Is Shubug Mosquito Repellent worth buying? As a stay-at-home mom of three (two school kids and a baby in tow), I’ve learned quickly that summertime isn’t just about park picnics and backyard barbecues. It’s also mosquito season.
I kept seeing Shubug pop up in mom groups and decided it was time to put it to the test. I placed an order directly on the Shubug Amazon Store as I didn’t want to deal with the shipping hassles of the official website.
Here’s my honest, no-fluff experience.
About Shubug
Shubug is a natural, plant-based bug repellent brand made for families who want to skip the DEET and harsh chemicals. The company offers a few different products, but I grabbed their regular Mosquito Repellent and the Shubug Kids Bug Spray Oil. Both are made with natural oils like walnut oil and coconut MCT oil and claim to offer long-lasting protection without sticky residue or that overpowering bug spray smell.
Why I Bought It
My kids are outdoorsy little chaos-makers, and I’m not about to slather them in chemical-packed sprays every time we head to the park. I wanted something natural, gentle, and effective that wouldn’t leave my baby’s skin irritated or my toddler smelling like a citronella candle. I also needed something I could feel good about using on myself, especially for late evening stroller walks and backyard grill nights.
My Experience Using Shubug Insect Repellent
I tested both products in a few different scenarios:
At the Park:
I used the regular Shubug spray on myself and my husband, while the kids got the Shubug Kids Bug Spray Oil. It went on smoothly, felt moisturizing, and didn’t leave an oily film. The kids didn’t fuss over it, which is a win in itself. After two hours, no bites on me or the kids.
Evening Backyard BBQ:
Mosquito central. I reapplied the spray after about 90 minutes since I noticed a couple of mosquitoes buzzing around. Still no bites, though I did have to top it up once. The scent is light and herbal, not overpowering.
Hiking Trail:
This was the big test. Heavy woods, stagnant water nearby, and all the mosquito triggers you can imagine. I reapplied the spray every 90 minutes, and it held up surprisingly well. The kids stayed bite-free, and I only got one tiny nibble on my ankle, which is a win in my book.
Pros
- DEET-free and made with natural oils
- Kid-friendly formula that didn’t irritate my baby’s sensitive skin
- Smells light and herbal, not chemical-y
- Doubles as a skin moisturizer
- Easy to apply, even on squirmy toddlers
Cons
- Needs frequent reapplication in heavy bug areas
- Slightly pricey for the size of the bottle
- The oil version can feel a bit greasy in very humid weather
A Natural Alternative I Also Love
If you’re looking for another natural option, Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil Insect Repellent Spray from Amazon is fantastic. It’s plant-based, smells refreshing, and offers decent protection for both adults and kids. It’s my backup when I run out of Shubug.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Shubug has earned a spot in our outdoor bag. It’s safe, smells good, and works as long as you remember to reapply when needed. It might not be the cheapest bug spray out there, but for a natural option that’s toddler and baby-approved, I’d say it’s worth it.