The toxicity of many modern formulations is minimal (based on pyrethrins and permethrins, which come from or are based on chrysanthemum extracts).
There are again the Victor “Poison Free” formulations such as their spearmint oil based sprays. A faceful of that would sting but be harmless otherwise. And they would even end up smelling better than before.
When you have a choice that is safe and effective (pepper spray) why would you choose to mess around with something that may or may not work (like bug spray)?
There is a time to save a few buck. Purchasing something for self defense is NOT the time to go cheap.
A source of open flame applied underneath the jet of spray transforms its low toxicity into a formidable thug repellent..