Does Jergens Repel Mosquitoes? A Dermatologist Reveals the Truth About the Viral TikTok Hack

Summer means backyard barbecues, evening walks and precious time with family, but it also means those pesky mosquitoes that turn outdoor bliss into an itchy nightmare. You know the drill: slather on bug spray that smells like chemicals, feel sticky all evening and still end up scratching welts the next day. It’s frustrating when protecting yourself means choosing between harsh repellents and becoming a mosquito buffet.

But here’s where it gets interesting: TikTok users are buzzing about a solution that moisturizes your skin and smells like sweet nostalgia—Jergens Original Scent Moisturizer in the scent Cherry Almond. The claim? It keeps mosquitoes away just as well as traditional bug spray. Sounds too good to be true, right? We thought so too, so we asked a board-certified dermatologist to break down whether this viral hack actually works.

Why repelling mosquitoes is so important for your health

If you’re like most of us, you’ve accepted mosquito bites as just part of summer. But here’s something you might not realize: Those welts aren’t just annoying—they can actually pose real health risks. 

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“Mosquito bites are not just itchy,” says  Shamsa Kanwal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Aesthetic Evolution Skin and Laser Clinic. “Mosquitoes can spread infections such as West Nile, dengue, Zika, chikungunya and malaria. Repeated scratching can also break the skin barrier and lead to secondary infection or eczema flares in sensitive skin.”

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Does Jergens lotion repel mosquitoes?

So what’s the deal with this viral hack? If you’ve been seeing Jergens lotion all over your TikTok feed, you’re probably wondering what makes this particular moisturizer special. Dr. Kanwal explains that it comes down to a few key ingredients tucked into that nostalgic cherry-almond scent:

• Citronellol and Geraniol – Dr. Kanwal says these floral, plant-based fragrance compounds have been studied for their ability to interfere with how mosquitoes detect human scent, which may help deter them.
• Limonene and Linalool – These citrus and lavender-scented compounds have shown insect-repelling potential in plant-based research, suggesting they may also help disrupt how mosquitoes are drawn to skin, explains Dr. Kanwal.

“The key limitation is that in this lotion they appear as fragrance components, not measured repellent actives, so I would see them as interesting but not dependable,” explains Dr. Kanwal. 

So why are so many TikTokers swearing by this hack? Dr. Kanwal points out several factors at play: “A strong scent may temporarily mask body odors that attract mosquitoes, some people naturally get bitten less and outdoor conditions like wind, time of day, clothing coverage and local mosquito activity can make a lotion seem more effective than it really is.”

So should you ditch your tried-and-true mosquito repellent and switch to Jergens lotion? Probably not.

Dr. Kanwal says she wouldn’t count on Jergens Original Cherry-Almond lotion to work as a reliable mosquito repellent. She adds that while its fragrance ingredients have shown some insect-deterring potential, the product is designed as a moisturizer, not an EPA-registered repellent, so any effect would be inconsistent and likely short-lived.

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What to look for when choosing a mosquito repellent

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The truth is, many traditional mosquito repellents are effective at keeping bugs away, but they can feel harsh, smell strong and irritate sensitive skin. If that’s why the Jergens hack caught your eye, you’re in good company. The great news is that you don’t have to choose between protection and comfort. Dr. Kanwal shares exactly what to look for in a repellent that’s both skin-friendly and effective.

• Start with both proven and skin-friendly ingredients – Dr. Kanwal explains that picaridin, a widely used insect-repelling ingredient, is effective, low-odor and often gentler on sensitive skin than DEET, a stronger chemical repellent commonly found in bug sprays, while IR3535 is another repellent option that may feel lighter on skin.

• Make sure it’s EPA-registered – Dr. Kanwal recommends choosing a product that’s EPA-registered, meaning it’s been tested for both safety and effectiveness, rather than relying on products marketed only as skincare.

• Pick formulas that are easier on skin – Fragrance-free or low-odor options, along with lotions or wipes instead of sprays, can help reduce irritation and give you more control during application, says Dr. Kanwal.

• Use smart application strategies – Dr. Kanwal notes that using the lowest strength that still offers enough protection, applying sunscreen first and repellent second and relying on treated clothing when possible can help limit how much product you need on your skin.

The bottom line on lotion as mosquito repellent

The Jergens hack might work for some people, but it’s not a replacement for proven protection. The real win is knowing you have options that are both effective and gentle on your skin. This summer, you can enjoy every backyard barbecue, evening walk and outdoor moment with your loved ones, without the itchy aftermath or harsh chemicals.

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