Natural and Synthetic Mosquito Repellents: Efficacy, Safety, Formulation Challenges and Future Directions

Abstract

Aims: to reveal effective plant-based mosquito repellent products as personal protection. Discussion: Mosquitoes are among the most annoying hematophagy insects affecting human population. Mosquitoes are key vectors for severe diseases like malaria, dengue, lymphatic filariasis, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis, which represent significant global public health challenges, particularly as climate change expands their habitats. Personal protection through mosquito repellents is essential in integrated vector management strategies. This review compiles current scientific findings on both synthetic and plant-based mosquito repellents, focusing on their mechanisms, effectiveness, safety, environmental impact, and formulation methods. Synthetic repellents such as DEET, picaridin, and IR3535 are known for their long-lasting efficacy; however, concerns regarding toxicity and environmental persistence, as well as shifting consumer preferences, have sparked renewed interest in natural alternatives. Essential oils and botanical extracts are biodegradable options but face limitations due to their shorter effectiveness, volatility, and instability in formulations. Recent advancements in formulation science, such as nano-encapsulation, lipid-based carriers, and controlled-release systems, show promise in enhancing the stability, effectiveness, and consumer acceptance of natural repellents. This review identifies existing knowledge gaps and emphasizes the need for standardized evaluation methods, improved delivery systems, and collaborative research to promote the development of safe, cost-effective, and sustainable mosquito repellent solutions Conclusion: The effort to establish a robust scientific basis for plant-based insect repellents is a significant and ongoing area of research, driven by a desire for safer, more sustainable alternatives to hazardous synthetic chemicals. These effort, however, need further work to validate reliability.