UK-based natural insect repellent brand incognito has launched its Simple Step System to raise awareness that certain fragrances make people more attractive to mosquitoes. As temperatures rise and the insect season begins earlier each year, consumers are being urged to rethink their approach to bite prevention.
Research shows that fragrances – including perfumes, body sprays, scented body washes and even some skincare products – can increase a person’s attractiveness to mosquitoes. Floral, fruity and sweet notes in particular can amplify the chemical signals mosquitoes use to identify potential hosts.
In other words, even if insect repellent is applied, it can be counteracted by the products used for washing and skin care.
Many people don’t realise that mosquitoes are attracted not only to carbon dioxide and body heat, but also to certain scent compounds found in fragranced toiletries. These compounds can linger on the skin and clothing, potentially reducing the effectiveness of any insect repellent applied, especially if protection is applied in isolation.
This is why incognito has developed its Simple Step System, a layered approach to insect protection, designed to work in harmony rather than in conflict.
Step 1 – Prepare Your Skin: Cleansing usually reduces attractiveness to insects. incognito Soap, Loofah with Soap and Hair & Body Wash all contain organic java citronella, a natural insect repellent three times stronger than ordinary citronella.
Step 2 – Apply Insect Repellent. Try incognito Spray or Lotion or Roll-on or Sunblock Insect Repellent or Kids, which all contain the strongest and purest PMD, are 100% natural and clinically tested to provide 100% protection* for at least 4 hours and up to 8 hours, or another weaker brand.
Step 3 – Layer with Extras: Use additional protection for high-risk environments and travel. incognito Aftersun, Deodorant, Bracelets and Necklace all contain the natural insect repellent organic java citronella.
Step 4 – Ambient & Afterbite: Indoor protection and bite relief. incognito Room Refresher, Insect Repellent Sticks and Java citronella oil all deter insects from entering indoor spaces. Zap-Ease offers instant insect bite relief if you forget to apply repellent, reducing swelling and irritation and the urge to scratch.
All steps aren’t always needed – simply choose the level to fit the risk. Steps 1 and 2 are the two most essential and offer unprecedented 100% efficacy against Aedes mosquitoes. Many people focus solely on applying repellent, but removing fragranced products that may increase attractiveness ensures that insect repellents can perform at their best.
The Simple Step System is launching now because recent warmer, wetter weather across the UK is accelerating mosquito breeding cycles. Travel is also increasing earlier in the season, with Easter holidays and spring breaks approaching.
Yet studies show that the majority of British travellers still forget to pack any insect repellent – and even fewer consider how fragranced products may impact their protection.
To support the introduction of the Simple Step System, incognito is launching a limited-time offer of up to 25% when purchasing across multiple steps from its website www.lessmosquito.com. The promotion runs from 19th March 2026 to 19th April 2026. Customers who purchase from:
Steps 1 & 2 receive 15% off
Steps 1 & 2 & 3 or Steps 1 & 2 & 4 receive 20% off
All four Steps receive 25% off
incognito insect repellent products are available from www.lessmosquito.com, Boots, Waitrose, Holland & Barrett, Sainsbury’s, independent health stores and pharmacies.