Safe, effective insect repellents can help you enjoy your time outside, without enduring the bug bites and mosquito-borne diseases that go with it. We talked to some experts and field tested a bunch of popular formulations to help you find the best insect repellents across multiple categories.
Based on expert recommendations, our team of editors subjected 12 popular repellents to a field testing process. The testing approach included duration spent in known high-density mosquito environments, as well as everyday scenarios where our editors have experienced insect bites previously. Our editors followed box instructions for application techniques and protection timeframes.
Throughout testing, key considerations included: effectiveness and bite count, ease of application and coverage, skin feel, odor, value for money, and whether or not each product measured up to manufacturer claims.Our experts agree, the first rule of thumb when choosing an insect repellent: look for active ingredients approved by the Environmental Protection Agency and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
If you’d still prefer not to use DEET, or you don’t like the feel or smell, there are several other EPA/CDC approved options, which range in efficacy. The experts we consulted highly rate picaridin and IR3535 as DEET alternatives. And for an “all natural” choice, recent research also found a product containing lemon eucalyptus oil was almost as effective and long lasting as others containing DEET.Look for the active ingredients below.
If you’re using DEET products, Dr. Zeichler says to avoid contact with the fingertips, because you may inadvertently touch your mouth or your eyes. If you are rubbing DEET-based repellents into you skin with your hands, be sure to wash them thoroughly and immediately after application. Dr. Zeichler also says to be careful not to mix your bug spray and sunscreen. Sunscreens have been shown to act as penetration enhancers, which means that they allow bug spray ingredients to penetrate more deeply into the skin than they normally would. He recommends applying your sunscreen first and then waiting at least 20 minutes before applying your bug spray. Or you can try a two-in-one like Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard + IR3535 Gentle Breeze SPF Lotion, reviewed above.
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