Is mugwort-based mosquito repellent harmful to the skin?

Mugwort-based mosquito repellent is harmless to the skin—except for individuals allergic to mugwort.

A small amount of mugwort-based mosquito repellent applied to the skin is generally safe; however, prolonged or extensive application may cause adverse effects, such as itching or redness and swelling. Therefore, it is recommended not to apply this product over large areas of skin or for extended periods.

Mugwort is warm in nature and pungent and bitter in taste, entering the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney meridians. It functions to warm the meridians, arrest bleeding, dispel cold, and relieve pain. When dried mugwort is burned, it emits a distinctive, pungent odor effective for insect repellency. Historically, bathing in mugwort-infused water was a common practice for repelling and eliminating parasites. Today, modern mugwort-based mosquito repellents also demonstrate notable efficacy against mosquitoes.