Abstract: The invention relates to a topical insect repellent soap composition and to a method of protection using such a composition. Generally, the insect repellent soap composition comprises:(1) from 63.0 to 99.5% by wt of a soap mixture containing from 4.1 to 7% by wt of a soap of caprylic acid, from 3.8 to 7% of a soap of capric acid, from 32.1 to 45% of a soap of lauric acid, from 12 to 17.5% by wt of a soap of myristic acid, from 5.0 to 10% by wt of a soap of palmitic acid, from 1.6 to 3% by wt of a soap of stearic acid, from 3.5 to 5% by wt of a soap of oleic acid and from 0.9 to 5% by wt of a soap of linoleic acid;(2) from 0.1 to 2% by wt of C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 straight chain fatty acids;(3) from 0.2 to 30% by wt of a repellent chemical;(4) from 0.2 to 5% by wt of an effective residual insecticide.