No one likes<\/span> the feeling of insect repellent. I have vivid memories of being sprayed down with the stuff as a kid before venturing into the woods in northern Minnesota on family vacations and feeling like chemical warfare was being waged on all of my senses. I was willing to endure it because being covered in mosquito bites is even worse. Wearing repellent can save your life, protecting you against West Nile virus and Lyme disease, just to name a few of the pathogens mosquitoes and ticks can pass on.<\/p>\n\u201cInsect repellents are designed to affect insects\u2019 senses and prevent them from finding humans,\u201d says Sonja Swiger, a professor at Texas A&M University\u2019s Department of Entomology. \u201cThe use of these products provides protection to humans that cannot be achieved by anything else.\u201d Essentially, environmental mosquito management programs can\u2019t completely protect you from the bugs. If you\u2019re going to be outside for a long period of time, especially in areas where biting bugs are common, applying repellent is a smart idea.<\/p>\n
The good news is that there are way more products with different formulas available now than, say, when I was a kid. Protecting yourself doesn\u2019t have to be a totally miserable experience. Here is everything you need to know about various insect-repelling chemicals, how to choose the right product for your needs, and our top picks for the best insect repellents on the market.<\/p>\n
Check out some of our other outdoors-related buying guides like the Best Tents, Best Sunscreens, and Best Day-Hiking Backpacks.<\/p>\n
Updated May 2026: We’ve added new recommendations from Avon, Off!, and Grand Tongo, and we’ve updated the FAQ, links, and prices.<\/em><\/p>\n\n
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What Chemicals Are Used in Insect Repellents?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nAccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
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There are four widely available topical repelling chemicals that have been approved for use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the CDC, and the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which means there\u2019s ample evidence that they\u2019re safe and effective against mosquitoes and ticks. These are DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus (also called OLE and p-menthane-3,8-diol, or PMD, its synthetic form).<\/p>\n
There\u2019s also permethrin, a repellent you can apply to gear like tents and clothing, and it’s approved by the EPA and CDC. \u200b\u200bCitronella oil, cedar oil, geranium oil, lemongrass oil, soybean oil, and peppermint oil lack robust research showing they\u2019re effective repellents for ticks and mosquitoes. Though some folks may find them useful, they aren\u2019t long-lasting or effective in environments with lots of bugs, according to the EWG. Below, you can find the pros and cons of the four aforementioned EPA-approved bug-repelling chemicals that you can apply to your skin.<\/p>\n
DEET:<\/strong> N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, otherwise known as DEET, is probably the chemical you\u2019ve heard the most about, as it\u2019s been used since 1957 and widely studied as an insect repellent. \u201cIt\u2019s the gold standard that all other products are tested against,\u201d Swiger says. It\u2019s one of the most effective options\u2014studies in the EPA\u2019s database show that, at varying concentrations, DEET can ward off ticks for two to 10 hours, and mosquitoes for two to 12 hours. Per an EPA-approved label, a product with 20 percent DEET can prevent bites from mosquitoes for 11 hours.<\/p>\nIn most instances, 30 percent or less of an active ingredient will be sufficient for protection, Swiger says. Per the EPA, DEET can be used on children without any age restriction. The downsides are that DEET smells awful, is oily, and can damage anything with plastic in it, like synthetic clothing and camping gear.<\/p>\n
Picaridin:<\/strong> This chemical hasn\u2019t been in use as long as DEET, but it\u2019s been shown to be just as safe and effective, and it has fewer downsides. A product with 20 percent picaridin can give you up to 14 hours of protection against mosquitoes and ticks, per an EPA-approved label.<\/p>\nA review from the Journal of Travel Medicine analyzed 11 studies that compared DEET and picaridin, finding that \u201cthe studies showed little potential difference between DEET and picaridin applied at the same dosage, with some evidence pointing to a superior persistence for picaridin.\u201d Picaridin won\u2019t ruin fabrics like DEET.<\/p>\n
IR3535:<\/strong> Ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate, or IR3535, isn\u2019t quite as effective as DEET or picaridin against mosquitoes, but it\u2019s more effective against ticks, per the EWG. Like DEET, it can damage plastics.<\/p>\nOil of lemon eucalyptus:<\/strong> Oil of lemon eucalyptus enhanced with PMD may work as well as DEET against mosquitoes and ticks (at concentrations between 20 to 26 percent), per the EWG. In general, oil of lemon eucalyptus and PMD don\u2019t last as long as DEET and the other options on this list. They won\u2019t damage plastics. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is safe to use on children under three if the concentration is 30 percent or less, per the EPA.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Are Insect Repellents Safe?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nAccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
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To obtain EPA approval, a chemical goes through rigorous testing and evaluation of its efficacy, safety, and potential harm to the environment. But people still have concerns about the active ingredients in these products. Most of that worry revolves around DEET, due to reports of neurotoxicity. According to the EWG, \u201cin very rare cases, DEET has been reported to impair the nervous system, with symptoms including seizures, tremors, and slurred speech\u2014this most often occurs after exposure to high concentrations of the chemical.\u201d This is extremely rare. The EPA has concluded that the rate of adverse reactions occurs on the order of 1 per 100 million persons.<\/p>\n
Still, that\u2019s really scary. But more research points to DEET\u2019s safety. A report from 2017 found that it\u2019s unlikely that DEET causes neurotoxicity. A 2020 University of Florida study found there was no increased risk of negative health impacts for people who used DEET, and a 2003 report discovered no evidence of an increased risk of adverse toxic effects in kids.<\/p>\n
Other chemicals on this list, like picaridin, don\u2019t pose the same neurotoxicity concerns as DEET. Ultimately, the repellent you choose comes down to what you feel safe using and your level of concern about bug bites, which can lead to serious health conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese products are continuously evaluated to confirm their safety,\u201d Swiger says. And the benefits of using repellents likely outweigh the risks. \u201cThe benefit is preventing biting by mosquitoes or ticks that carry disease-causing pathogens. Without the use of repellents, a person could be bitten by a tick or mosquito carrying a pathogen that can lead to a disease such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease, eastern equine encephalitis, or dengue.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Is a Higher Concentration Better?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nAccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
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Not necessarily. DEET\u2019s repelling effects, for example, tend to plateau at around 50 percent concentration, per the CDC. Again, a 20 to 30 percent concentration of DEET or picaridin seems sufficient for solid protection. Higher concentrations do have their place, though. \u201cSome mosquitoes are not deterred by the lesser rates,\u201d Swiger says. \u201cHigher rates last longer time periods and work best against large floodwater mosquitoes.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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How Should You Use Insect Repellent and Sunscreen Together?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nAccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
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Swiger recommends applying sunscreen first, then insect repellent, and she says to avoid combo products, per the CDC\u2019s guidelines. Since sunscreen should be applied more often than a repellent, products that include both could result in unnecessary exposure to the repellent chemicals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Are Insect Repellent Sprays, Lotions, or Wipes Better?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nAccordionItemContainerButton<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n\n
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What kind of formula you choose will really come down to personal preference. Sprays are easier to apply over clothes and skin. Lotions tend to feel less greasy and sticky. Wipes are great for travel and for times when you want to pack light, like during backpacking trips.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Best Picaridin Bug Repellents<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n Best Dry Feel<\/p>\n
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Photograph: Kristin Canning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Sawyer<\/p>\n
Picaridin Insect Repellent<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n With a wide, even, fine-mist spray, this product is easy to apply and doesn\u2019t pool on your skin. It has a chemical smell a bit like rubbing alcohol, but the scent is much milder than that of any DEET products I tried. On my skin, the product feels a bit greasy and sticky, but again, much less so than DEET. Overall, I was pleased with the lightweight feel of the product and appreciated the locking lid on the bottle. Per the label, this spray contains 20 percent picaridin and can provide up to 12 hours of protection.<\/p>\n
Best Spray<\/p>\n
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Photograph: Kristin Canning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Ranger Ready Repellents<\/p>\n
Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n This small spritz bottle provided thorough coverage, but the product did need to be rubbed in a bit. Despite its slightly sticky feel, this \u201cscent zero\u201d spray didn\u2019t have an overwhelmingly strong insect repellent smell. The brand also makes scented versions of the product, with options like Night Sky and Ranger Orange. The 20 percent picaridin concentration will give you 12 hours of worry-free time outside, sans mosquitoes and ticks.<\/p>\n
Best Lotion<\/p>\n
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Photograph: Kristin Canning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Proven Insect Repellent Lotion<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I\u2019d never tried a lotion repellent before, and I was pleasantly surprised by how nice they felt and how much less they smelled than the sprays. This one in particular seemed to have an even milder scent than other picaridin lotions, and left my skin feeling more hydrated than oily. It feels like it absorbs into your skin rather than sitting on top of it. It contains 20 percent picaridin and provides up to 14 hours of protection.<\/p>\n
Best Wipes<\/p>\n
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Avon<\/p>\n
Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Towelettes<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n These wipes are large\u20149 by 5.5 inches\u2014so you only need one or two to cover all your exposed skin. They miraculously lack that typical bug spray smell, and instead have a nice light, powdery scent. The 10-percent picaridin formula also contains moisturizing vitamin E and aloe (hence the Skin So Soft in the name); it feels like a lightweight body oil once it dries. The scent and the texture make this more like a skin care product than an insect repellent.<\/p>\n
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Photograph: Kristin Canning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Grand Tongo<\/p>\n
Green Tea + Mint Insect Repellent<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n After testing nearly 20 different bug sprays (that pretty much all smelled at least a little unpleasant and chemical-y), this picaridin spray from Grand Tongo truly blew me away. I don\u2019t know how the brand managed to do it, but this product smells subtly sweet and fresh, without a hint of harsh repellent smell. The brand also offers a citrus and sandalwood scent, but the green tea and mint was my personal favorite. There\u2019s a fragrance-free option, which dries down to have zero scent on the skin. It feels like magic! The wide, even spray, shockingly beautiful bottle, and locking lid are nice touches. With 20 percent picardin, you should have 12 hours of protection.<\/p>\n
Best for Travel<\/p>\n
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Photograph: Kristin Canning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Grand Tongo<\/p>\n
Pocket Pump Spray Insect Repellent<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n This tiny spray bottle is perfect for travel\u2014it\u2019s TSA-friendly and can easily slide in a pocket or be thrown in a hiking pack when you don\u2019t want to carry a whole bottle. Made with 20 percent picaridin and a lightweight formula that dries fast, this repellent won\u2019t leave a greasy finish and actually smells great. Grand Tongo is known for pleasantly scented insect repellents, like the \u201cbest smelling\u201d recommendation above, and the orangey citrus plus sandalwood scent is a winner. You won\u2019t get any whiffs of bug spray with this product.<\/p>\n
Best DEET Bug Repellents<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n
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Off!<\/p>\n
Deep Woods Dry Insect Repellent<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n This product has the distinct chemical-y, bug spray smell of DEET, but the feel is nicer than most DEET sprays. It\u2019s not totally weightless, but it dries down really nicely and feels soft and only slightly greasy to the touch. The spray is even, but the lack of a locking lid makes me wary to pack it for a hike.<\/p>\n
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Photograph: Kristin Canning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Cutter<\/p>\n
Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n This DEET spray goes on evenly in a fine mist and dries down to a nice, only slightly oily finish. The locking lid stayed in place even when I hauled the bottle around in a backpack for a day. The smell was chemical-y, but not extremely strong. The product claims to be sweat-resistant, and it didn\u2019t easily melt away on my hike or even later when I wiped it off with a wet washcloth. With a 25 percent concentration of DEET, it provides up to 10 hours of protection.<\/p>\n
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Photograph: Kristin Canning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Sawyer 20 Percent DEET Premium Family Insect Repellent Controlled Release<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The DEET stink is still there, but the lotion formula feels more pleasant and less greasy to me than most sprays. This product in particular contains DEET (at a 20 percent concentration) that\u2019s encapsulated in a slow-dissolving protein, which means the DEET is released over a longer period of time, providing up to 11 hours of protection.<\/p>\n
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Photograph: Kristin Canning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Ben\u2019s Tick and Insect Repellent Wipes<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n These pocket-sized wipes are a bit wet and messy, but that also means one wipe goes a long way in terms of coverage. The smell is less intense than other wipes; it reminds me of rubbing alcohol. These are ideal for throwing in a hiking bag or getting through TSA. They have a 30 percent concentration of DEET, and the package claims up to seven hours of protection.<\/p>\n
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Photograph: Kristin Canning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Off!<\/p>\n
Active Sweat Resistant Insect Repellent<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Going for a run in a buggy area is truly the worst. Insects are attracted to sweat, so you really need an effective repellent if you don\u2019t want to spend your workout swatting them away. The Off! Active Sweat Resistant Insect Repellent is made to stay put through exercise like hiking, running, and kayaking, and I found that it held up well during sweaty jogs around Denver. It sprays in a wide, even mist, and you can even spray it upside down, which makes it easy to apply quickly on the back of your body. It dries to a soft, nongreasy finish and has a slightly sweet albeit chemical-like scent. I was impressed by how light the scent was given it\u2019s a DEET product.<\/p>\n
Best IR3535 Bug Repellent<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n
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Coleman Insect Repellent Spray (uses IR3535)<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Of all the sprays I tested, this was my favorite. It felt truly dry to the touch after a few minutes, unlike any of the DEET or picaridin sprays. It was also almost completely odorless, which won major points in my book. The spray isn\u2019t as even and fine as I\u2019d like it to be, but it wasn\u2019t a huge barrier to application. Overall, I was really impressed by this one\u2019s lightweight, barely-there feel.<\/p>\n
Best Oil-of-Lemon-Eucalyptus Bug Repellent<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n
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Repel Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n This product uses a combo of p-menthane-3,8-diol and oil of lemon eucalyptus, with a 30 percent concentration. It\u2019s very oily and does pool on the skin, so you need to really rub it in. It also has a very strong eucalyptus scent that\u2019s pretty off-putting, but it does fade over time. It has a locking lid, and the packaging says it provides six hours of protection.<\/p>\n
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Photograph: Kristin Canning<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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