Natural Mosquito Repellent

1.Problem Statement
Mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, remain a significant public health
concern in the Philippines. Despite the availability of mosquito repellents, many commercial products
contain harmful chemicals such as DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide), which may cause skin irritation,
allergic reactions, and environmental pollution.

Additionally, there is limited access to affordable, eco-friendly mosquito repellent alternatives, leading
many consumers to rely on synthetic chemical-based products. There is an increasing demand for safe,
natural, and sustainable mosquito repellents that do not compromise human health or the
environment.

2. Target Audience
The business will cater to the following consumer segments:

 Households & Families – Parents seeking safe, non-toxic mosquito protection for children.

 Health-Conscious Consumers – Individuals preferring organic and chemical-free products.

 Eco-Friendly Advocates – Consumers prioritizing sustainable and biodegradable alternatives.

 Outdoor Workers & Travelers – Farmers, construction workers, and tourists requiring reliable
mosquito protection.

 Hotels & Resorts – Businesses interested in providing eco-friendly mosquito repellents to guests.

3. Impact of the Problem

 Health Risks – Mosquito-borne diseases cause thousands of infections annually, leading to
hospitalizations and fatalities.

 Economic Burden – Households incur medical expenses, and the government allocates
substantial healthcare resources to combat outbreaks.

 Environmental Concerns – Synthetic repellents contribute to air and water pollution, harming
ecosystems.

 Lack of Consumer Awareness – Many Filipinos are unaware of effective, natural alternatives to
chemical-based repellents.

4. Root Causes
 Tropical Climate – The Philippines’ warm and humid environment fosters mosquito breeding.
  Limited Affordable Alternatives – Many organic mosquito repellents are imported and
expensive.

 Market Dominance of Chemical-Based Products – Large commercial brands prioritize synthetic

ingredients due to lower production costs.

 Weak Regulatory Awareness – Consumers may not differentiate between chemical and natural
repellents.

5. Existing Solutions & Gaps

Existing Solution Limitations and Gaps
DEET-based repellents (sprays, lotions) May cause skin irritation, harmful to the
environment
Mosquito coils and candles Emits smoke and potentially toxic fumes
Imported organic repellents Expensive and inaccessible to low-income
households

6. Proposed Solution
The business aims to develop and market a locally made, all-natural mosquito repellent using readily
available, eco-friendly ingredients.

Natural Formulation – Utilizing citronella, lemongrass, eucalyptus, neem, coconut oil, and beeswax.

 Multiple Product Variants – Available as a spray, lotion, balm, candle, and patch for various
consumer needs.

 Eco-Friendly Packaging – Using biodegradable and recyclable materials to minimize

environmental impact.

 Affordable Pricing – Competitive pricing compared to imported organic brands.

 Certified & Dermatologically Tested – Compliance with FDA regulations to ensure safety and
effectiveness.

(The goal is to provide a sustainable and accessible alternative to synthetic repellents, promoting health,
safety, and environmental responsibility.)

7. Feasibility & Resources

Business Feasibility

 Market Demand – High due to year-round mosquito prevalence and rising health consciousness.

 Local Availability of Ingredients – Citronella, lemongrass, and coconut oil are abundant in the
Philippines.
  Scalability – The business can start small and expand with increased demand.

Resources Required

1. Raw Materials – Essential oils, carrier oils, beeswax, and biodegradable packaging.

2. Production Facilities – Equipment for formulation, bottling, and labeling.

3. Regulatory Compliance – FDA certification and safety testing.

4. Marketing & Distribution – Online platforms (Shopee, Lazada, Facebook), retail partnerships, and
eco-friendly marketplaces.

8. Risks and Disadvantages

Potential Risk Mitigation Strategy
Competition from established Competitive pricing, branding, and product
brands differentiation
Consumer skepticism about Clinical testing, certifications, and marketing
effectiveness educational content
Shorter shelf life of natural Use of natural preservatives and proper storage
ingredients recommendations
Higher production costs compared to Efficient sourcing, bulk purchasing, and streamlined
synthetic alternatives production

(Note: Despite these challenges, the business can mitigate risks through strategic pricing, brand
awareness, and partnerships with sustainable product advocates.)

9. Success Metrics
To measure the effectiveness of the business, the following key performance indicators (KPIs) will be
monitored:

1. Sales Volume & Revenue Growth – Tracking the number of units sold and revenue generated.

2. Market Penetration – Expanding product availability across online platforms, retail stores, and
eco-friendly markets.

3. Customer Satisfaction & Retention – Gathering feedback, online reviews, and repeat purchases.

4. Social Media Engagement – Monitoring brand reach, customer interactions, and content
engagement.

5. Regulatory Approvals & Certifications – Ensuring compliance with FDA and other relevant
agencies.
 6. Environmental Impact – Reduction in plastic waste and increased adoption of biodegradable
products.

IMPORTANT Notes:
Why It is a Good Business Idea?
1. High Demand – Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya are common in
the Philippines. With the warm, humid climate, mosquitoes thrive year-round, creating a
consistent demand for repellents.
2. Growing Health Awareness – Filipinos are becoming more conscious of natural and chemical-
free products, making eco-friendly repellents attractive to health-conscious consumers.
3. Eco-Friendly Movement – Many consumers prefer sustainable and biodegradable products,
especially with growing environmental concerns about synthetic pesticides.
4. Affordable Startup Costs – Compared to other businesses, making natural mosquito repellents
requires low capital investment and can be started from home.
5. Multiple Product Forms – You can create sprays, lotions, patches, candles, or balms, giving
customers various options.
6. Export Potential – The demand for natural repellents extends beyond the Philippines, opening
opportunities for export.

Eco-Friendly Ingredients for Mosquito Repellent

locally available, natural ingredients can be use:

1. Citronella Oil – A well-known mosquito repellent extracted from lemongrass. Grows abundantly
in the Philippines.
2. Lemongrass (Tanglad) – Works similarly to citronella and can be infused in oils or sprays.
3. Eucalyptus Oil – A natural insect repellent with a refreshing scent. Also helps with respiratory
health.
4. Neem Oil – Has strong anti-mosquito properties and is safe for the skin.
5. Coconut Oil – Used as a carrier oil to dilute essential oils and prolong the repellent’s
effectiveness.
6. Calamansi or Lemon Extract – The citrus scent helps repel mosquitoes.
7. Lavender Oil – Known for its soothing scent and mosquito-repelling properties.
8. Peppermint Oil – The strong menthol scent keeps mosquitoes away.
9. Tea Tree Oil – Antibacterial and insect-repelling properties make it ideal for skin-based
repellents.
10. Beeswax – Can be used for making mosquito-repellent balms or candles.