Coconut Oil for Mosquitoes: New Findings on Natural Repellency

Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance—they can transmit serious diseases such as malaria, dengue, and Zika virus. While synthetic repellents like DEET are widely used, concerns over skin irritation and environmental impact have driven interest in natural alternatives.

Recent research suggests that coconut oil-derived compounds may effectively repel mosquitoes. Scientists are now exploring how specific components of coconut oil contribute to this effect.

Key Fatty Acids In Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is primarily composed of medium-chain fatty acids, which exhibit unique biological properties. Lauric acid, the most abundant, comprises around 45–53% of its total fatty acid content and has insect-repelling properties. Unlike long-chain fatty acids, which are less volatile, lauric acid persists on the skin while gradually releasing compounds that interfere with mosquito host-seeking behavior.

Capric acid and caprylic acid, making up approximately 7–12% of coconut oil, also contribute to its repellent effects by disrupting the olfactory receptors mosquitoes use to detect human skin odors. A study in Scientific Reports found that capric acid reduced mosquito landings on treated skin by over 90% for several hours post-application, suggesting a longer-lasting alternative to some conventional repellents.

Myristic acid, which constitutes around 16–21% of coconut oil, is primarily known for its role in skin barrier function but may also alter the surface chemistry of the skin, masking carbon dioxide and sweat compounds that attract mosquitoes. This aligns with findings that certain fatty acids interfere with the sensory cues mosquitoes rely on to locate hosts.

Unique Chemical Properties For Repellency

Coconut oil’s effectiveness as a mosquito repellent stems from its interactions with insect sensory systems. Unlike volatile synthetic compounds that evaporate quickly, its fatty acids form a hydrophobic barrier on the skin, slowing their release and altering the chemical profile of human skin emissions. This disrupts the ability of mosquitoes to detect hosts, as they rely on chemoreceptors to identify carbon dioxide, lactic acid, and other human-derived cues.

A key factor in this interference is the molecular structure of medium-chain fatty acids, which enables them to interact with mosquito olfactory receptors differently from conventional repellents. Research in Scientific Reports demonstrated that capric and lauric acids modify the function of odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, blocking sensory signal transmission and reducing their ability to locate human targets. This biochemical interaction explains the prolonged repellency observed in studies using coconut oil-based formulations.

Beyond olfactory disruption, coconut oil’s fatty acids also affect mosquito contact perception. When applied to the skin, they create a lipid-rich layer that alters the texture and chemical composition of the epidermis. Some studies suggest mosquitoes assess host suitability not only through airborne cues but also through contact chemoreception. Medium-chain fatty acids may modify surface lipids, making human skin less appealing or even aversive upon contact. This dual mechanism—affecting both olfactory and tactile perception—distinguishes coconut oil from traditional repellents that primarily act through vapor-phase deterrence.

Comparison With Synthetic Repellents

Synthetic mosquito repellents, particularly N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET), are widely used for their effectiveness and long duration of protection. DEET confuses mosquitoes’ olfactory receptors, making it difficult for them to recognize human scent. Formulations containing 20–50% DEET can provide protection for up to 12 hours. However, concerns about skin irritation, neurotoxicity with prolonged exposure, and environmental persistence have led researchers to explore plant-based and lipid-derived alternatives, including coconut oil-based repellents.

Unlike DEET, which primarily masks human scent through volatile chemical interactions, coconut oil-derived compounds create a physical and biochemical barrier on the skin. This results in a slower release profile, allowing coconut oil-based repellents to remain effective for extended periods. Research by the USDA found that coconut oil fatty acids provided mosquito deterrence for up to 96 hours when incorporated into a controlled-release formulation, significantly outperforming DEET in longevity under similar conditions. While promising, pure coconut oil alone does not offer the same immediate knockdown effect as synthetic alternatives, necessitating formulation enhancements.

Another distinction lies in user experience. DEET and other synthetic repellents, such as picaridin, often have a greasy texture and an unpleasant odor. In contrast, coconut oil-based repellents are more skin-friendly, offering moisturizing benefits without a strong chemical scent. This makes them appealing for individuals with sensitive skin or those seeking a natural alternative. However, because coconut oil is less volatile, it may require reapplication in humid conditions or with heavy perspiration, where absorption rates affect its persistence.