Our Effective Ingredients
At FurLife, we’re committed to protecting pets using safe, natural, and science-backed solutions. Every ingredient we use is carefully selected for its proven ability to repel or eliminate pests—without the need for harsh chemicals or synthetic toxins. Drawing from the power of essential oils and plant-based actives, our formulas are designed to keep your pets comfortable, healthy, and pest-free, all while respecting their skin and overall well-being.
Citronella Oil, is widely celebrated for its natural ability to repel a broad range of pests. Its potent citrusy aroma effectively masks the scents that attract fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, confusing these pests and keeping them at bay. Citronella creates an invisible barrier around your pet—offering long-lasting protection without synthetic chemicals.
ADDITIONAL READING:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28645519
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1748-5967.2005.tb00146.x
https://www.veterinaryworld.org/Vol.17/July-2024/14.pdf
Cedarwood Oil, sourced from the heartwood of cedar trees, is a time-honored natural pesticide with powerful insect-repelling properties. It works by interfering with the neuroreceptors of fleas, ticks, and mites, ultimately disrupting their ability to navigate and reproduce. Cedarwood oil is also known to repel mosquitoes and other flying insects, while offering a grounding, calming scent that’s safe for pets and soothing for their skin.
ADDITIONAL READING:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24690252/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367546701_Repellent_efficacy_of_20_essential_oils_on_Aedes_aegypti_mosquitoes_and_Ixodes_scapularis_ticks_in_contact-repellency_assays
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10756381
https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2022/pleasant-smelling-wood-oil-not-so-pleasant-for-biting-ticks-other-pests/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358108872_Repellency_and_toxicity_of_a_CO2-derived_cedarwood_oil_on_hard_tick_species_Ixodidae
Lemongrass Oil, known for its zesty and invigorating scent, serves as a highly effective natural repellent against a variety of pests, including fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice, and even stable flies. Its strong aroma overwhelms insect receptors, deterring them from approaching your pet. Lemongrass oil also boasts antifungal and antimicrobial properties, making it especially helpful for maintaining healthy skin while fending off unwanted bugs.
ADDITIONAL READING:
https://academic.oup.com/jme/article/57/2/477/5580737
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266651582400026X#:~:text=Two%20main%20components%20present%20in,exerted%20by%20the%20essential%20oil.
Peppermint Oil, with its cool, minty scent, does more than freshen the air—it’s a powerful, natural insect repellent. The high menthol content drives away fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and even biting flies. In addition to keeping pests at bay, peppermint oil soothes skin irritation, reduces itchiness from bites, and offers antimicrobial support to help keep your pet’s skin healthy and clean.
ADDITIONAL READING:
https://academic.oup.com/jme/article/57/2/477/5580737
Geranium Oil, distilled from the blossoms of the Pelargonium plant, is a floral powerhouse when it comes to repelling pests. It's especially effective against ticks and mosquitoes, while also deterring fleas, lice, and even some types of mites. Geranium oil’s skin-calming effects make it ideal for pets with sensitive skin, providing gentle yet effective protection from a wide array of insects.
ADDITIONAL READING:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19839268/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/38020404_Efficacy_of_1_geraniol_Fulltec_R_as_a_tick_repellent
https://academic.oup.com/jme/article-abstract/43/4/731/903066?redirectedFrom=fulltext
https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/3122/TabancaEtAl2013.pdf
Rosemary Oil, long used for its aromatic and healing properties, acts as a natural shield against a variety of pests. Its strong, herbaceous scent repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, flies, and even spider mites. Beyond its insect-repelling action, rosemary oil supports circulation and promotes healthy skin and fur. Its antioxidant and antimicrobial qualities also help defend against minor skin irritations and infections caused by pests.
ADDITIONAL READING:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10756381/
Citronella Oil, is widely celebrated for its natural ability to repel a broad range of pests. Its potent citrusy aroma effectively masks the scents that attract fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, confusing these pests and keeping them at bay. Citronella creates an invisible barrier around your pet—offering long-lasting protection without synthetic chemicals.
ADDITIONAL READING:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28645519
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1748-5967.2005.tb00146.x
https://www.veterinaryworld.org/Vol.17/July-2024/14.pdf
Cedarwood Oil, sourced from the heartwood of cedar trees, is a time-honored natural pesticide with powerful insect-repelling properties. It works by interfering with the neuroreceptors of fleas, ticks, and mites, ultimately disrupting their ability to navigate and reproduce. Cedarwood oil is also known to repel mosquitoes and other flying insects, while offering a grounding, calming scent that’s safe for pets and soothing for their skin.
ADDITIONAL READING:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24690252/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367546701_Repellent_efficacy_of_20_essential_oils_on_Aedes_aegypti_mosquitoes_and_Ixodes_scapularis_ticks_in_contact-repellency_assays
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10756381
https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2022/pleasant-smelling-wood-oil-not-so-pleasant-for-biting-ticks-other-pests/
Rosemary Oil, long used for its aromatic and healing properties, acts as a natural shield against a variety of pests. Its strong, herbaceous scent repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, flies, and even spider mites. Beyond its insect-repelling action, rosemary oil supports circulation and promotes healthy skin and fur. Its antioxidant and antimicrobial qualities also help defend against minor skin irritations and infections caused by pests.
ADDITIONAL READING
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10756381/
Geranium Oil, distilled from the blossoms of the Pelargonium plant, is a floral powerhouse when it comes to repelling pests. It's especially effective against ticks and mosquitoes, while also deterring fleas, lice, and even some types of mites. Geranium oil’s skin-calming effects make it ideal for pets with sensitive skin, providing gentle yet effective protection from a wide array of insects.
ADDITIONAL READING:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19839268/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/38020404_Efficacy_of_1_geraniol_Fulltec_R_as_a_tick_repellent
https://academic.oup.com/jme/article-abstract/43/4/731/903066?redirectedFrom=fulltext
https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/3122/TabancaEtAl2013.pdf
Cinnamon Oil, extracted from the bark and leaves of the cinnamon tree, is a warm, spicy-scented essential oil with powerful insect-repelling capabilities. It effectively deters fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and even mites and ants by disrupting their nervous systems and interfering with their ability to locate a host. Its strong aroma acts as a natural shield, keeping pests at a distance. In addition to its repellent effects, cinnamon oil possesses antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to protect your pet’s skin from irritations and minor infections often caused by insect bites.
ADDITIONAL READING:
https://www.redalyc.org/journal/693/69356053006/69356053006.pdf
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10615911/
Cedarwood Oil, extracted from the wood of cedar trees, is a powerful natural insecticide known for both repelling and killing common pests. It works by disrupting the neurotransmitter activity in insects like fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice, and mites, causing paralysis and ultimately death. Cedarwood oil also dissolves insect eggs and breaks the life cycle of many pests, helping prevent reinfestation. Its earthy scent is calming for pets but intolerable for bugs—creating a safe yet hostile environment for unwanted invaders.
ADDITIONAL READING:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24690252/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367546701_Repellent_efficacy_of_20_essential_oils_on_Aedes_aegypti_mosquitoes_and_Ixodes_scapularis_ticks_in_contact-repellency_assays
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10756381
https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2022/pleasant-smelling-wood-oil-not-so-pleasant-for-biting-ticks-other-pests/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358108872_Repellency_and_toxicity_of_a_CO2-derived_cedarwood_oil_on_hard_tick_species_Ixodidae
Spearmint Oil, with its crisp, refreshing aroma, is more than just a pleasant scent—it’s a potent botanical weapon against pests. It repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and even ants, while also helping to kill certain soft-bodied insects through its active compounds. Spearmint oil is gentle on pets but harsh on bugs, interfering with their sensory receptors and respiratory systems. It also provides a cooling effect and helps soothe irritated skin from bites or infestations.
ADDITIONAL READING:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31578646/
Sesame Oil, pressed from sesame seeds, acts as both a carrier oil and a natural pest deterrent with mild insecticidal qualities. Rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, it helps smother and kill insects like fleas and mites when applied topically, by coating their bodies and suffocating them. Sesame oil also enhances the efficacy of other essential oils by helping them penetrate the coat and skin more effectively, ensuring longer-lasting protection and greater pest control.
Rosemary Oil, long valued for its herbal potency, plays a dual role in your shampoo by both killing and repelling pests. Its active compounds disrupt the nervous systems of fleas, ticks, lice, and mosquitoes, making it lethal upon contact. At the same time, its sharp, aromatic profile acts as a strong deterrent, helping prevent new infestations. Rosemary oil also soothes the scalp, promotes healthy skin, and supports fur regeneration—making it ideal for pets recovering from irritation or bug bites.
ADDITIONAL READING:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10756381/
Cedarwood Oil, extracted from the wood of cedar trees, is a powerful natural insecticide known for both repelling and killing common pests. It works by disrupting the neurotransmitter activity in insects like fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, lice, and mites, causing paralysis and ultimately death. Cedarwood oil also dissolves insect eggs and breaks the life cycle of many pests, helping prevent reinfestation. Its earthy scent is calming for pets but intolerable for bugs—creating a safe yet hostile environment for unwanted invaders.
ADDITIONAL READING:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24690252/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/367546701_Repellent_efficacy_of_20_essential_oils_on_Aedes_aegypti_mosquitoes_and_Ixodes_scapularis_ticks_in_contact-repellency_assays
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10756381
https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2022/pleasant-smelling-wood-oil-not-so-pleasant-for-biting-ticks-other-pests/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358108872_Repellency_and_toxicity_of_a_CO2-derived_cedarwood_oil_on_hard_tick_species_Ixodidae
Sesame Oil, rich in nourishing lipids and antioxidants, serves a dual function in the shampoo as a skin conditioner and a pest combatant. When used in higher concentrations, sesame oil helps kill pests like fleas and lice by coating their bodies and effectively suffocating them. It also enhances the absorption of other active ingredients, allowing them to work deeper and longer on the skin and fur. At the same time, sesame oil hydrates and protects, helping to restore the skin barrier after pest damage.
Geraniol, a powerful compound derived from plants like crane's-bill, lemongrass and roses, is a highly effective natural insecticide and repellent. It kills fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects by disrupting their cell membranes and interfering with essential functions. Non-toxic to pets but deadly to pests, geraniol also leaves behind a pleasant, floral scent while creating an inhospitable environment for bugs. Its strong repellency continues to work long after the shampoo is rinsed out.
ADDITIONAL READING:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19839268/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/38020404_Efficacy_of_1_geraniol_Fulltec_R_as_a_tick_repellent
https://academic.oup.com/jme/article-abstract/43/4/731/903066?redirectedFrom=fulltext
https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/3122/TabancaEtAl2013.pdf
Garlic Powder, when used in controlled, pet-safe amounts, can be a powerful natural ally in pest defense. It helps deter fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes by altering the scent of your dog’s skin and blood—making them less appealing to pests. Beyond its insect-repelling benefits, garlic also supports cardiovascular health and has natural antibacterial properties, promoting overall wellness from the inside out.
Brewer’s Yeast is a nutrient-rich superfood packed with B vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants. It naturally helps repel fleas and ticks while also supporting skin health, a shiny coat, and immune function. The unique blend of nutrients works to improve your dog’s internal defense system, making them less attractive to pests and more resilient overall.
ADDITIONAL READING:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9645558
Vitamin B plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and a strong nervous system—both of which are vital for flea and tick resistance. B vitamins help reduce inflammation, improve coat condition, and support energy metabolism. Together, they create an internal environment that’s less inviting to pests while promoting your dog’s vitality and long-term health.
