Insect-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya pose serious global health challenges, emphasizing the need for effective vector control. Insect repellents, both synthetic (DEET, picaridin) and natural (citronella, neem, eucalyptus), play a critical role in preventing bites and reducing disease transmission. This review summarizes various formulation strategies, including emulsions, creams, gels, sprays, ointments, and solid forms, highlighting the roles of excipients and functional additives in ensuring stability, efficacy, and user acceptability. Evaluation parameters such as repellency, safety, stability, and organoleptic properties are discussed. The review emphasizes the importance of optimizing formulation techniques, active ingredients, and testing methods to develop safe, effective, and consumer-friendly insect repellent products.

Keywords: Insect repellents, Formulation techniques, Natural and synthetic actives, Evaluation methods, Stability.