Effectiveness of mosquito repellents for human: A systematic review of human-based studies

Authors
Lia Faridah^a,*, Radja Azis Nurhakim^b, Raden Roro Upiek Ngesti Wibawaning Astuti^c, Melanie^d, Enny Rohmawati^a, Yenny Rachmawati^e, Thaddeus Carvajal^f

Affiliations
^aDepartment of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung 40161, SSWJ, Indonesia^bFaculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, SSWJ, Indonesia^cFaculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia^dDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, Indonesia^eFaculty of Medicine, IPB University, Bogor 16680, SSWJ, Indonesia^fDepartment of Biology, College of Science, De La Salle University, Manila 1004, Philippines

Background

• Mosquito repellents are key personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases.

• Their effectiveness varies by active ingredient, formulation, and mosquito species.

Methods

• Systematic review (PRISMA 2020) of human studies published 2015–2025.

• Scopus and PubMed searches found 1,287 records; 19 studies met the criteria.

• Protection time, repellency rate, and safety were synthesized descriptively.

Key Results

• DEET-based lotions and ointments gave the longest protection, often five to nine hours, with no reported skin reactions.

• Natural repellents (citronella, lemon eucalyptus, neem, lemongrass) usually protected for two to four hours.

• Microencapsulation and nanoemulsions improved some formulations; treated clothing and spatial repellents helped as complements.

Discussion & Conclusion

• Synthetic topical repellents remain the most reliable option for prolonged protection.

• Optimized plant-based products may be safer alternatives for short-term or adjunctive use.

Related SDGs

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being

The study directly addresses chronic hepatitis B, liver fibrosis, disease monitoring, and the development of a predictive model to support clinical management.

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

The research develops a non-invasive predictive model using IL-13, age, and platelet count to assess liver stiffness, with potential value where transient elastography is unavailable

Journal Information

Journal: Acta Tropica

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2026.108182