Holy mosquitos!  We joke that mosquitos are the state bird of Alaska so mosquito repellents are definitely a must for us.  The problem is that I refuse to put DEET on my family’s skin and even those insect repellants not containing DEET still have a list of chemicals that I don’t feel comfortable applying to our skin.

DEET is a common ingredient in insect repellents.  The EPA Fact Sheet lists it in toxicity category III.   DEET has been implicated in causing seizures in children along with other possible adverse affects.  It should also be noted that it is intended for spare, infrequent use.  None of these statements reassure me that I should be using such products, especially on our children.

That’s why I was thrilled to find dōTERRA’s TerraShield!  It is an all-natural outdoor protectant, works well, AND smells good.  Perfect, I’ll take it!

TerraShield is made up of citronella, cedarwood, and a blend of 11 other therapeutic-grade essential oils blended in a base of pure fractionated coconut oil.  A primary function of essential oils in plants is protecting against insects and other predators. Unlike other products that contain synthetic and toxic chemicals, TerraShield is a natural approach to managing exposure to biting insects.  It makes for a great outdoor spray!

I like to use a combination of direct application to skin along with misting a TerraShield/water combo all over. [Read more…]