Natural Repellents

Mosquito-borne infections, such as malaria and dengue, are a profound cause of illness and death in many countries. Personal protection against mosquitoes using repellents could be a useful method to reduce or prevent transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. However, due to the objectionable side effects and toxicity associated with synthetic repellents, an urge for developing natural repellents has come forward. The peel of citrus fruits has been reported to have excellent mosquito repellent properties. Hence, we aimed to develop a non-toxic, stable, and consistent cream using the peel extract of Citrus Paradisi. The cream was prepared and characterized based on sensory evaluation and consistency in terms of texture, greasiness, consistency, and pH. The present study concluded that the formulated mosquito repellent cream using essential oil is natural, safe, effective, and usable for the skin to afford mosquito repellent action. This herbal cream offers a promising alternative to marketed synthetic products.