EPA's tool

Protection, per EPA's tool6 h mosquitoes, 6 h ticks

Youngest ageNot under 3 (CDC); EPA exception

GearA label claims it will not harm watch crystals, tackle boxes, backpacks, fishing line, tents or bedding.

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?

Made from lemon eucalyptus leaves, a label says; NPIC calls it man-made, based on a naturally occurring chemical.

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

Oil of lemon eucalyptus comes from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree, according to the EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, and EPA's skin-applied ingredients page lists it as an active that contains PMD but is a separately regulated pesticide chemical. NPIC's fact sheet calls it a man-made ingredient based on a chemical that occurs in nature, and says products may list it by its chemical name, p-menthane-3,8-diol.

The active ingredient in Mosi-guardTM Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is derived from the leaves of the Lemon Eucalyptus tree.
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025, EPA notification letter January 06, 2026

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (contains pmd, but is a separately regulated pesticide chemical) (6 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

Oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are based off of chemicals that occur in nature but are man-made ingredients. Because they are related to substances found in nature, they are both considered to be biopesticides . Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) may also be listed on products by its chemical name, p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD).
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

How does EPA treat it?

Registered: EPA lists 6 products under it, and CDC names it among EPA-registered actives for travelers.

Source and detail: CDC Travelers' Health, US EPA

Registered: EPA's skin-applied ingredients page counts 6 products under oil of lemon eucalyptus, listed separately from PMD, and CDC's Travelers' Health page names it among the EPA-registered actives it tells travelers to use.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (contains pmd, but is a separately regulated pesticide chemical) (6 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites

p-Menthane-3,8-diol (pmd) -- EPA pesticide regulatory information (6 products)
US EPA, Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients, last updated January 23, 2026

What strengths are registered, and does strength change protection?

30 and 40 percent: a label states 30 percent, and EPA's tool lists a 40 percent pump spray.

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

30 and 40 percent are the strengths on the record: the EPA-accepted label for EPA Reg. No. 84878-2 states oil of lemon eucalyptus at 30.0 percent, with a footnote giving its p-menthane-3,8-diol content as approximately 65 percent, and EPA's search tool lists a 40 percent pump spray under EPA Reg. No. 305-57. NPIC says higher concentration repellents may protect for longer but are not better at keeping insects away.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus* ………………………………………………….. 30.0% Other Ingredients …………………………………………………………… 70.0%
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025

*Approx. 65% p-menthane-3,8-diol
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025

Repel Essential Insect Repellent Pump Spray | 6 | 6 | Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus | 40 | United Industries Corp. | 305-57
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 6 hours for mosquitoes and 6 for ticks at 30 and 40 percent.

Source and detail: US EPA

6 hours for mosquitoes and 6 hours for ticks: EPA's search tool lists Citrapel Lotion Insect Repellent (EPA Reg. No. 84878-1, 30 percent) and Repel Essential Insect Repellent Pump Spray (EPA Reg. No. 305-57, 40 percent) at 6 and 6. EPA says those times were approved for product labels from technical information the company provided, and that the tool's database was last updated in June 2019.

Citrapel Lotion Insect Repellent | 6 | 6 | Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus | 30 | Citrefine International LTD | 84878-1
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

Repel Essential Insect Repellent Pump Spray | 6 | 6 | Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus | 40 | United Industries Corp. | 305-57
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

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

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

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

A label names mosquitoes and ticks.

Source and detail: US EPA accepted label

Mosquitoes and ticks. The EPA-accepted master label for EPA Reg. No. 84878-2 gives the direction to repel mosquitoes and ticks, apply to exposed skin and clothing. No CDC statement about what these pests carry was read for this active.

To repel [insects] [mosquitoes and ticks], apply to exposed skin and clothing.
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025

What do the agencies say about children?

CDC says not under 3; EPA says some sole-active products at 30 percent or less lack that restriction.

Source and detail: CDC Travelers' Health, US EPA, US EPA accepted label

CDC says not to use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children under 3 years old. EPA's repellent-use page says some oil of lemon eucalyptus labels carry that restriction, while certain products with it as sole active at 30 percent or less have none for use under three. The EPA-accepted master label for EPA Reg. No. 84878-2 also permits a state-specific claim that the product is not registered by California for use on children under the age of three.

Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) on children under 3 years old.
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites

According to the product labels, some oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children under the age of three . There are no restrictions for use on children under three years of age for certain insect repellent products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus as their sole active ingredient at concentrations of 30% or less.
US EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively

75. [This product is] not registered by the State of California for use on children under the age of three
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025

What do CDC and WHO say about pregnancy?

CDC lists it for pregnant and breastfeeding women; NPIC reports no effects on fetal development in rats.

Source and detail: CDC Travelers' Health, NPIC

CDC's Travelers' Health page names oil of lemon eucalyptus among the EPA-registered actives it lists, and says that when used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are "proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women." NPIC reports that pregnant rats given large doses of oil of lemon eucalyptus on their skin showed only slight changes in weight gain and no effects on fetal development.

When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites

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

Oil of lemon eucalyptus : Only slight changes in weight gain were observed during pregnancy in rats with large doses of the ingredient put on their skin. There were no effects on fetal development.
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

What do NPIC and EPA report about absorption and toxicity?

NPIC says it can cause significant eye damage and has been linked to skin irritation in animal studies.

Source and detail: NPIC

NPIC's fact sheet says oil of lemon eucalyptus can cause significant eye damage, that washing the eyes after exposure can reduce the risk of long-term harm, and that it has been linked to skin irritation in animal studies. Rats fed the ingredient had trouble walking, changes in breathing and lethargy. NPIC reports that when a repellent is applied to skin, about 3 to 19 percent may be absorbed.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus : Oil of lemon eucalyptus can cause significant eye damage. Washing eyes after an exposure can reduce the risks of long-term harm. It has been linked to skin irritation in animal studies. Rats fed oil of lemon eucalyptus had trouble walking. They also had changes in their breathing and were lethargic.
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

When a repellent is applied to skin, about 3-19% may be absorbed into the body.
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018

Does it damage plastics, fabrics or gear?

A label claims it will not harm watch crystals, tackle boxes, backpacks, fishing line, tents or bedding.

Source and detail: US EPA accepted label

The EPA-accepted master label for EPA Reg. No. 84878-2 permits the claim that the product will not harm watch crystals, tackle boxes, backpacks, fishing line, tents or bedding. Its optional marketing language, also accepted, says it will not harm fishing line, camping gear, watch crystals or a tackle box.

14. Will not harm watch crystals, tackle boxes, backpacks, fishing line, tents or bedding.
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025

You can use Mosi-guardTM Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent with confidence knowing it will not harm your fishing line, camping gear, watch crystals or tackle box.
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025

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, an instruction that covers every repellent rather than this active alone. The same page adds that most insect repellents do not work against lice or fleas.

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?

No named human efficacy trial on record; the only duration is EPA's tool figure of 6 hours.

Source and detail: US EPA

No named human efficacy trial of an oil of lemon eucalyptus formulation is among the agency sources read for this active. The one duration on the record is EPA's search tool figure of 6 hours, which EPA says has been approved for product labels on the basis of technical information the company provided, from a database EPA says was last updated in June 2019.

Citrapel Lotion Insect Repellent | 6 | 6 | Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus | 30 | Citrefine International LTD | 84878-1
US EPA, Find the Repellent that is Right for You, search results application, fetched 2026-09-22

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 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

Put it beside another.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus vs DEETOil of lemon eucalyptus vs PicaridinOil of lemon eucalyptus vs Permethrin

All ten actives 631 products by ingredient

Sources on this page.

7 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
CDC Travelers' Health, Avoid Bug Bites. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites
US EPA accepted label, Mosi-guard Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, EPA Reg. No. 84878-2, master label version (16) dated December 4, 2025, EPA notification letter January 06, 2026. https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/084878-00002-20260106.pdf
NPIC, Insect Repellents Fact Sheet, Oregon State University Extension Services, date reviewed February 2018. https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/repellents.html
US EPA, Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively. https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/using-insect-repellents-safely-and-effectively
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
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