Two classes of repellents are distinguished based on their composition:
- products based on natural substances (essential oils, citriodiol, etc.)
- products based on synthetic substances (IR35/35, DEET, Picaridin, etc.).
For generations, we have been used to using natural products known to have repellent properties:
- Essential oils of plants (Citronella, Lavender, Vetiver, Mint etc.). These products are less effective than synthetic products, due to the volatility of essential oils, which causes a short duration of action. In addition, they can cause allergies and leave stains on the skin (photosensitisation).
- For trips to subtropical zones, where there is a high density of mosquitoes and therefore a risk of diseases, it is recommended to use products made with synthetic substances (IR35/35, DEET, Picaridin, etc.).