Sensitive Skin? You Can Still Use Insect Repellent. Here’s How.
If you've ever sprayed your child with insect repellent and been met with screams, tears, or a red rash… you're not alone.
Sensitive skin and mozzie repellents don’t always get along. And let’s be honest — most of the options on the shelf weren’t made with kids, eczema, or reactive skin in mind.
But skipping repellent altogether? That’s not an option either.
Because we’ve seen what happens when you try to wing it without mozzie protection — red welts, sleepless nights, and kids who can’t stop itching.
Let’s break it down.
Most big-brand repellents rely on one hero ingredient: DEET.
While it’s effective, DEET was developed for military use in the 1940s — not for delicate toddler skin or anyone with eczema.
It’s commonly mixed with alcohol and synthetic fragrance to make it more wearable. The problem?
Those ingredients can sting, burn, or strip the skin barrier — especially if the skin’s already dry, broken, or irritated.
Here’s what you might see after using a conventional repellent on sensitive skin:
Here’s the truth: not all natural repellents are created equal.
Many are water-based sprays with essential oils that smell amazing — but offer barely-there protection.
They evaporate quickly, rub off fast, and can still contain allergens or strong ingredients that don’t agree with sensitive skin.
We learned that firsthand. Back when we were living in the mozzie-ridden tropics with two young kids, we cycled through every “gentle” repellent out there. Nothing worked — only making things worse.
That’s what drove us to create something better.
Here’s what to look for next time you’re standing in the chemist aisle, reading labels and hoping something doesn’t flare things up:
“I use this in my Family Daycare service, and no bites on the children. I have 6 children, 1 with eczema and 2 with very sensitive skin — it’s the only mozzie repellent I will use, and I’ve recommended it to all the children’s parents to use too.” – Sharon, Darwin
Protection shouldn’t come at the cost of irritated skin, and “natural” shouldn’t mean weak or wishful thinking.
With Good Riddance, you get real protection, real comfort, and no compromise.
So next time the mozzies come out? You’ll be ready — no tears, no rashes, no regrets.
👉 Explore our Sensitive Repellent here
Sensitive skin and mozzie repellents don’t always get along. And let’s be honest — most of the options on the shelf weren’t made with kids, eczema, or reactive skin in mind.
But skipping repellent altogether? That’s not an option either.
Because we’ve seen what happens when you try to wing it without mozzie protection — red welts, sleepless nights, and kids who can’t stop itching.
So, how do you protect sensitive skin… without risking a reaction?
Let’s break it down.
🤔 Why Most Repellents Don’t Mix with Sensitive Skin
Most big-brand repellents rely on one hero ingredient: DEET.
While it’s effective, DEET was developed for military use in the 1940s — not for delicate toddler skin or anyone with eczema.
It’s commonly mixed with alcohol and synthetic fragrance to make it more wearable. The problem?
Those ingredients can sting, burn, or strip the skin barrier — especially if the skin’s already dry, broken, or irritated.
Here’s what you might see after using a conventional repellent on sensitive skin:
- Stinging or burning on application
- Redness or inflammation
- Dryness or eczema flare-ups
- Eye or throat irritation from the fumes
💡 So what about natural repellents?
Here’s the truth: not all natural repellents are created equal.
Many are water-based sprays with essential oils that smell amazing — but offer barely-there protection.
They evaporate quickly, rub off fast, and can still contain allergens or strong ingredients that don’t agree with sensitive skin.
We learned that firsthand. Back when we were living in the mozzie-ridden tropics with two young kids, we cycled through every “gentle” repellent out there. Nothing worked — only making things worse.
That’s what drove us to create something better.
✅ The Sensitive Skin Repellent Checklist
Here’s what to look for next time you’re standing in the chemist aisle, reading labels and hoping something doesn’t flare things up:
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APVMA Approval
If it’s not registered with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, it hasn’t been clinically proven to actually work.
✔ Good Riddance is APVMA-approved — so it’s safe and proven to work.
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Cream-Based Formula
Creams create a barrier that holds repelling essential oils on the skin longer, without needing alcohol or synthetic binders.
✔ Our cream formula doesn’t sting, run into eyes, or evaporate in five minutes. -
No Alcohol, No Fragrance
Sensitive skin hates these. Full stop.
✔ Good Riddance Sensitive skips both — and still works for up to 4 hours.
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Essential Oils That Are Gentle but Effective
Most essential oils aren’t safe for sensitive skin.
But, Lavender, Geranium and Sweet Vanilla are strong mozzie deterrents which are safe for everyone when formulated correctly.
✔ Our Sensitive Repellent is made with a clinically proven blend of essential oils that are approved for sensitive skin.
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Age-Safe Matters
Our Sensitive Repellent is the only APVMA-approved natural repellent that’s safe for babies.
✔ Our Sensitive range is safe from 3 months old
Why Mum's Trust Our Sensitive Repellent…
“I use this in my Family Daycare service, and no bites on the children. I have 6 children, 1 with eczema and 2 with very sensitive skin — it’s the only mozzie repellent I will use, and I’ve recommended it to all the children’s parents to use too.” – Sharon, Darwin
✨ For Parents Who’ve Tried Everything
Protection shouldn’t come at the cost of irritated skin, and “natural” shouldn’t mean weak or wishful thinking.
With Good Riddance, you get real protection, real comfort, and no compromise.
So next time the mozzies come out? You’ll be ready — no tears, no rashes, no regrets.
👉 Explore our Sensitive Repellent here
