Insect repellant compositions

The present invention relates to methods for repelling insects from a host and compositions effective for the same. More specifically, these compositions have superior stability with respect to degradation of the active material and are gentle to the skin. The present invention relates to insect repellant compositions containing, based upon the total weight of the composition, from about 6 to about 30 percent by weight of insect repellant active material having functionality selected from ester, amide, urethane or combinations thereof; from about 5 to about 30 percent by weight of alcohol, and from about 1 to about 10 percent by weight of nonionic surfactant. The compositions of the invention exhibit reduced rates of degradation of the active material in solution and are less drying and irritating to sensitive skin.