There’s a lot of talk about mosquitoes this summer with Zika at the Olympics and all. I was offered the opportunity to test out two DEET free repellents from Guardian. Guardian DEET-Free Insect Repellents offer protection from mosquitoes and ticks with only plant-based, non-toxic ingredients.
There are two levels of protection from Guardian: 4-Hour Backyard and 8-Hour Wilderness. Both versions are plant based, non-toxic, DEET free, safe for children and are scientifically proven (study). Guardian Backyard is lighter and has a lighter scent than Guardian Wilderness. The Wilderness version is intended for when you are outdoors all day in a wooded setting.
We don’t have wilderness here in Chicago, but it can be super buggy when we hit the trails. Josh and I did a ton of training this summer at Waterfall Glen. The bugs can be pretty relentless. There are a lot of mosquitoes and horseflies. I swapped out my usual bug spray for the Wilderness spray two days in a row during our SF Marathon training.
I like the smell and performance of the Guardian repellent. It worked really well for 10 miles and even stayed on through a pretty sweaty 16 miler. I did get stung by a horsefly, but that was near the end and I was really sweaty. Plus, it was not a mosquito! Not scientific, but Josh was bug spray free and he was bothered by bugs more than me. In addition to performance, I especially liked the idea that the repellent is plant based and non-toxic. I feel like we are exposed to so many chemicals every day, the less I use, the better.
One warning for folks with sensitive skin, I did notice a small flare up of eczema the following week. I used to have eczema (a skin rash) inside my elboes, behind my knees and on my neck every summer. I got it inside both elbows. I have not had it in at least 5 – 7 years. I noticed it while traveling during the following week. I wound up calling Doctor on Demand to get an Rx for some cream. [As an aside the Facetime call was only $20 and very helpful! Use code erica114 for $10 off your first “visit.”] When I spoke to the doctor, she asked if I had tried anything new recently. We discussed that the active ingredient in plant based repellents, Geraniol, can cause issues for people with sensitive skin. If you have sensitive skin, test it out on a small part of your body before use. Check out additional FAQs HERE.
Since they sent me two kinds, I’m going to send the Backyard – 4 Hour to a lucky reader. Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. Winner must have a US postal address, be 18 years or older and the offer is void where prohibited. The giveaway runs through August 25th. A winner will be selected and notified on August 26th.
You can order Guardian Repellent on Amazon (affiliate link). You can follow Guardian Repellent on Facebook and Twitter.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the Guardian Insect Repellents for free from Guardian as coordinated by Deep Creek Public Relations in consideration for review publication. All opinions are my own.