Hi! I think it is oil of lemon eucalyptus. I don't think there is any lemon in it ... just a type of eucalyptus? Yes, many things are derived from nature but I agree that doesn't mean they are safe. Still, I am happy to have a DEET alternative to try.... I did read about the smell, and also read that it does not last as long as DEET.
Mosquitoes really do hit different people differently. When I was a kid, I attracted them like crazy. Now, they rarely touch me. I do cover up at night. But I brought DEET repellent on a recent 12-day hike on the JMT in August, and never put it on. Didn't get any bites, either. Some folks did. I recently read that there is some science to back that up.
