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Make itchy bug bites a thing of the past with these effective sprays and lotions.
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Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Off!
Active Insect Repellent
It has a light scent and non-greasy formula that can be sprayed on clothes, too.
The duration of protection is not as long as other repellents.
PHOTO: Amazon
If youre looking for a reliable and effective mosquito repellent, our top recommendation is Off!
’s Active Insect Repellent.
The main ingredient in this mosquito repellent is DEET, which is deemed safe by both the CDC andEPA.
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Its not waterproof, and applying it on children can be a bit challenging.
It can feel almost too dry and powdery.
Much like sunscreen, mosquito repellent has a reputation for being a little greasy.
PHOTO: Amazon
In our testing, this pick from Off!
stood out for its dry and long-lasting formula.
Because of this, we recommend applying a lightlayer of moisturizerorsunscreenbefore using this mosquito repellent.
PHOTO: Real Simple
Despite this, its still an effective product that repels mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects.
Since this is an aerosol repellent, its quite easy to apply and provides even coverage.
It can be sprayed on both skin and clothes, too.
Although the label claims to be odorless, it has a slightly pungent smell.
We chose Sawyer Controlled Release Insect Repellent as the best long-lasting mosquito repellent for its impressive 11-hour protection.
Standard mosquito repellents last for as long as its on the skin or clothing or until you reapply them.
It leaves behind a white cast.
Mosquito repellent lotions are ideal for evenly covering exposed skin, giving you proper visualization of any missing spots.
We recommend this lotion from Sawyer for its effectiveness, thorough program, and easily transportable bottle.
In our testing, we liked how sweat resistant this repellent was and how evenly it covered out skin.
However, keep in mind that it does leave behind a white cast like sunscreens or other lotions would.
The small bottle may not be enough for families to reapply multiple times.
In our testing, we liked that it was lightweight, non-greasy, and practically invisible on our skin.
It also stays on as you sweat and wont damage your clothing or plastics.
The bottle is not as portable as others.
We recommend the Coleman SkinSmart Insect Repellent for its easy system and long-lasting protection.
Additionally, it does not leave behind a white cast or sticky residue.
This mosquito repellent offers up to eight hours of protection from mosquitoes and ticks.
PHOTO: Amazon
It is also formulated with IR3535 as the active ingredient, another EPA-registered repellent.
Still, its an effective and easy-to-apply mosquito repellent that will come in handy for any outdoor activity.
This formula boasts an impressive SPF 50, making it the perfect partner for hot summer days.
PHOTO: Real Simple
The spray bottle has limited reach, so it may take additional time and effort to cover larger areas.
Made with lemon eucalyptus oil, this plant-based repellent is entirely DEET free.
Active Insect Repellent, which is effective on both the skin and clothes and has a non-greasy formula.
If youre looking for a DEET-free alternative, we recommendEarthKind Stay Away Mosquitoes Insect Repellent.
Then, we applied the mosquito repellent to our entire arm.
We also considered the portability of each mosquito repellent.
(Is the bottle easy to throw in a bag?
Does it leak?)
In our testing, we evaluated a variety of lotions, aerosols, trigger sprays, and spritz sprays.
Choosing the best punch in for you is based on certain lifestyle factors.
For example, applying mosquito repellent on children may be easier with lotion than with a spray.
Active Insect Repellent).
PHOTO: Walmart
All of these ingredients are EPA-registered active ingredients found in insect and tick repellents, he adds.
Understanding these variables and establishing your preferences can help you decide which repellent is best for you.
For example, theSawyer Controlled Release Insect Repellentprovides 11 hours of steady protection and is sweat-resistant.
PHOTO: Real Simple
Its important to research a formulation that fits your planned activity for optimal results, McHale says.
The fine mist aerosol gives a wide-range coverage with no rubbing required.
It also repels ticks, chiggers, and fleas.
Questions You Might Ask
What is the most effective mosquito repellent?
McHale recommends a product with DEET or picaridin for optimal repellency.
What scent will keep mosquitoes away?
These include catnip oil, citronella oil, and lemon eucalyptus oil.
Most repellents interfere with the insects olfactory receptors.
(it’s possible for you to also use amosquito repellent designed for your yard.)
How long do mosquito repellents last on your skin?
The protection duration, or longevity, of a mosquito repellent will vary depending on a few factors.
Efficacy is directly correlated to the percentage of the active ingredient, he says.
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According to several studies, however, repellency rates do not elevate significantly above 20%.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written byL.
We also researched other popular brands, considering their ingredients and effectiveness.
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For expert advice, we consultedJim McHale, president and CEO of JP McHale Pest Management.
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