There are many different types of eucalyptus tree. They’re often used to produce essential oils.
Insect Repellent Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Despite having similar names, OLE is a different product than lemon eucalyptus essential oil.
Lemon eucalyptus is the essential oil that’s distilled from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree. It has many different chemical components, including the major component citronellal. This is also found in other essential oils like citronella.
OLE is an extract from the leaves of the lemon eucalyptus tree. It’s enriched for an active ingredient called para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD). PMD can also be chemically made in a laboratory.
OLE, which is an extract of the lemon eucalyptus tree, is predominantly used to repel pests. These can include mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting bugs.
Extracted OLE is refined to increase the content of PMD, its active ingredient. Commercially available OLE products often contain 30 percent OLE and 20 percent PMD.
Synthetic PMD is made in a laboratory. It’s also used as a bug repellent. Although OLE and synthetic PMD have the same active ingredient, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates them separately.
Commercially available synthetic PMD products have a lower PMD concentration than commercial OLE products. Products with synthetic PMD have a PMD concentration of about 10 percent.
Lemon eucalyptus essential oil uses
Like OLE and PMD, lemon eucalyptus essential oil is also used as a bug repellent. You may also see people using it for things like:
- skin conditions, such as wounds and infections
- pain relief
- respiratory conditions, like colds and asthma
Research into OLE and PMD concern their use as a bug repellent. A 2016 review of older studies indicates that the active ingredient PMD may:
- have comparable activity and duration to DEET
- offer better protection against ticks than DEET, affecting tick attachment and feeding
- be effective against some types of biting midges
Let’s look at a snapshot of what more recent research says:
- A 2018 studyTrusted Source looked at the effect of 20 percent PMD on the feeding of Aedes aegypti, a mosquito that can transmit dengue fever. Exposure to PMD led to significantly less feeding compared with a control substance.
- A 2015 studyTrusted Source compared the effectiveness of commercially available bug repellents for two species of mosquito. One of the products used was an OLE product called Cutter lemon eucalyptus.
- While DEET was the most effective repellent in the 2015 study, Cutter lemon eucalyptus had a similar efficacy. It had a strong, long lasting effect for one mosquito species and a less strong (but still significant) effect on the other.
- A 2009 studyTrusted Source assessed PMD from OLE and its effect on immature ticks (nymphs). Nymphs can transmit diseases like Lyme disease. PMD was toxic to nymphs. The effect increased with the PMD concentration.
SUMMARYOLE and its active ingredient PMD have repellent properties that may be comparable to DEET in some cases. PMD may also affect mosquito feeding behavior and have toxicity to ticks.
Lemon eucalyptus essential oil benefits
Many of the proposed benefits of lemon eucalyptus essential oil are based off anecdotal evidence. That means they’re based off someone’s personal experience rather than scientific research.
A small bit of research has been performed on lemon eucalyptus essential oil. Here’s what some of it says:
- A 2018 studyTrusted Source compared properties of lemon eucalyptus essential oil with eight other eucalyptus species. They found that lemon eucalyptus oil had high antioxidant activity but lower antibacterial and anticancer activity.
- A 2014 studyTrusted Source looked at the effect of lemon eucalyptus essential oil on three species of fungi. It was observed that lemon eucalyptus essential oil inhibited spore production and growth of all three species.
- A 2012 study investigated the antioxidant activity of lemon eucalyptus essential oil using a variety of tests. It was found that lemon eucalyptus oil as well as some of its chemical components had antioxidant activity.
SUMMARYLimited research has been performed on lemon eucalyptus essential oil. However, some research suggests it has antioxidant and antifungal properties.
OLE and synthetic PMD are available in many commercial insect repellents. Examples of companies that sell products with OLE or synthetic PMD include Cutter, Off!, and Repel.
Most of the time, repellents come in a spray form. However, they may also sometimes be found as a lotion or cream.
The EPA has a helpful tool to help you search for an insect repellent that’s right for you. It gives details on specific products, their active ingredients, and their protection time.
Tips on using OLE products
- Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions on the product label.
- Make sure to reapply as directed on the product label. Different products can have different protection times.
- Only apply the repellent to exposed skin. Don’t apply it under clothing.
- If you’re using a spray, spray a little bit into your hands and then apply it to your face.
- Avoid applying the repellent near the mouth, eyes, or skin that’s irritated or injured.
- If you’re also using sunscreen, apply the sunscreen first and the repellent second.
- Wash your hands after applying the repellent to help prevent accidental ingestion.
Lemon eucalyptus essential oil
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends against using lemon eucalyptus essential oil as a bug repellent. This is because it hasn’t been tested for safety and effectiveness as thoroughly as OLE and PMD.
If you do choose to use lemon eucalyptus essential oil to repel mosquitoes or other bugs, follow the guidelines below:
- Always dilute lemon eucalyptus essential oil in carrier oil before applying it to the skin. Consider using a 3 to 5 percent dilution.
- Test some diluted lemon eucalyptus essential oil on a small patch of skin before using it on larger areas.
- Keep away from your face.
- Diffuse the surroundings with the essential oil in a diffuser.
- Never ingest an essential oil.
List Of Insect Repellent Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
- REPELS MOSQUITOES: DEET-free formula repels mosquitoes, including those that may carry West Nile virus
- WITH OIL OF LEMON EUCALYPTUS: The active ingredient in Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is derived from the leaves of the Lemon Eucalyptus tree
- REPELS MOSQUITOES THAT MAY CARRY WEST NILE VIRUS: Creates a barrier against annoying mosquitoes that can spoil the outdoors
- FRESH, CLEAN SCENT: Cool lemon eucalyptus scent – never feels oily or greasy
- LASTS UP TO 6 HOURS: Reapply once daily as needed (up to twice per day)
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 5.68 Inches |
| Width | 2.11 Inches |
| Length | 1.26 Inches |
| Weight | 0.02 Pounds |
- MADE WITH OIL OF LEMON EUCALYPTUS: This DEET-free insect repellent provides you with protection during adventures in the backyard and on the go.
- REPELS MOSQUITOES FOR UP TO 6 HOURS: This repellent keeps you and your family protected for hours, so the fun doesn’t have to end.
- REFRESHING SCENT: This DEET-free personal repellent leaves you with a cool, refreshing scent so you don’t have to put up with the usual bug spray smell.
- REPELS: Create a barrier against mosquitoes, including those that may transmit the Zika, West Nile, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses.
- NOT GREASY OR STICKY: Formulated with oil of lemon eucalyptus to provide protection without leaving your skin feeling sticky or greasy.
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 5.75 Inches |
| Width | 5.25 Inches |
| Length | 1.52 Inches |
| Weight | 0.6 Pounds |
- Protects Against Mosquitoes for up to 6 Hours: Without any nasty chemicals like DEET, you’ll have up to 6 hours of worry-free protection on your next adventure
- Protects Against Ticks for up to 4 Hours: Our specially formulated spray provides protection against deer ticks for up to 4 hours, as well as lone star and brown dog ticks for up to 8 hours
- Harness the Power of Natural Plant-Based Ingredients: 30% Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, 70% Distilled Water and Ethanol made from Corn
- Doesn’t Harm Gear: Spray on your skin or gear, and enjoy the natural power from the only plant-based repellent recommended by the CDC
- No Dyes, No Synthetic Fragrances, No Harsh Chemicals
Additional Info :
- REPELS FOR UP TO 6 HOURS: Our aerosol spray repels mosquitoes for up to 6 hours.
- PROTECTION FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY: Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus is an insect repellent that offers protection for the entire family.
- DEET FREE: Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent is a great DEET-free alternative for lasting protection in the outdoors.
- REPELS MOSQUITOES THAT MAY CAUSE VIRUSES: The formula for Cutter Lemon Eucalyptus repels mosquitoes that may transmit viruses.
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 6.75 Inches |
| Width | 1.79 Inches |
| Length | 7.19 Inches |
- DEET FREE: This product harnesses the power of oil of lemon eucalyptus and contains no DEET.
- 6 HOUR PROTECTION: Use this product to repel mosquitoes for up to 6 hours.
- REPELS MOSQUITOES THAT MAY CAUSE VIRUSES: Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent2 repels mosquitoes that may transmit viruses.
- SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS: Outdoor adventures that take you right into the thick of nature require protection from biting bugs.
Additional Info :
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 6.75 Inches |
| Width | 1.78 Inches |
| Length | 1.78 Inches |