Issue #20: Sun's Out, Bugs Out!
The better-for-you bug spray you didn't know you needed.
In honor of receiving my first mosquito bite of the season this week, I decided to dig into a corner of the consumer world that doesn’t always get much love: insect repellent. It’s not the most glamorous topic, but if you’re blessed with sweet skin like mine, bug spray quickly becomes a seasonal essential.
Most of us are familiar with classic bug spray brands like OFF! or Cutter, but did you know they likely contain around 15% DEET, a chemical that’s raised some serious health concerns?
Large doses of DEET have been linked to skin blisters, seizures, memory loss, headaches, stiffness in joints, shortness of breath, and skin irritation. DEET is a documented neurotoxin, meaning it can negatively impact the nervous system.
Sure, 15% isn’t technically a “large dose,” but personally, I’d rather keep neurotoxins off my skin, regardless of their dosage. So, I went on the hunt for DEET-free bug sprays to see if there were any truly clean and effective options out there.
One of the more popular names in the space is Badger Anti-Bug Shake & Spray, which uses a blend of essential oils like citronella, cedarwood, and lemongrass. Smells nice? Absolutely. Effective? Well… reviews are showing 50-50.
The reviews also point out that the essentials oils only makes up a small percentage of the active ingredients, while over 50% of the formula is just water. That’s a common pattern I noticed across other natural brands like Buzzie, kinfield, or Natural Rascals. They’re water-based, essential-oil-heavy, and honestly… pretty interchangeable. Many users report mixed results in terms of efficacy, and while I love a good natural product, I don’t love itchy bug bites.
This got me thinking: there has to be a natural ingredient that works just as well as DEET, without the trade-offs.
Turns out, there is — and it just launched.
Meet Mimikai, the first truly efficacious, natural, and skin-friendly bug spray.
After discovering that wild tomatoes produced Undecanone, a natural compound that repels mosquitoes and ticks, Stephanie Watson and Michelle Arnau spent the past seven years perfecting, proving and registering this technology, creating the plant-powered, skin-safe bug spray brand, Mimikai.
Strong as DEET. Clean as plants.
Mimikai is scientifically tested and proven to repel mosquitoes and ticks as effectively as DEET without the harsh chemicals or trade-offs. No more choosing between harsh chemicals or underwhelming natural sprays. Mimikai fills the gap with an effective solution that aligns with the growing consumer demand for clean, effective personal care.
👀 Follow the launch of Mimikai
So, while bug spray might not be the most exciting summer purchase, it’s definitely one of the most practical. And now, with options like Mimikai, we don’t have to settle for products that are either too harsh or barely effective.
That’s all for this week, see you next Sunday!
🗞️ Brand News:
Teal Health: The First and Only At-Home Self-Collection Device for Cervical Cancer Screening. Read more about Teal Health from Issue #9.
A new brand has entered the anti-aging chat — Timebeam Beauty.
The affordable fragrance line Frankly launched.
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Let’s Chat:
I always think about why there aren’t better bug spray options every time I have to use it in the summer…will definitely be checking out Mimikai!
Love it!