Mosquito repellents are crucial for preventing mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, but many have strong, unpleasant odors that deter consistent use. This inconsistency increases health risks, especially in tropical regions. One way to address this issue could be to develop a repellent that combines proven active ingredients with pleasant, customizable fragrances, making it more appealing for daily use.

The Problem and Opportunity

Many repellents contain effective but smelly ingredients like DEET or picaridin, or natural alternatives like citronella, which can be off-putting in social or indoor settings. This creates a gap in the market for a repellent that doesn’t compromise on efficacy while offering a more enjoyable user experience. Key beneficiaries could include travelers, parents, outdoor enthusiasts, and residents in mosquito-prone areas who would benefit from a product that encourages consistent use.

How It Could Work

The repellent could be formulated in various formats—sprays, lotions, or diffusers—using active ingredients proven to repel mosquitoes. Advanced fragrance technology could mask or replace the typical chemical smell with customizable scents like floral, citrus, or unscented options. Testing would ensure the fragrances don’t interfere with efficacy. For example:

• Lab testing to verify repellency across different fragrance combinations.
• User trials to refine scent preferences and usability.

Execution and Differentiation

Existing products like OFF! Botanicals or Avon’s Skin So Soft either lack strong efficacy or have polarizing scents. This idea could stand out by offering both high-performance repellency and appealing fragrances. An MVP might start with a direct-to-consumer online launch, testing a small range of scents before expanding. Potential monetization could include premium pricing, subscription refills, or partnerships with travel brands.

By focusing on user comfort without sacrificing effectiveness, this approach could fill a critical gap in mosquito protection.